Greetings!

Welcome to my Legislative Newsletter, highlighting Council Resolutions and Council Bills proposed by the Howard County Council.
As your County Council representative, I encourage you to review this information and lend your voice by testifying via email or in person. To voice your support or opposition, please email councilmail@howardcountymd.gov. The next Legislative Public Hearing will be Monday, May 10 at 9:30 AM off-site (meetings will be held virtually for the safety of all participants). To sign-up in advance to testify, click here.
It is my pleasure to serve you, your family, and residents of District 2. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact my office by calling (410) 313-2001 or by emailing ojones@howardcountymd.gov. I hope you will continue to stay engaged by visiting my council website at https://cc.howardcountymd.gov/Districts/District-2.

Sincerely,
The Process
The County Council is responsible for adopting the laws of the County. The legislative process generally follows a monthly cycle:

  • 1st Monday- New legislation is introduced; legislation from prior month is given final consideration
  • 3rd Monday- Legislative Public Hearing on legislation introduced that month
  • Following the Legislative Public Hearing a Legislative Work Session is held, if needed

Council Bills must be signed or vetoed by the County Executive within 10 days of the Council's presentation of passed legislation.
Council-Related Legislation
Howard County Council Legislation

Unless otherwise noted, the following legislation is introduced by the Chairperson at the request of the County Executive.
Highlighted Legislation
Introduced by: Opel Jones and Deb Jung; Co-sponsored by: Christiana Rigby, Liz Walsh, and David Yungmann
AN ACT amending the eligibility requirements for a property tax credit for seniors and retired military personnel in accordance with Chapter 332, Acts of the General Assembly of 2019; and generally relating to property tax credits.
Status: Passed as amended
Howard County Council Appointments and County Council Election Results for 2021
Howard County Council Chairpersons
Chair: Councilmember Elizabeth Walsh, District 1
Vice-Chair: Councilmember Opel Jones, District 2

Zoning Board
Chair: Councilmember Christiana Rigby, District 3
Vice-Chair: Councilmember Deb Jung, District 4

Board of License Commissioners
Chair: Councilmember David Yungmann, District 5
Vice-Chair: Councilmember Deb Jung, District 4

Maryland Association of Counties Legislative Committee
Representative: Councilmember Opel Jones, District 2
     Alternate: Councilmember Deb Jung, District 4

National Associations of Counties
Representative: Councilmember Jones, District 2
      Alternate: Councilmember Jung, District 4
Introduced Legislation
Reappointments
Introduced by: Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
A RESOLUTION confirming the reappointment of Joan Hash to the Human Rights Commission.

Introduced by: Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
A RESOLUTION confirming the reappointment of Dr. Kathleen Hetherington to the Board of Directors of the Economic Development Authority.

Introduced by: Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
A RESOLUTION confirming the reappointment of Peter K. Hwang to the Human Rights Commission.

Introduced by: Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
A RESOLUTION confirming the reappointment of Archana G. Leon-Guerrero to the Adult Public Guardianship Review Board.

Introduced by: Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
A RESOLUTION confirming the reappointment of Nikki Young to the Adult Public Guardianship Review Board.
Financial (Non-FY22 budget)
Introduced by: Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
AN ACT making emergency appropriations pursuant to Section 610(b) of the Howard County Charter and amending the Annual Budget and Appropriation for Fiscal Year 2021 in order to receive additional grant funding from the State; and declaring that this Act is an Emergency Bill necessary to meet a public emergency affecting life, health or property.

Introduced by: Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
A RESOLUTION approving certain transfers between major categories of the Howard County Board of Education Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2021; transferring $2,250,000 to the Maintenance of Plant Category and $2,500,000 to the Fixed Charges category; and generally relating to the Fiscal Year 2021 Operating Budget of the Board of Education.
General
Introduced by: Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
AN ACT pursuant to Section 1.111(e) of the Howard County Code, approving provisions in a collective bargaining agreement between Howard County and the Howard County Police Officer’s Association, Lodge 21 that are in conflict with the provisions of Title 1 “Human Resources” of the Howard County Code or the Employee Manual; approving a multi-year collective bargaining agreement between Howard County and the Howard County Police Officer’s Association, Lodge 21 that will be effective through the end of Fiscal Year 2023 and that includes payment of certain compensation in future fiscal years; providing for the application of this Act; and generally relating to the collective bargaining agreement between Howard County and the Howard County Police Officer’s Association, Lodge 21.

Introduced by: Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
AN ACT approving an amendment to a multi-year collective bargaining agreement between Howard County and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, Howard County Local 3085 that will be effective through the end of Fiscal Year 2022 and that includes payment of certain compensation in future fiscal years; and generally relating to the collective bargaining agreement between Howard County and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, Howard County Local 3085.

