Howard County civic groups oppose moving fiscal notes out of auditor's office; council majority backs reorganization

The Howard County Citizens Association told the council at the April public hearing that a proposal to move fiscal analyses for proposed legislation from the County Auditor's office to the County Council Administrator (CB 28‑20‑25) would weaken independent oversight and reduce transparency.

Ryan Powers, testifying for the HCCA, said the County Auditor's charter‑based independence and professional accounting qualifications make that office better suited to produce fiscal notes and to report irregularities discovered in county finances. "Keeping fiscal notes under the purview of the County Auditor ensures freedom from undue political influence," Powers said, and he urged the council to keep the function within the auditor's office or, at a minimum, guarantee the same professional standards and timely public availability of fiscal notes.

Council members who sponsored or supported the reorganization said the change intends to restore the auditor's focus on charter audit responsibilities and to create a dedicated legislative analysis capability similar to state legislative services. One council member noted that during an auditor search and interviews it became apparent the auditor role had grown into many functions and that a different structure could produce stronger audits and more timely legislative analyses. The council did not adopt the measure at the hearing; staff and council leaders said they will pursue hiring and transitional plans if the council approves the reorganization in subsequent sessions.