Howard County spending-affordability panel urges caution, $25 million GO‑bond pause and scenario planning amid federal uncertainty

The Spending Affordability Committee (SAC) told the Howard County delegation on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, that economic and federal‑funding uncertainty make the county’s near‑term revenue outlook unusually risky and recommended a conservative approach for fiscal 2026 budget planning.

Dr. Holly Sun, Howard County budget administrator and SAC chair, told the delegation that recent weeks have produced rapid changes that forced the committee to revise assumptions used in its revenue forecast. “This is not a typical budget conversation. We are not at a normal time, to be honest,” Sun said. She said earlier projections showing property‑tax and personal‑income growth above 4 percent must be rethought because of rising uncertainty in financial markets and signs of slowing GDP.

SAC’s principal concerns and recommendations - Double risk to local finances: SAC members warned the county faces a possible decline in revenues at the same time demand for county services could rise if federal spending and grants are reduced. Dr. Richard Clinch, SAC’s economist, provided context for the county’s exposure: Howard County is highly dependent on federal employment, federal…