Howard County releases 2020 fiscal year budget

Howard County Executive Calvin Ball has released his 2020 fiscal year budget for the Howard County Government. The proposed budget prioritizes funding for Howard County Public School System, public safety, improved health, clean environment, infrastructure, businesses, and promotes an efficient government. "Though we are facing a tough fiscal climate, this budget invests in Howard County, maintaining our national reputation as one of the best places to live, work, and play,” said Ball. “With historically high funding to education, strengthened public safety funding, support for preserving our environment and investments in public health and wellness, my proposal will protect our exceptional quality of life. I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Howard County Council as they review this proposed operating budget.” Majority of the proposed funding is projected to go to the school system with a total of $605.2 million. The school funding is said to be above the required 'maintenance effort' level. The budget also proposes a six-cent increase in the Fire and Rescue Tax to keep the Fire Fund in solvency and allow investment in critical services for public safety. A push for a clean and sustainable environment has also been introduced with funding to convert all of Howard County’s streetlights to LED. The total budget is $1.2 billion, which is an increase of under two-percent from the previous year.