Howard County Council approves $15.85 million in additional appropriations, including $14.735 million for jail project

The Howard County Council voted July 28 to adopt Ordinance 2026‑HCCO‑25, approving additional appropriations totaling $15,849,821.41 across county funds.

The ordinance, read into the record by the auditor, lists a large appropriation from the Howard County Jail Building Corp Department Fund — $14,735,000 — described during the meeting as funds the building corporation will transfer to the county at bond closing to be used for the jail project. Bond counsel Max Adams told the council, "I'm here for a request to appropriate $14,735,000 from the building corporation fund towards the cost of the project." The ordinance also lists smaller appropriations across public health, juvenile grants, and other funds, and shows a community crossings grant line of $683,153.93.

Council members asked procedural questions about timing and fund mechanics but moved quickly to a vote. A motion to approve the additional appropriations was made and seconded; the council voted 'aye' and the ordinance carried. The auditor's reading of the ordinance identified the total additional appropriations as $15,849,821.41.

The appropriation for the jail project follows prior bond‑issuance steps described by bond counsel during the meeting; Adams said the building corporation will issue lease bonds and use lease rental payments from the county to pay debt service. Council leaders said they and outside counsel continue due diligence as financing details are finalized.