This year’s budget was shaped by extraordinary fiscal headwinds at the federal and state levels, but we have developed a plan that supports our community’s priorities. Our proposal sustains critical investments in education, public safety, healthcare, housing and nonprofits—without compromising services, raising taxes, or laying off county employees. Even in the face of uncertainty, we are keeping our promises—preserving our progress, protecting essential services, and planning responsibly for the future.
Maintaining Historic Investment in Education
County Executive Calvin Ball’s proposed FY26 budget supports Howard County’s unparalleled education system and provides continued resources to address many emerging challenges. Overall, Howard County’s operating investment in the Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) is $800 million, contributing to a total HCPSS budget of $1.2 billion when combined with other funding sources. This includes a 5.1% increase of $39 million in new recurring county funding for HCPSS, exceeding the state-mandated Maintenance of Effort by approximately $39.3 million, due to the stagnant student enrollment.
Despite the federal and state impacts, Howard County is investing a total of $45.7 million in new revenue for HCPSS expenses this year, representing nearly 64% of all new General Fund revenue growth. Due to the state shifting new mandated costs to county government, an additional $6.7 million will be directed to now cover educator pensions.
In addition to the significant portion of General Funds, one-time PAYGO funding of $1.5 million is included for school safety and security needs, pending approval from the Maryland State Department of Education.
Howard County is providing significant additional support for school-related needs in the non-departmental budget, including:
- $52.7 million for debt service on school infrastructure projects;
- $7.5 million for retiree health benefits (Other Post Employment Benefits, or OPEB); and
- $1.7 million in one-time PAYGO for long-term OPEB liabilities.
These contributions will be accompanied by increased funding for other educational institutions, including $1.3 million for Howard Community College (HCC) and $794,000 for the Howard County Library System (HCLS), each reflecting a three percent increase. In addition, County government will also cover the newly mandated $200,000 in HCC pension costs.
Bolstering Public Safety
The FY26 proposed budget strengthens Howard County’s public safety operations with essential support for fire protection, law enforcement, and legal services. To meet evolving public safety needs and take steps toward implementing strong measures to deter and combat crime in our community, Ball proposes a total of $162.8 million for the Howard County Police Department (HCPD) in the General Fund, reflecting an increase of $4.6 million to support staffing and operational costs. An additional $795,706 in one-time funds is allocated for equipment upgrades and to support the addition of a School Resource Officer (SRO) at the recently opened Guilford Park High School. There are currently SROs stationed at all other HCPSS high schools.
The Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services will receive a total of $163.4 million. Excluding one-time costs from prior years, this budget represents a 6.6% increase to support staffing, training, and emergency services for the Fire Department. Additionally, the Department is receiving a $5 million one-time transfer to capital projects, which includes $500,000 for rural cisterns and $4.5 million for land acquisition toward a new fire station.
The State’s Attorney’s Office will receive $163,000 to support critical needs in its Special Victims Unit and Body Worn Camera program.
Investing in Community Health
This year’s budget continues to prioritize the health and well-being of Howard County residents with investments in emergency room capacity, mental health treatment, addiction recovery, and maternal health.
To fulfill the second year of a $15 million commitment, $5 million in one-time funds will support Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center’s Emergency Room expansion. This funding will help create a 29-bed observation unit to reduce wait times and improve care.
Approximately $2.3 million in Opioid Restitution Funds will enhance addiction recovery services, including hiring additional peer recovery specialists, expanding programming at Highland House, and providing capital support to Sheppard Pratt’s residential treatment center.
Howard County is investing $125,000 to sustain its maternal health initiative to ensure healthy pregnancies for all and will support the Health Department’s Stepping Up Initiative, focused on diverting residents with mental illness from jail into treatment.
Addressing Increased Homeownership and Housing Needs:
Howard County continues to expand affordable housing opportunities and help families build wealth through homeownership. The FY26 proposed budget allocates $10.7 million to support homeownership, housing rehabilitation, and homelessness prevention.
This critical funding includes:
- $2 million for homeownership assistance programs;
- $2 million for the Right to Purchase program;
- $1 million for home rehabilitation and financial education; and
- Approximately $1.6 million for homelessness prevention initiatives.
These investments reflect a continued commitment to fostering mixed-income communities and long-term stability for all residents.
