Howard County Council FY2027 Operating Budget Public Hearing - April 27, 2026

The Howard County Council held its second public hearing on the proposed FY2027 Operating Budget on April 27, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. in a hybrid format. The hearing focused on testimony regarding the Executive Proposed Operating Budget, which includes funding for education (Howard County Public School System, Howard Community College, Howard County Library System), public safety, public facilities, community services, and general government. Over 20 speakers provided testimony, with many advocating for full funding of the school board's budget request. The council will hold work sessions in April and May before final adoption.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Liam Hartner (student, Howard County FFA) testified in support of the Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) budget, specifically requesting funding for a second educator in the Agri-Science Academy to support a plant and environmental sciences pathway, and highlighted the program's impact on students.
• Superintendent Bill Barnes (HCPSS) urged the council to maintain the county executive's proposed funding level of $57 million in new recurring operating revenue, which funds 99.3% of the Board of Education's request. He emphasized collaboration with stakeholders.
• Brian Hull (CFO, HCPSS) detailed the Board of Education's approved $1.285 billion operating budget request (5.7% increase over FY26). He noted the county executive's proposal funds 99.3%, and the remaining gap of approximately $6.2 million could be covered by updated state aid projections and fund balance ($6.2 million from fund balance, leaving about $14 million projected year-end balance).
• Jennifer Webster (Chief Academic Officer, HCPSS) highlighted three critical investments: pre-kindergarten expansion, special education, and multilingual learner support. She described budget shifts to align with the strategic plan.
• Meg Ricks (Vice Chair, Board of Education) requested full funding of the board's request, expressing gratitude for the county executive's proposal and emphasizing the need for stability to protect programs and staff.
• Dr. Lin F. Chen (Board of Education member, District 4) urged full funding, noting the $6.2 million gap and the need to avoid using fund balance for recurring costs. She cited inflation eroding purchasing power and the county's increased revenue.
• Benjamin Schmidt (President, Howard County Education Association) representing 6,300 educators, argued that "close is not good enough" and called for full funding with recurring dollars, not fund balance. He cited past staffing cuts, increased class sizes, and declining resources.
• Yi Han (parent of two children with autism, PTA representative) expressed appreciation for the proposed budget and urged full funding to support special education improvements, noting that the gap should be closed.
• Katie Merza (elementary special education teacher) testified that the school system's reputation is eroding due to cuts, and urged full funding to avoid continued reliance on one-time funds. She emphasized the need for sustained investment in special education.
• Anthony Fulmore (Vice President, AFSCME Local 1899, custodian at Bonnie Branch Middle School) requested full funding to support custodial, maintenance, and grounds staff. He noted 99.3% of custodial vacancies are filled but more positions are needed.
• Aaron Parker (Ellicott City resident) urged funding for the science of reading professional development, diagnostic assessments, and literacy coaches. He cited that only 26 central office staff and 329 pre-K-3 teachers have met training standards, and that 81% of grade 3-5 students are flagged on screeners.
• Karina Fisher (PTAC) supported full funding, arguing that the county has sufficient revenue ($116 million new general fund revenue vs. $96 million projected) and that using fund balance would violate HCPSS policy 4070. She noted that per-pupil spending has dropped 2.5% over 10 years while state spending rose 5.6%.
• Anthony DeBella (Mayfield and Homewood dad) called for 100% funding, stating that county revenue is strong and that using fund balance creates a collision course. He noted that past cuts have diminished academic programs.
• Cindy LaFollette (District 1 resident, advocate) urged the council to amend the budget to close the $6.2 million gap, arguing that the money exists and that using fund balance is unsustainable.
• Dr. Daria Willis (President, Howard Community College) requested adoption of the county executive's proposed $47.2 million operating budget (3% increase, $1.3 million more than FY26). She noted that state aid is flat for the second year, and the college is managing costs internally.
• Vivian Moore Lawyer (Chair, Board of Trustees, HCC) supported the proposed budget, highlighting HCC's role as an economic engine and its fiscal discipline.
• Deanne Alexander (HCC student and employee) shared her personal story and thanked the council for supporting HCC, which enabled her to achieve a 3.8 GPA and join the honors program.
• Steve Abler (Ellicott City resident, parent of a prospective student) advocated for expanding the Diagnostic Sonography Program at HCC, citing a lottery system with limited clinical spots (16-24 students per year) and high demand (up to 400 applications). He urged the council to invest in workforce training.
• Tonya Aikens (President & CEO, Howard County Library System) requested full funding of the county executive's proposed budget, highlighting early literacy programs (81,000 parents and children attended classes), teen programming, and community connections.
• Liz Banak (Trustee, HCLS) focused on the library's role in connecting diverse populations, including seniors (16.3% of county population), through programs like The Longest Table and bilingual classes.
• Tiffany Tupper (Friends of the Library Board) supported full funding, emphasizing the library's value for education, equity, and economic vitality.
• Amanda Hoff (Director, Howard County Tourism Council) requested full funding of the community service partnership grant, noting that tourism generated $830 million in visitor spending, supported 9,800 jobs, and returned $34 for every $1 invested.
• Aaron Shapiro (Executive Director, Patapsco Heritage Greenway) requested $80,000 in community service partnership funding, highlighting environmental stewardship, heritage tourism, and volunteer programs. He noted the organization's contributions to water quality, trash removal, and invasive plant removal.

Discussion Items

• Councilmember Jung asked Brian Hull about the sources to close the $6.2 million gap. Hull responded that updated state aid and fund balance ($6.2 million) would be used, with a projected year-end fund balance of $14 million.
• Councilmember Jung asked Anthony Fulmore about the number of custodial vacancies. Fulmore noted that 99.3% of positions are filled but more are needed.
• Councilmember Rigby discussed with Katie Merza the impact of state funding and Blueprint, noting that the state's funding formula is inadequate and that the county is working to address the gap.
• Councilmember Rigby acknowledged Steve Abler's concern about the sonography program and noted that HCC is expanding the workforce and trade center, including skilled nursing positions.
• Councilmember Jung thanked Aaron Shapiro for mentioning Grace Kubofsick.

Key Outcomes

• No votes were taken at this public hearing. The council will hold work sessions on the FY2027 Capital and Operating Budget in April and May. The next work session on education is scheduled for Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
• Written testimony will continue to be accepted and considered by the council prior to taking action.