Howard County council approves $236,000 in additions, transfers and salary amendments

Howard County Council members approved a package of budget adjustments, transfers and salary ordinance changes during their April 28 meeting.

Auditor Jessica presented Ordinance 2026-HCCO-14, listing additional appropriations across funds that the auditor said were necessary due to corrected account coding and new position funding. The ordinance lists a total of $236,021.61 in additional appropriations, including a $114,217 line for an executive deputy prosecutor (to be paid from Title 40 incentive funds), $87,828 for an assistant chief probation officer, and other adjustments across the county general, special purpose and user-fee funds. Jessica said some items were reclassifications rather than new spending.

The council also approved Resolution 2026-HCCR-O-3 permitting transfers between major budget classifications. The sheriff explained transfers were needed after several recent transmission failures and other vehicle issues; the resolution moves funds (including $7,500 between garage accounts) so repairs can be completed and authorizes using commissary funds where necessary. The sheriff said the department would draw roughly $15,005.79 from the misdemeanor fund to purchase a key-tracking system for jail keys and move money within the sheriff work program fund to cover equipment including a mower already in use.

Finally, the council approved Ordinance 2026-HCCO-15 amending salary authorizations for 2026. The amendment mirrors many of the appropriation requests, including the prosecutor and probation changes, and several reductions and reclassifications in special purpose funds and user-fee accounts. Each ordinance and resolution was approved by voice vote with no recorded opposition.

The council chair said staff will follow up on administrative steps and any necessary appropriation adjustments once grant or internal transfers are finalized.