Facilitating Economic and Community Strength
Howard County Executive Calvin Ball’s FY26 proposed budget prioritizes economic opportunity and nonprofit resilience through targeted grants and youth workforce development.
Ball is proposing a total of $14.3 million to support nonprofit service providers through Community Service Partnership (CSP) grants, a 5.4% increase over last year. In a time of uncertainty with federal budget cuts and funding freezes impacting nonprofits, the FY26 budget continues local support to nonprofits that provide critical services to county residents. Another $850,000 in one-time PAYGO funds will sustain the HoCo STRIVES initiative, supporting youth mental health, transportation access, and summer enrichment programming.
Youth engagement remains a core priority with $500,000 to continue the YEP! program, offering free and low-cost youth activities.
Given severe impacts to businesses due to federal and state impacts, Howard County will allocate $1.07 million in one-time funding to the Howard County Economic Development Authority (HCEDA) to support business growth. In order to build stronger workforce pipelines to train the future workforce and current needs, workforce opportunities will expand through a larger Summer Youth Employment Program and additional County support to offset decreased federal funding.
Ball is also proposing $5 million to continue the nonprofit redevelopment of the Flier Building in Columbia into “The Source,” a vibrant community hub providing services and employment resources.
Advancing Environmental and Agricultural Initiatives
Howard County continues to lead in environmental stewardship with nearly $1 million dedicated to tree planting, forest conservation, and other preservation efforts. These investments reinforce the County’s Climate Action and Resiliency Plan, Climate Forward.
Additionally, the FY26 Operating Budget continues critical support to Howard County’s agricultural sector through $500,000 for the Enhanced Agricultural Grant program and $300,000 in grants for agricultural preservation and innovation initiatives.
Creating Outstanding Public Spaces and Reliable Infrastructure
Investing in places and pathways that bring our community together, the FY26 Operating Budget supports essential infrastructure improvements and the enhancement of public spaces in Howard County.
To strengthen local recreation, the budget includes funding for operations at the North Laurel Pool, currently under construction and expected to open in Spring 2026. Additionally, to enhance cultural experiences, and generate more revenue from visitors and tourists, the Historic Circuit Courthouse in Old Ellicott City—undergoing a major renovation—will receive operational support through funding allocated to the Department of Recreation and Parks and the Howard County Arts Council. Once complete, this facility will serve as a center for arts, culture, and community activity.
The FY26 budget also advances key transportation priorities by transferring over $18 million in one-time PAYGO funds to capital projects that improve mobility and safety. This includes $15.1 million for road resurfacing and $3 million for sidewalks, bus stop replacements, and road and bridge construction.
To continue enhancing building accessible transportation options, Howard County is also investing $150,000 to support the HoCo RapidRide microtransit program, which serves residents along the Route One corridor.
These investments strengthen the physical and social fabric of Howard County, supporting inclusive spaces and infrastructure that connects residents to one another and to opportunity.
Ensuring Effective Government
The FY26 Operating Budget launches two significant government reforms:
- The new Department of General Services, transitioning certain functions from the Department of Public Works to manage county buildings and capital assets.
- The new Office of the Inspector General, supported by nearly $500,000 to increase oversight and transparency across County government
These changes reflect a broader commitment to effective governance, service delivery, and modernization.
Taking on Challenges and an Uncertain Fiscal Outlook
Howard County developed its FY26 budget amid federal workforce reductions that pose significant revenue risks and state cost shifts. Approximately $8 million in new state-mandated costs, including teacher pensions, community college support, and property tax assessments, have been transferred to the County.
To balance the budget without raising taxes or cutting core services, Howard County implemented multiple cost-saving strategies:
- Freezing 40 unfilled positions;
- Adjusting healthcare contributions for employees;
- Cutting travel, training, and internal transportation costs;
- Reducing energy usage through targeted building closures;
- Limiting new departmental initiatives.
During a time of uncertainty, $2.5 million in one-time PAYGO is set aside to address future unforeseen challenges and federal impacts that may emerge.
Despite these difficulties, Howard County continues to maintain its AAA credit rating from all three major rating agencies, reflecting its strong fiscal stewardship. Howard County ranks among the top two percent of jurisdictions nationwide with this distinction.
For more information and to view the full FY26 Operating Budget proposal, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/budget.