Howard County Executive Calvin Ball reveals 2024 operating budget proposal
BALTIMORE — Howard County Executive Calvin Ball revealed his proposed $2.6 billion Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) operating budget Monday.
The budget includes significant funding for public education as well as major investments in public safety, health care, housing, and economic growth.
"Our bold vision for community investment includes historic funding for education, ensuring that our school system continues to deliver an excellent education for all while advancing the transformational goals established in the state Blueprint for Maryland's Future," said Ball. "Moreover, this budget provides sustained funding to keep every member of our community safe, supported, and strong through investments in public safety, housing, environmental protection, transportation, and more."
For the second year in a row, funding for the Howard County Public School System exceeds $1 billion, a 7% increase over FY23.
The budget also includes a $46.4 million investment to fully fund the negotiated salary increases for educators and school personnel, $7.5 million for retiree health benefits, and $300,000 for a new program to assist educators in repaying their student loans.
Howard Community College will receive a proposed $2 million funding increase. The Howard County Library System is set to receive a proposed $1.2 million funding increase, also the second-largest in at least 15 years.
Regarding public safety, the budget includes an $8.6 million increase for the Howard County Police Department for salary adjustments and increased safety investments, and a $2.4 million funding increase to create 26 new firefighter trainee positions.
The spending plan dedicates $1 million to support the creation of a new Behavioral Health Unit at Howard County General Hospital, $1 million for Sheppard Pratt to support behavioral health initiatives, and $500,000 for Tuerk House to expand transitional housing for women and children in Howard County.
The budget proposes an historic $10 million investment in the Housing Opportunities Trust Fund to support housing needs across the county. Additionally, the County's Homeownership and Housing Rehabilitation Programs will receive $6.5 million, and $1 million is dedicated to Rental Assistance.
$12.6 million in funding for operating grants to various nonprofits, and $2 million for pandemic relief efforts, were also included in the spending plan.
You can view the full fiscal budget online on the Howard County Government website.
