HOW TO GET INFORMATION

We hope these web pages answer many of your questions about Howard County government. In addition, here are places you can call or access by computer for more information.

INFORMATION SOURCES
DATA BASES & BULLETIN BOARDS

INFORMATION SOURCES

Meetings of county government elected and appointed boards are open to the public except for business specifically exempted by state law. For more information, call the county Public Information Office (410-313-2022) or see our meetings calendar.

Data Depot

This interactive kiosk on the upper level of the Columbia Mall is a one-stop resource for Howard County information. There is a direct link to the Library's on-line catalog, to county government information and to community resources. A touch screen and keyboard guide first-time users. Fee-based photocopy and fax capabilities are available. You can search SAILOR and the Internet, print applications, forms and maps, reserve a library book and much more!

Disabilities Services

Disabilities Services (410-313-6402; TTY 410-313-6401) provides information regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), resources and technical assistance.

General Inquiries

Information and Referral (410-313-3000) answers general inquiries.

Government Information by Phone

If you have a question about Howard County government, call the county Public Information Office (410-313-2022). Howard Community College (410-772-4800), Fire and Rescue (410-313-6000), Police (410-313-3200) and the Public School System (410-313-6682) also staff Public Information offices.

Government Information on the Internet

This rapidly expanding area changes continually. Here are some links:

• Animal Control:Pet Page
• Board of Elections
• Child Care
• County Council
• County Executive
• Economic Development Authority
• Environmental Services: Trash Services
• Gtv
• Howard Community College
• Howard County Library
• Human Resources: Job Openings
• Office on Aging: Senior Activities
• Planning and Zoning
• Police
• Public Schools
• Purchasing Office
• Recreation & Parks
• State's Attorney's Office
• Traffic Engineering

Government Information on TV

For cablecasts of government meetings, announcements, job opportunities, news and features about Howard County, watch the government information television channel, Gtv (410-313-5720), operated 24 hours a day on Comcast Cable 70 or Mid-Atlantic Cable 15. There is an online program schedule.

Non-County Government Inquiries

Call or visit your nearest Howard County Library for all of your general information needs.

Senior Information

Senior Information and Assistance (410-313-7212) is the one-stop center for information about services and benefits for older persons. Online information includes activities at senior centers.

Tourism

The Howard County Tourism Council (410-313-1900) provides information about events, attractions, dining spots, accommodations and facilities for meetings or special occasions. The Council operates a Visitor Information Center on the lower level of the Post Office in Ellicott City.

DATA BASES & BULLETIN BOARDS

Call (410-313-1940) for information about licensed family child care homes, child care centers and other data. Or, check our online source of child care providers.

Local Statistics

For Howard County statistics, call Research at Planning and Zoning (410-313-2350) or Economic Development (410-313-6500).

Planning and Zoning

The Department of Planning and Zoning (410-313-2350) maintains a data base of all projects in process and land-use changes and produces monthly updates on population and building permits. A subscription service provides listings of all new subdivision projects and zoning cases.

Remote, Dial-up Access

Maryland residents with computers and modems can access the library's on-line catalog 24 hours a day (free).

Senior Demographics

The Office on Aging (410-313-6410) maintains census data regarding elderly persons.

Substance Abuse

Call Substance Abuse Impact Services (410-313-3784) for data such as the latest education, work place and criminal justice information and research on substance abuse; and local, state and national data on tobacco, alcohol and other drug abuse.