Council introduces multi-year labor agreements and pay-plan updates to take effect through FY2027

Howard County Council members on Tuesday introduced a package of bills to approve multi-year collective bargaining agreements between the county and multiple American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) locals and to update the county pay plan to add pay scales for represented employees.

The bills read for introduction included: Council Bill 70 (agreement with AFSCME Local 30 85), Council Bill 71 (AFSCME Local 3888), Council Bill 72 (AFSCME Local 18 10) and Council Bill 73 (an amendment to the county pay plan inserting pay scales for members of those locals). The legislation was presented for introduction at the request of the county executive and described as covering compensation provisions through the end of fiscal year 2027, including payments that affect future fiscal years.

Why it matters: The measures would approve contract language and pay scales that govern county employee compensation for represented classes. Council members did not engage in extended debate on the introduction; the items were placed on the agenda for future consideration and public testimony at the announced hearing date.

Next steps: The council set a public hearing (announced at the start of the session) for Nov. 17, 2025, where members of the public may testify in person or virtually. Staff will place the bill files on the council website and the council will consider final passage at a later session.

Quote: A staff member noted the bills "include payment of certain compensation in future fiscal years," and that the agreements are being considered under the county code provision that allows council approval of bargaining agreements.

The introduction concluded with no final action at this session.