Howard County Council Operating Budget Work Session #4 – May 15, 2026

The Howard County Council held its fourth FY2027 executive proposed budget work session in a hybrid format on May 15, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The meeting covered the Sheriff’s Office operating budget, capital projects for Ellicott City Safe and Sound (North Tunnel, Maryland Avenue culverts, T1 tunnel, NC3 pond), Downtown Columbia projects (Performing Arts Center, Transit Center, TIF district), the County Council/Auditor budget, and proposed budget amendments. Key discussions focused on property acquisition costs, project prioritization, funding gaps, and the Office of Inspector General’s access to records.

Discussion Items

• Sheriff’s Office FY2027 Operating Budget: Sheriff Harris (virtually) highlighted the need for 11 additional deputies and vehicles for courthouse security due to a 30,000 increase in visitors and 633 more transports. The proposed budget shows a 13% increase excluding chargebacks, with total other expenses rising 24.3% ($288,000) largely due to vehicle chargebacks. Councilmember Yungmann questioned the necessity of new positions; Sheriff Harris explained industry standards require two deputies per defendant in criminal cases, and current staffing of 24 deputies falls short of the needed 40.
• Ellicott City Improvements and Enhancements: Mark DeLuca (retiring program manager) and Zach presented progress on the North Tunnel (18-ft diameter, mile-long, up to 150 ft deep, TBM “Rocky” near launch), completed ponds, and design status of Maryland Avenue culverts (95% design), T1 tunnel (35% design), and NC3 pond (concept). Total project cost estimated at $425.6 million, down from $430 million, with FY27 funding of $39.2 million (state grants/loans), leaving a $65 million gap. Property acquisitions were contested: Mount Ida purchased for $4 million (appraised at $3M by county, $6M by owner), West End Service Center for $8.5 million, and a Braybrook HOA easement for $18,000 (not $1.86M). Councilmember Walsh questioned the lack of quantification for CSX bridge improvements and the apportionment of costs. Councilmember Youngman and Rigby suggested reassessing T1 and NC3 ponds given high costs versus limited flood depth reduction. The administration indicated Maryland Avenue culverts and the tunnel are the highest priority.
• Downtown Columbia Projects: Carl DiLorenzo presented the Performing Arts Center (PAC) budget: $68.7 million total, $49.1 million hard cost construction, $9 million for parking garage, building cost ~$586/sq ft. Square footage reduced from 125k to 83k (county exclusive 55k, programmable 39k). Councilmember Youngman questioned why costs remained the same despite reduced square footage and the use of a sole-source contract with Whiting Turner, which she argued violated a 2023 law requiring council review of no-bid contracts. The administration defended the CM-at-risk delivery method due to site complexity (blasting near active theater). TIF district fund balance is $13.4 million, but deficits are projected for several years starting FY2028, dropping to $5 million before recovering around 2037. Transit center funding request of $250,000 (on top of $200,000) for study and grant preparation was questioned by Councilmember Walsh and Youngman given no site selected and decade-long timeline.
• County Council / Auditor: Michelle Harrod and Jenny McGregor presented a flat budget with an increase in chargebacks and a request for an IT audit manager position. Councilmember Youngman supported the position.
• Budget Amendments: Councilmember Walsh proposed an amendment to tie licensure renewals to granting the Office of Inspector General direct access to all electronic systems, citing lack of compliance with the enabling legislation. Councilmember Yungmann proposed cutting the proposed water/sewer fee increase by half to relieve pressure on residents and businesses. The administration noted a data use agreement for SAP and UKG was finalized that morning, providing some access. Council agreed to jointly request an Attorney General opinion on the IG’s access to records under MPIA. No votes were taken on amendments during the work session.

Key Outcomes

• No formal votes were recorded; the meeting served as a discussion session for the FY2027 budget.
• The council expressed intent to request an Attorney General opinion on the scope of the Office of Inspector General’s access to county records.
• Councilmember Yungmann’s amendment to reduce the water/sewer fee increase by half will be considered along with the administration’s proposed smaller reduction.
• Councilmember Walsh indicated she would withdraw her amendment regarding licensure renewals but continued to urge compliance with the inspector general law.
• The meeting adjourned after discussions of amendments, with the council set to deliberate the final budget in subsequent sessions.