The Howard County Council held a hybrid meeting on April 20, 2026, beginning with the presentation of the County Executive's FY2027 Proposed Budget, followed by a Legislative Public Hearing to receive testimony on several resolutions and bills. The budget presentation by County Executive Dr. Calvin Ball detailed a $2.5 billion operating budget and a $120.7 million capital budget, with no property or income tax increases. The subsequent public hearing included testimony on appointments, financial transfers, economic development incentives, zoning changes, and a payment-in-lieu-of-taxes (PILOT) agreement. No final votes were taken; a work session is scheduled for April 27 and a legislative session for May 4, 2026.
This webinar is being recorded and summarized. Good evening, everyone. This is the annual presentation of the executive's budget to the county council. We have with us tonight the county executive, Dr. Calvin Ball, who will present his FY 2027 executive proposed budget. This evening is a hybrid meeting, which is being conducted in person and via WebEx teleconference. It is also available to the public through live stream on the County Council website and broadcast on Channels 44, the Verizon, and 1071 Comcast. At this time, I'm going to do a roll call of the Council members. Ms. Rigby. Here. Ms. Young. Here. Mr. Youngman. Here. Ms. Walsh would not be with us for the first portion this evening, but she will be with us for the public hearing later. And I am Opal Jones. We now welcomed, we now welcome the esteemed county executive, Dr. Calvin Ball. Good evening, Chairperson Dr. Jones, Vice Chair Rigby, and members of our county council. Tonight, I'm honored to present my proposed fiscal 2027 capital and operating budgets for Howard County. This presentation is a reflection of our values, our priorities, and our shared belief in what Howard County can and should be. This is also my final budget as your Howard County executive on the 20th anniversary of when I was first sworn in as an elected official in this very room. During the past eight years, we have worked together to make meaningful progress for our residents by strengthening our schools, improving public safety, expanding opportunity, protecting our environment, and building a community where people at every stage of life can thrive. And we have done so with purpose. This budget is about people. It's about protecting those in our care. It's about being good stewards of the taxpayer dollar. It's about fostering a community where everyone can thrive. These are investments that residents will see, feel, and rely upon every day. They are safer streets, stronger schools, flood protection for families and businesses, cleaner energy, and spaces where communities come together. An acknowledgement of significant infrastructure needs across our county and improving debt indicators attributed to several years of fiscal discipline. The proposed budget includes general obligation bond of 120.7 million dollars to support these critical investments. This approach reflects our continued commitment to responsible government by controlling debt service levels, diversifying funding streams, and ensuring taxpayers see the greatest possible return on every dollar invested. Building on this comprehensive capital plan tonight, I'm also pleased to release our FY27 operating budget. This budget provides critical ongoing support for public safety, public education, our health care system, housing opportunities, our nonprofit service providers, and more. Most importantly, we do all of this without raising property or income taxes on our residents or businesses. My total proposed FY27 operating budget of $2.5 billion represents a 6.6% increase from our FY26 budget, and the general fund, which supports most governmental services totals 1.7 billion dollars with a 6.8% growth from FY26. This relatively strong growth is primarily attributable to increases in certain revenues, including capital gains. While the overall fiscal outlook has improved from one year ago, federal uncertainty continues to loom, and many future impacts are still yet to be felt. We will continue to closely monitor federal and state actions and exercise fiscal prudence because progress is not measured by how much we spend, but how wisely we invest. And in Howard County, we remain committed to progress with purpose. If there is one place where progress must begin, it is with education. Because when we invest in education, we are investing in futures. We're investing in the child walking into kindergarten for the first time. The student discovering a career path at Howard Community College, the single parent returning to school to build a better life, and the resident who finds connection, learning, and opportunity at their local library branch.