Introduced by: Deb Jung
AN ACT requiring the Department of Planning and Zoning, in collaboration with specified County agencies, to establish a system of data collection; requiring the Department of Planning and Zoning, in collaboration with specified County agencies, to recommend actions to improve the retention of existing forest areas and effectiveness of mitigation measures; and generally relating to the Forest Conservation Act.

Introduced by: The Chairperson
A RESOLUTION calling the County Council of Howard County, Maryland into legislative session on a specified date.
Budget (FY2022)
Introduced by: Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
AN ACT amending the Pay Plan for Howard County; providing pay scales for employees; providing for the application of this Act; and generally relating to the Pay Plan for Howard County.

Introduced by: Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
AN ACT adding certain executive exempt employees who are appointed by the County Executive; amending certain titles of employees in the Department of Corrections as reflected in a list of classifications eligible under certain retirement plans; and generally relating to the listing of position classifications in the Howard County Code.

Introduced by: Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
AN ACT amending the Classification Plan for Howard County to remove certain classifications and to add certain classifications; and generally relating to amendments to the Howard County Classification Plan.

Introduced by: Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
AN ACT adopting the current expense budget and the capital budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2021 and ending June 30, 2022, to be known as the Annual Budget and Appropriation Ordinance of Howard County, Fiscal Year 2022.

Introduced by: Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
AN ACT for the purpose of authorizing and empowering Howard County, Maryland to borrow money in the principal amount of up to $100,337,165 on its full faith and credit, and issue and sell its bonds or other obligations therefor, to be used to pay costs of certain County capital projects (including bridge projects, general county projects, storm drainage projects, school system projects, fire and rescue projects, road construction projects, roadside and sidewalk projects, library projects, community college projects, parks and recreation projects, police projects and traffic improvements projects), which are specified and described in the County's 2022 Capital Budget (including, without limitation, borrowings for certain capital projects previously authorized in other calendar years, which such authorization has lapsed or will lapse), and to pay costs of issuance of such bonds or other obligations; authorizing the County to issue bond anticipation notes or to enter into installment purchase agreements for payment of portions of such costs; and to levy taxes upon the assessable property within the County sufficient, together with other available funds, to pay the debt service on such obligations; and providing for and determining various matters in connection therewith.

Introduced by: Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
AN ACT for the purpose of authorizing and empowering Howard County, Maryland to borrow money in the principal amount of up to $64,311,822 on its full faith and credit, and issue and sell its bonds or other obligations therefor, to be used to pay costs of certain County water and sewer capital projects which are specified and described in the County's 2022 Capital Budget (including, without limitation, borrowings for certain water and sewer capital projects previously authorized in prior calendar years which such authorization has lapsed or will lapse), and to pay costs of issuance of such bonds or other obligations; authorizing the County to issue bond anticipation notes or to enter into installment purchase agreements for payment of portions of such costs; and to levy taxes upon the assessable property within the County sufficient, together with benefit assessments, ad valorem taxes levied upon the assessable property in the Metropolitan District and other available funds, to pay the debt service on such obligations; and providing for and determining various matters in connection therewith.

Introduced by: Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
AN ACT for the purpose of authorizing and empowering Howard County, Maryland to borrow money in the aggregate principal amount of up to $3,484,000 on its full faith and credit, and issue and sell its bonds or other obligations therefor, to be used to pay costs of certain County environmental services fund projects as more particularly described in the County's 2022 Capital Budget, and to pay costs of issuance of such bonds or other obligations; authorizing and empowering the County to issue bond anticipation notes or to enter into installment purchase agreements for payment of portions of such costs; and to levy taxes upon the assessable property within the County sufficient, together with amounts held in the Environmental Services Special Revenue Fund and other available funds, to pay the debt service on such obligations; and providing for and determining various matters in connection therewith.

Introduced by: Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
AN ACT for the purpose of authorizing and empowering Howard County, Maryland to borrow money in a principal amount of up to $12,264,209 on its full faith and credit, and issue and sell its bonds or other obligations therefor, to be used to pay costs of certain County road construction projects which are specified and described in the County's 2022 Capital Budget (including, without limitation, borrowings for certain of such capital projects previously authorized), and to pay costs of issuance of such bonds or other obligations; authorizing and empowering the County to issue bond anticipation notes or to enter into installment purchase agreements for payment of portions of such costs; and to levy taxes upon the assessable property within the County sufficient, together with building excise taxes and other available funds, to pay the debt service on such obligations; and providing for and determining various matters in connection therewith.

