Howard County commissioners approve reassessment and audit contracts, vacate unused alleys and OK payrolls totaling about $2.3 million

Howard County commissioners on an administrative agenda signed and approved several routine contracts and financial claims and passed an ordinance to vacate unused alleys.

Assessor Mindy Heady presented a reassessment contract with Avalon Solution and told the board the bid had been opened in a prior meeting and that four copies were ready for signatures. "We've talked about I've got a contract to be signed for Avalon Solution for a reassessment contract," Heady said. The board approved the document for signatures by voice vote.

The commissioners also approved a continuing contract with Hartman and Williams LLC to perform review work associated with the county's annual financial report. The motion to accept the Hartman and Williams contract passed by voice vote.

The board passed Ordinance 25 BCCO 52 to vacate several alleys the county said have not been used in years. The chair described the action as a formality to remove old easements; the ordinance was approved by voice vote.

Officials authorized staff to pursue vehicle purchases for fiscal year 2026 to acquire 2025 and 2026 model vehicles left on dealers' lots. A speaker requesting permission said the intent was to "swoop in and see if we can pick up the, 20 fives and 20 sixes that are left unacquisitioned." The board approved the authorization.

On routine financial business the commissioners approved payroll listed at $1,138,097.47 and operating claims listed at $1,165,236.06. The board also ratified a $5,708.45 claim to the State Board of Accounts. Each item was approved by voice vote.

The meeting contained no public comments and concluded after a motion to adjourn passed. Several contracts and the ordinance were signed or placed for signature; there were no substantive policy debates during the session.