Howard County Council Capital Budget Work Session #2 - April 22, 2026

This was the council's second FY2027 capital budget work session, held in hybrid format (in-person and via WebEx) starting at 10:00 a.m. and concluding at approximately 4:30 p.m. The session covered Recreation & Parks, Road Construction, Road Resurfacing, Sidewalk/Curb, Traffic/Intersection, and General County capital projects. No formal votes were taken; the meeting focused on discussion and feedback to inform the upcoming budget deliberation.

Recreation & Parks

• The Recreation & Parks FY27 budget request is $16.43 million, including $3.55 million in grants, $3.56 million in paygo, and $9.32 million in transfer tax funding. No new projects were proposed.
• Blandair Regional Park ($150,000) – continuing design of mansion restoration; slave quarter restoration beginning.
• Patapsco Female Institute ($175,000) – stucco and stone repair to be completed in May; funds for pavilion and drainage.
• Pathway and Trail Rehab ($720,000) – ongoing trail and bridge improvements; Gray Rock Bridge design underway.
• East Columbia Library Athletic Field (Cradle Rock Park) ($450,000) – groundbreaking held; funding for project management and contingency.
• Parkland Acquisition ($650,000) – $100,000 for property expenses, $550,000 in program open space grants.
• Ilchester Park and Recreation Center ($1 million) – phase two indoor improvements and exterior restroom/shower for overnight camps.
• Park Systemic Improvements ($4.825 million in TTAX, $2.4 million in grants, $500,000 paygo) – includes garden plot project on Montgomery Road.
• Park Resurfacing ($1.34 million for resurfacing, $500,000 in grants for Rockburn Branch Park improvements).
• Historic Structures Rehab ($690,000 TTAX, $1.5 million reallocated for closeout support).
• Public Gardens ($3.06 million paygo) – phase one of Longwood property activation; 12-acre meadow planting in May.
• C0375 Elkridge Community Center ($25.71 million in bonds, $700,000 in grants, $8 million paygo) – 85% design complete; permitting this summer; construction begins FY27 with phased implementation; pool deferred to future phase.
• C0376 Multi-Sport Indoor Track Facility ($12.5 million paygo) – 120,000 sq ft facility; land acquisition and schematic design in FY27; originally at Troy Park but now site in Elkridge; council members expressed strong preference for a banked and hydraulic track to attract regional tournaments.
• C0377 Public Ice Rink Facility ($3.5 million design) – 98,000 sq ft, two sheets of ice; site at Meadowbrook Athletic Complex; market analysis projects 30,000+ hotel stays annually.

Discussion: Council members raised concerns about costs: the ice rink's $71 million total cost (later $96 million with track) was questioned relative to private facilities like Ion International Training Center ($305/sq ft in 2019). The ice rink's operating margin only covers operations, not debt service. The multi-sport track was seen as more versatile (basketball, volleyball, indoor track, pickleball). Council Member Young asked if a private partner was considered; the response was that private investors require shorter payback periods. Council Member Jung pressed for a choice between the two projects; the director stated the ice rink is more shovel-ready but both are close. Council Member Walsh noted that youth sports participation is declining and that doubling field fees (as planned) contradicts affordability goals. Council Member Yungmann requested usage data to justify community benefit.

Road Construction, Resurfacing, Sidewalk, and Traffic

• Road Construction (J projects) – FY27 request $2.742 million, with over $10 million in unobligated funds reallocated from five J projects. Highlighted: J4173 Hanover Road at High Tech – three-way stop signs and realignment at 60% design.
• Road Resurfacing (H projects) – $10.18 million request. Pavement Condition Index (PCI) goal is 80; a countywide assessment is ongoing. Cold in-place recycling highlighted for sustainability. Council Member Young expressed concern about reduced funding (from $12M last year) and urged maintaining road quality. Director Chagarapu noted asphalt prices rose 35% from March to April 2026.
• Sidewalk (K projects) – $11.45 million, no new capital projects. Focus on complete streets.
• Traffic/Intersection (T projects) – $4.9 million, including $1.4 million for residential traffic calming (T7089). 433 applications received; 13 projects implemented in FY26.

Discussion: Council Member Rigby asked about asset management plans; DPW is focusing on water/sewer first, with a target of 2030 for a coordinated system. Council Member Young questioned the prioritization of traffic calming; the point system includes speed, volume, crashes, and community support. Council Member Walsh requested updates on Harper's Farm Road crosswalk and Beaver Kill Road signalization; both are under evaluation and expected to be addressed with grant funding. Council Member Jung discussed the need for improved cost-benefit analysis for projects like the non-congregate shelter.

General County Projects

• Community Solar (C0384) – FY27 request $5.4 million. Total project cost $20 million ($11 million county out-of-pocket after $4.27 million state grants and $5 million federal tax credit). Debt service ~$740,000/year for 20 years. Electricity generated (5.5 million kWh/year) will serve low-income households (25% discount). Half of the power from Cars Mill landfill goes for free to low-income households designated by the state. Council members expressed concern that benefits may not be limited to Howard County residents; the director stated they will prioritize local promotion but cannot legally exclude others.
• Non-Congregate Shelter (C0381) – $10 million for 22 rooms (plus community spaces). Council Member Yungmann criticized the cost ($472,000 per room), arguing that rental subsidies could serve more families. DGS noted the project includes a commercial kitchen and is designed to meet code and sustainability standards; bidding for construction is upcoming.
• Detention Center (C0365) – Master plan 95% complete; potential new facility cost estimated at $140–180 million, with 50% state grant possible (but requires a 5-year application process). Current facility is aging; council discussed phasing and site options. Council Member Walsh suggested exploring alternative sites, but state property swaps are complex. The director indicated that construction could begin as early as FY33.
• Other General County Items:
  • Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) System (C0312) – $4.6 million for SAP and tax system upgrades; bonding software was questioned by Council Member Young, but finance director argued useful life justifies bonding.
  • Bus Stop Improvements (C0332) – $300,000 for 50 bus stops; Flash BRT service start expected September 2026 with Montgomery County buses.
  • Transit Center (C0353) – $250,000 for short-term alternatives; tied to Howard Hughes development.
  • US 1 Safe Streets for All (C0370) – Phase one testing with quick-build improvements; phase two seeking USDOT funding.
  • Toby's Rebuild – No new county funding; project cost $68.7 million for 44,000 sq ft (plus parking garage). Council Member Young noted the cost per square foot ($1,400) and questioned the reduction from 166,000 sq ft at same price.

Key Outcomes

• The council expressed a need for more detailed cost-benefit analysis and usage data for the ice rink and multi-sport track before deciding whether to proceed with both or stagger construction.
• Concerns about escalating construction costs, bonding capacity, and deferred maintenance were recurring themes.
• The next capital budget work session will focus on the operating budget; a separate session on TIF and safe and sound projects is anticipated.
• The council directed staff to provide additional information on grant status, traffic calming prioritization, and energy savings from the energy savings days program.