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Council renames stormwater fund and approves transfer to address Devon Woods wastewater failures
Summary
Howard County Council approved renaming a stormwater fund to the Clean Water Infrastructure Fund and authorized an initial $200,000 transfer (of a $500,000 not-to-exceed authorization) to support repair options for the failing Devon Woods wastewater plant, with stormwater and health departments planning outreach and options for affected homeowners.
Howard County Council approved two stormwater-related resolutions May 26: a fund name change to better reflect program scope and a transfer authorization to seed work addressing failing wastewater infrastructure in the Devon Woods area.
Council approved Resolution HCCR-11 to change the fund name (to the Clean Water Infrastructure Fund) to align with accounting preferences. The council then considered Resolution HCCR-12, a transfer resolution that set a not-to‑exceed amount of $500,000 and authorized moving $200,000 immediately to begin preliminary work and to pursue grant matches. A stormwater official explained the county is working with commissioners and pursuing grant dollars and said the $200,000 is being requested today with the goal of securing another $200,000 in grants to reach a $400,000 match.
Staff described the Devon Woods situation as a mixed system: roughly 60–65 homes are connected to the private wastewater treatment plant, while the rest of the neighborhood relies on on-site systems. The official said the county and the health department will coordinate oversight inside the stormwater district area, and a proposed revolving loan fund would help homeowners disconnect and pursue long-term fixes.
Councilman (S2) summarized the request: “We’re asking ... we’re really only requesting 200,000 of that to be moved today,” and noted the county will continue to pursue grants and hold follow-up public meetings. Residents who attended an estate-owner meeting reported support for county involvement; council staff said a stormwater board meeting and more public outreach will be scheduled and anticipated a report back with options by October.
The council approved both resolutions by voice vote and discussed next steps for outreach and oversight. The transfer authorization is intended to buy time for grant pursuit and to fund immediate investigative and planning work; the council emphasized further public meetings and a structured oversight plan will follow.
