Howard County Executive Calvin Ball introduced a $2.5 billion operating budget for fiscal year 2027 on Apr. 30, outlining a plan that increases funding for public schools while keeping property and income tax rates unchanged.
The proposed budget responds to rising costs and state-mandated obligations, while also aiming to support essential services without increasing the tax burden on residents or businesses. Ball said, “Our fiscal 27 spending plan, my last as your Howard County Executive, ensures that we are providing significant resources to support public education and lifelong learning for residents of all ages. At the same time, we recognize the affordability crisis that is burdening many of our families and businesses. Our budget balances these community priorities without increasing property and income taxes on our residents and businesses.”
Education is a central focus of the proposal, with $871.5 million in recurring county funding directed to the Howard County Public School System—a $57 million increase over last year’s allocation and described as the largest annual increase in county history. This level of support exceeds state requirements by more than $60 million and covers nearly all of the school system’s requested funds.
Beyond education, the budget includes increased allocations for public safety agencies such as police, fire rescue services, courthouse security staffing, health initiatives like opioid treatment programs and maternal health efforts, housing assistance including affordable housing preservation projects, economic development initiatives focused on workforce training programs and business growth incentives, as well as transportation improvements.
The spending plan also addresses ongoing fiscal pressures from new state cost shifts totaling over $16 million across two years along with potential impacts from federal workforce reductions—given that about 11% of local residents work directly for federal agencies or contractors tied to federal funding streams.
Despite these challenges in revenue forecasting due to broader economic uncertainty and shifting labor market trends within its population base connected closely with federal employment sectors—Howard County continues to hold a AAA credit rating from major agencies for an eighth consecutive year.
The Howard County Council will now begin reviewing this proposed budget through hearings before adopting a final version by June 1.