Introduced by: Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
AN ACT for the purpose of authorizing and empowering Howard County, Maryland to borrow money in the aggregate principal amount of up to $12,755,634 on its full faith and credit, and issue and sell its bonds or other obligations therefor, to be used to pay costs of certain County watershed protection and restoration projects as more particularly described in the County's 2022 Capital Budget, and to pay costs of issuance of such bonds or other obligations; authorizing and empowering the County to issue bond anticipation notes or to enter into installment purchase agreements for payment of portions of such costs; and to levy taxes upon the assessable property within the County sufficient, together with amounts held in the Watershed Protection and Restoration Fund and other available funds, to pay the debt service on such obligations; and providing for and determining various matters in connection therewith.

Introduced by: Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
AN ACT to authorize and empower Howard County, Maryland, to enter into installment purchase agreements to acquire development rights in agricultural lands located within the County (Project No. G 0163), for an aggregate purchase price of not more than $22,590,000, plus interest thereon; providing that the County’s obligation to pay the purchase price under and interest on such agreements shall be a general obligation of the County made upon its full faith and credit; and to levy taxes upon the assessable property within the County sufficient, together with the portion of the transfer tax imposed on transfers of real property in Howard County which is dedicated to agricultural land preservation and other available funds, to provide for the payment of the purchase price under and interest on any agreements so entered into; and providing for and determining various matters in connection therewith.

Introduced by: Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
AN ACT for the purpose of authorizing and empowering Howard County, Maryland to borrow money in the aggregate principal amount of up to $75,000,000 on its full faith and credit, and issue debt obligations therefor, to be used to pay costs of certain General County projects as more particularly described in the County's Fiscal Year 2022 Capital Budget, and to pay costs of issuance of such debt obligations; and to levy taxes upon the assessable property within the County sufficient, together with and other available funds, to pay the debt service on such obligations; and providing for and determining various matters in connection therewith.

Introduced by: Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
A RESOLUTION approving the Capital Program for Howard County for Fiscal Years 2023 through 2027 and the Extended Capital Program for Fiscal Years 2028 through 2031.

Introduced by: Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
A RESOLUTION approving the Fiscal Year 2022 operating budget for the Howard Community College and indicating appropriations for major functional categories.

Introduced by: Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
A RESOLUTION approving the Fiscal Year 2022 budget for the Howard County Library System and indicating appropriations for object classes.

Introduced by: Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
A RESOLUTION setting forth the Fiscal Year 2022 Operating Budget for the Howard County Board of Education.

Introduced by: Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
A RESOLUTION approving the Fiscal Year 2022 budget for the Howard County Health Department and indicating appropriations for object classes.

Introduced by: Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
A RESOLUTION approving schedules for charges pertaining to the Metropolitan District, to water and sewer service, and to shared sewage disposal facilities.

Introduced by: Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
A RESOLUTION approving schedules of fees for the functions regulated by the Department of Public Works.

Introduced by: Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
A RESOLUTION approving schedules of fees, fines and charges for functions regulated by the Howard County Department of Inspections, Licenses and Permits.

Introduced by: Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
A RESOLUTION approving schedules of fees and charges for functions regulated or administered by the Department of Planning and Zoning.

Introduced by: Liz Walsh
A RESOLUTION increasing the fees charged by the Department of Planning and Zoning for Zoning Regulation Amendment petitions; and generally relating to fees.

Introduced by: Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
A RESOLUTION approving schedules of fees and rates for functions regulated and administered by the Department of Police.

Introduced by: Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
A RESOLUTION approving schedules of fines and penalties for violations of and administrative costs related to enforcement of Howard County’s parking laws, including administrative handling fees for parking citations and citations under the automated red-light enforcement program.

Introduced by: Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
A RESOLUTION approving fee and rate schedules for: (1) Applying for approval of an industrial development revenue bond or MIDFA bond or loan; (2) Solicitor and Peddler Identification Card; (3) Weekend Prisoners - Room and board; (4) Prisoner - Health care provider fee; (5) Participation in work release program; (6) Participation in home detention program; (7) Marriage license fee charge for funding of domestic violence programs; (8) Annual registration of trespass towing companies and maximum rates to be charged by trespass towing services; (9) Fee and specifications for transcripts of administrative proceedings; and (10) Reproduction of public records.

Introduced by: Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
A RESOLUTION adopting schedules for various charges related to the Watershed Protection and Restoration Fee.

Introduced by: Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
A RESOLUTION adopting fee schedules for functions of the Health Department.

Introduced by: Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
A RESOLUTION adopting a Schedule of Fees for inspections conducted by the Department of Fire and Rescue Services.

