Howard County Exec Ball’s Budget Balances Local Priorities with Fiscal Discipline

This week, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball unveiled his $2.3 billion Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Operating Budget. The proposal reflects a balanced spending plan that prioritizes Howard County’s shared values while navigating sharp fiscal headwinds.

The $1.63 billion General Fund budget represents a 1.6% decrease from fiscal 2025, reflecting fewer one-time resources and a cautious economic outlook.

The budget holds the line on property and income tax rates. It avoids layoffs or service reductions, despite absorbing more than $8 million in new State-mandated costs, including teacher pensions and community college support.

Education: Fully Funded, Beyond MOE

The budget includes $800 million in County support for the Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) — a $39 million increase in recurring funding, which exceeds the Maintenance of Effort by the same amount.

County Executive Ball also proposes:

  • $1.5 million in one-time PAYGO for school safety upgrades
  • $52.7 million for school-related debt service
  • $7.5 million for retiree health benefits
  • $1.7 million in PAYGO for OPEB liabilities
  • Additional increases for Howard Community College and Howard County Library System, including new County costs for HCC pensions

Public Safety and Emergency Services

The budget allocates $162.8 million to the Police Department, including funding for staffing and a new School Resource Officer. Fire and Rescue receives $163.4 million, plus $5 million in capital for rural cisterns and land for a future fire station. The State’s Attorney’s Office gets targeted funding for special victims and body-worn camera support.

Health, Housing, and Community Services

The budget includes $5 million in one-time funds to support the expansion of the emergency room at Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center, helping improve access to timely care.

It also allocates $2.3 million in opioid restitution funds to strengthen addiction recovery services, including treatment, peer support, and residential programming. Additionally, the proposal invests $10.7 million to expand housing opportunities, promote homeownership, and prevent homelessness across Howard County.

Economic Development and Nonprofit Support

The County Executive allocates:

  • $14.3 million in CSP grants (5.4% increase) for nonprofits
  • $1.07 million for economic development initiatives
  • $5 million for the Flier Building redevelopment
  • $850,000 to continue HoCo STRIVES youth programs

Infrastructure and Government Reform

Under the County Executive’s budget proposal, Howard County will invest:

  • $18 million in PAYGO for road resurfacing, sidewalks, and mobility upgrades
  • $150,000 to expand the HoCo RapidRide microtransit program

The proposal also establishes a new Department of General Services and funds a new Office of the Inspector General with $500,000 to increase government oversight.

Fiscal Outlook

To balance the budget without raising taxes or cutting core services, Howard County implemented multiple cost-saving strategies:

  • Froze 40 vacant positions
  • Cut internal costs
  • Adjusted health benefits
  • Reserved $2.5 million in PAYGO for emerging challenges

Despite economic pressure, Howard County retains its AAA credit rating from all three major credit rating agencies. This distinction — achieved by fewer than 2% of jurisdictions nationwide — reflects the County’s long-term fiscal discipline, substantial reserves, and commitment to responsible budgeting even amid rising mandates and federal uncertainty.