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Harford County councilmembers urge action on zoning, highlight mental‑health work and community events

Harford County Council · February 10, 2026

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Summary

Councilmembers reported from Annapolis and local boards, urged residents to contact state delegates on zoning authority, noted a $22 million earmark for Aberdeen's Swan Meadows project, discussed a higher local suicide rate and warming-center use, and reminded residents about upcoming town halls and clinics.

Several Harford County councilmembers used the meeting to update the public on constituent outreach, community events and policy concerns.

Councilman Riley said he spent time in Annapolis and warned that the governor is working to reduce local zoning authority. "Any help from this agency calling your state delegates and senators definitely will not hurt," Riley said, urging constituent contacts to defend local control.

Councilwoman Silas noted the 10th anniversary remembrance for two deputies and reported that the Aberdeen City Council confirmed Elizabeth Thompson as city attorney; she also said the city had been notified it is earmarked to receive $22,000,000 for the Swan Meadows water and sewer project.

Councilman Bennett promoted several community advisory board meetings and urged residents to attend the county executive's budget town hall on Feb. 17 at 6:30 p.m., to share priorities in person. Councilwoman Robert said she requested a second town hall location to broaden access and reported on a mental health and addictions advisory council meeting that flagged Harford County's suicide rate as about 1.5 percentage points higher than the state average; the council asked staff to seek detailed, location-based suicide statistics and discussed whether gun access factors into the trend.

Councilmember Simhoff said she met with the Harford County Humane Society and the library regarding budget requests and announced a Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund town hall on Feb. 18 and a pet vaccine clinic Feb. 28 at the Abingdon Fire Company.

Councilmember Jan Giordano reported on veterans‑service matters and a warming center that sheltered roughly 10 people during severe cold, and referenced the Board of Education's vote not to renew the contract of Dr. Boulson (superintendent), which the board took at a recent meeting.

The meeting closed with the council president offering condolences to several local families and thanking first responders. The council adjourned after routine closing remarks.

What happens next: Councilmembers will continue outreach and scheduled town halls; the county executive's budget town halls are intended to gather public input ahead of the executive's budget proposal.