Introduced by: Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
A RESOLUTION adopting a schedule of fees for functions regulated by the Department of Finance.

Introduced by: Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
A RESOLUTION approving a Reimbursement Schedule for the Emergency Medical Services Reimbursement Program.

Introduced by: Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
A RESOLUTION amending the fee process for requests to establish Tax Increment Financing Districts and establishing a fee for certain Special Taxing Districts.

Introduced by: Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
A RESOLUTION adopting a permit fee for the Publicly Accessible Electric Scooter Sharing System.

Introduced by: Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
A RESOLUTION levying a tax on certain admissions and amusements, establishing classes of admissions and amusements, setting tax rates on different classes, and providing for certain exemptions from the tax.

Introduced by: Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
A RESOLUTION adopting the schedule of rates for the Building Excise Tax.

Introduced by: Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
A RESOLUTION levying Fire and Rescue tax rates beginning July 1, 2021.

Introduced by: Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
A RESOLUTION levying a property tax for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2021 and ending June 30, 2022; setting the tax rates for property; and providing for the collection of the property tax.

Introduced by: Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
A RESOLUTION setting the fee-in-lieu rate for moderate income housing.

Introduced by: Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
A RESOLUTION adopting the Transfer Tax, the tax on every instrument of writing conveying title to real or leasehold property offered for a record and recorded in Howard County with the Clerk of the Circuit Court, and providing for certain exemptions from the tax.

Introduced by: Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
A RESOLUTION establishing a recordation tax rate on instruments of writing that are recorded with the Clerk of the Circuit Court.
Legislation for Final Consideration
APPOINTMENTS

Introduced by: The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
A RESOLUTION confirming the appointment of Herman L. Charity to the Recreation and Parks Board.
My Vote: Yes
Status: Approved

Introduced by: Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
A RESOLUTION confirming the appointment of Phillip Dodge to the Multimodal Transportation Board.
My Vote: Yes
Status: Approved

Introduced by: The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
A RESOLUTION confirming the appointment of Frances F. LoPresti to the Howard County Animal Matters Hearing Board.
My Vote: Yes
Status: Approved

REAPPOINTMENTS

Introduced by: The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
A RESOLUTION confirming the reappointment of Reginald T. Avery to the Commission on Aging.
My Vote: Yes
Status: Approved

Introduced by: The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
A RESOLUTION confirming the reappointment of Patricia Branch to the Advisory Board on Consumer Protection.
My Vote: Yes
Status: Approved

Introduced by: The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
A RESOLUTION confirming the reappointment of David Drasin to the Multimodal Transportation Board.
My Vote: Yes
Status: Approved

Introduced by: The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
A RESOLUTION confirming the reappointment of Eric Shatzer to the Board of Electrical Examiners.
My Vote: Yes
Status: Approved

Introduced by: The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
A RESOLUTION confirming the reappointment of Young Ran Smith to the Advisory Board on Consumer Protection.
My Vote: Yes
Status: Approved

Introduced by: The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
A RESOLUTION confirming the reappointment of Sue Song to the Commission on Aging.
My Vote: Yes
Status: Approved

Introduced by: The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
A RESOLUTION confirming the reappointment of William Stone to the Board of Directors of the Economic Development Authority.
My Vote: Yes
Status: Approved

Introduced by: The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
A RESOLUTION confirming the reappointment of Alan Whitworth to the Public Works Board.
My Vote: Yes
Status: Approved

Introduced by: The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
A RESOLUTION confirming the reappointment of David Zinner to the Multimodal Transportation Board.
My Vote: Yes
Status: Approved

FINANCIAL

Introduced by: The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
AN ACT transferring $500,000 from the General Fund, Contingency Reserve and $1,175,000 from the Department of Police to the Department of Public Works for unanticipated expenses related to snow removal.
My Vote: Yes
Status: Passed

Introduced by: The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
A RESOLUTION amending the Howard County Board of Education Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2021, as adopted by Council Resolution No. 63-2020 and amended by Council Resolution No. 106-2020, in order to increase the Grants fund appropriation by $22,273,259 so the Board of Education may receive additional federal, state and private grants; and generally relating to the Board of Education Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2021.
My Vote: Yes
Status: Passed as amended

