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Baltimore County HRC approves $4,000 budget request and authorizes committee to finalize signature-event date
Summary
The commission authorized its signature-event committee to seek alternative dates and vote electronically to finalize a date, and approved a $4,000 budget request to the county executive for FY2026, primarily to support a symposium and educational materials.
At its Jan. 14 meeting, the Baltimore County Human Relations Commission advanced planning for a signature symposium and approved a $4,000 budget request to support commission activities in 2026.
The signature-event committee reported two tentative dates—Feb. 27 and March 27—and a backup of March 20. The committee recommended March 20 for a symposium running roughly 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with the venue reserved for an extended window. Commissioners raised concerns that March 20 may coincide with Eid al-Fitr (the end of Ramadan), which could limit community participation; Commissioner Zena Pier confirmed it is the end of Ramadan and said she personally could not attend (SEG 1511–1518). Because the commission will not meet again before the event deadline, the commission moved to authorize the committee and staff to identify alternative dates that avoid religious conflicts and allow commissioners to vote electronically on the final date. That motion passed.
On budget, commissioners discussed estimated costs including catering, sound, promotional materials and printed educational brochures. The committee estimated a signature-event budget of roughly $3,000 and $750 for educational materials (initial subtotal $3,750). To provide a small margin and allow for digital or printed materials, the chair proposed a $4,000 total request; Commissioner Johnson Fricks moved that the chair prepare a $4,000 budget proposal for submission to the county executive (SEG 1858–1866). The motion passed unanimously among the eight commissioners present.
The commission also noted the possibility of sponsorships and in-kind support to offset costs and asked staff to circulate event and sponsorship materials once the date is finalized. Commissioners agreed to cap registration if needed depending on budget and to pursue county duplication services where possible to reduce printing costs.
The commission closed the meeting after approving the budget request and other business and adjourned at 7:32 p.m.
