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Council keeps merit officers’ pension funding; declines automatic '13th check' obligation
Summary
Howard County council voted 4–1 to keep the merit pension funding as presented while declining to create an automatic county obligation for a supplemental "13th check," after members debated whether the county is legally required to pay it and how to budget the extra payment.
Howard County council voted to keep the merit‑officers pension funding in the 2027 budget as presented, but stopped short of establishing a new binding obligation to pay an extra "13th check" to retirees. The council's decision followed a lengthy exchange over pension funding mechanics and who has authority to require supplemental payments.
One council member summarized the pension numbers and limits: "It should be about $608,000 to fully fund it," said the council member (S7), noting that the retirement fund itself is fully funded but the one‑time 13th check—estimated at about $85,000—would be discretionary. Another member (S2) said the merit board had recommended the extra payment but emphasized the board does not have the authority to obligate county funds. The council ultimately voted to retain the pension request as presented and not to create a new standing obligation for the 13th check; the chair recorded the vote as 4 in favor and 1 opposed.
Why it matters: the decision keeps the county's pension funding plan intact for the coming year while leaving future supplemental payments subject to separate decisions rather than an ongoing county policy. Staff said they will carry the approved pension numbers into the budget and provide any needed follow‑up detail before final appropriation.