Introduced by: The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
AN ACT approving and providing for a multi-year Installment Purchase Agreement by Howard County, Maryland to acquire development rights in approximately 30 acres of agricultural land located on the west side of Driver Road in Marriottsville, Howard County, Maryland, from Larry and Peggy Jo Sowell or any other owner thereof for a maximum purchase price of $786,000 or, if less, not more than $26,200 per acre or portion thereof, rounded to the next highest $100, plus interest on the deferred portion of such purchase price; providing that the County's obligation to pay such purchase price and interest on the deferred portion of such purchase price shall be a full faith and credit general obligation of the County; providing for the levying of taxes for such payments; authorizing the County Executive to modify such Agreement; and providing for and determining various matters in connection therewith.
My Vote: Yes
Status: Passed

Introduced by: The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
A RESOLUTION adopting Howard County’s Annual Action Plan for housing and community services to qualify for the receipt of federal Community Development Block Grant and Home Investment Partnership Program funds.
My Vote: Yes
Status: Passed

Introduced by: The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
A RESOLUTION endorsing and authorizing the Howard County Executive to file an application with the Maryland Transit Administration of the Maryland Department of Transportation for grants under the Federal Transit Act and certain State transportation grants; indicating certain endorsement by the County Executive; and requiring certain copies be sent to the Maryland Department of Transportation.
My Vote: Yes
Status: Passed

GENERAL

Introduced by: The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
AN ACT amending the Howard County Retirement Plan in order to create an enhanced normal retirement benefit for Deputy Sheriffs hired on or after July 1, 2021, adding and amending certain definitions; increasing the amount of employee pick up contributions to be made by participating Deputy Sheriffs, changing the normal retirement age for participating Deputy Sheriffs and generally relating to the Howard County Retirement Plan.
My Vote: Yes
Status: Passed as amended

Introduced by: The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
A RESOLUTION amending the rules that implement the Settlement Downpayment Loan Program established under Title 13, Subtitle 9 of the Howard County Code; to update and add certain definitions; to remove language related to lending pools and participating lenders; to add a method of calculation to determine self-employment; to update minimum down payment requirements and qualification for certain loan types; to update loan subordination requirements; and generally relating to the Settlement Downpayment Loan Program.
My Vote: Yes
Status: Passed as amended

Introduced by: The Chairperson
A RESOLUTION calling the County Council of Howard County, Maryland into legislative session on a specified date.
My Vote: Yes
Status: Passed

Introduced by: The Chairperson at the request of the County Executive
AN ACT to update and add definitions related to solar collector equipment; to eliminate the requirement for a glare study; to add certain reviews by the Agricultural Preservation Board; to allow rooftop commercial and accessory ground mount solar collectors in all zoning districts; to allow commercial ground-mount solar collector facilities in certain zoning districts ; to limit the size of commercial ground-mount solar collector facilities on certain parcels that are in the Agricultural Land Preservation Program; and generally relating to the Howard County Zoning Regulations.
My Vote: Yes
Status: Passed as amended

Introduced by: Opel Jones and Deb Jung; Co-sponsored by: Christiana Rigby, Liz Walsh, and David Yungmann
AN ACT amending the eligibility requirements for a property tax credit for seniors and retired military personnel in accordance with Chapter 332, Acts of the General Assembly of 2019; and generally relating to property tax credits.
My Vote: Yes
Status: Passed as amended
Upcoming Council Meetings
Unless otherwise noted, the County Council will hold its meetings in the Banneker Room of the George Howard Building, 3430 Court House Drive, Ellicott City, MD. The next meetings are as follows:

  • Friday, May 7, 2021 - Work Session for the proposed Fiscal Year 2022 Operating Budget (Meetings will be held virtually for the safety of all participants)
  • Monday, May 10, 2021 - Public Hearing on the proposed Fiscal Year 2022 Capital and Operating Budget (Meetings will be held virtually for the safety of all participants)
  • Wednesday, May 12, 2021 - Work Session for the proposed Fiscal Year 2022 Operating Budget (Meetings will be held virtually for the safety of all participants)
  • Friday, May 14, 2021 - Work Session for the proposed Fiscal Year 2022 Operating Budget (Meetings will be held virtually for the safety of all participants)
  • Monday, May 17, 2021 - Work Session for the proposed Fiscal Year 2022 Operating Budget (Meetings will be held virtually for the safety of all participants)
  • Friday, May 21, 2021 - Work Session for the proposed Fiscal Year 2022 Capital and Operating Budget (Meetings will be held virtually for the safety of all participants)
  • Wednesday, May 26, 2021 - Legislative Session - Budget Adoption (Meetings will be held virtually for the safety of all participants)

Please note these dates are subject to change. To access the most up-to-date calendar of meetings in its entirety, click here.

Can't attend a meeting but still want to stay involved? You can stream the Council's sessions online and click on the meeting you would like to watch. The Council's sessions are also streamed in real time on this website.