Building a Budget
Adopting the County budget requires tough decisions on funding local services. The Howard County Charter and Maryland Constitution mandate a balanced budget, ensuring revenues cover expenses.
Budget Process Steps
First Step – The Spending Affordability Advisory Committee (SAAC)
- Each year, SAAC members are appointed by the County Executive to review fiscal data, analyze multi-year revenues and expenditures, and submit a report with their findings and recommendations by March 1, guiding the next year's budget.
- Residents can view Committee meetings and materials on the County’s website here.
Second Step – Executive Budget Development and Review
- The County Executive conducts two public hearings, which take place in December and March, to provide residents with the opportunity to articulate their budget priorities.
- County agencies develop and submit their budget requests to the County Executive for review.
- The County Executive presents the proposed Capital budget by April 1 and the proposed Operating budget by April 20 to the County Council.
Third Step – County Council Review and approval
- The County Council holds public hearings and work sessions to review the proposed capital and operating budgets.
- Residents are provided with an opportunity to comment on the budget prior to council budget approval.
- The budget is approved by the County Council on or before June 1.
Budget Process Calendar
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