The Howard County Sheriff's Office has been in existence and serving the citizens of Howard County since 1851. The Sheriff's Office offers a broad range of law enforcement services, such as Judicial Security, Summons Service, Warrant Service & Fugitive Retrieval, Domestic Violence Service & Assistance, Prisoner Transportation, and Landlord/Tenant Services.

The Office of Transportation’s primary focus is to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of public transportation services, walking, and bicycling in and around Howard County and ensure that connectivity is front and center in land use planning and site development.

The Office of Public Information guarantees that residents, employees and the public at-large, are kept accurately informed of county government services, activities and programs in a timely, effective and efficient manner.

The Finance Department ensures that the County’s financial resources are collected, protected, invested and distributed in a fiscally responsible manner, and provides optimal financial services to a wide range of constituents, including citizens, taxpayers, businesses, agencies and County employees.

The mission of the Board of elections is to ensure federal, state and local elections are conducted timely, responsibly, and with the highest level of professional election standards, accountability, security and integrity, intended to earn and maintain public confidence in the electoral process.

Please add a simple sentence to describe what this committee does and is responsible for (max 2 sentences).

The Howard County Department of Corrections protects the public and the employees of the department by providing a safe, secure, and humane conditions for persons legally under its authority. Within this framework the department provides opportunities for offenders to become law abiding and productive members of society. 

The Howard County Office of Human Rights and Equity is an entity of the Howard County Government that seeks to eradicate discrimination, increase equal opportunity and protect and promote Human Rights in the county. The Office serves as a catalyst in fostering attitudes and beliefs among Howard County residents which confirm that all individuals have an equal opportunity to enjoy a wholesome and productive quality of life and can pursue their lives free of discrimination.

The Budget Office proposes spending levels to the County Executive based on revenue and expenditure analyses to ensure a balanced budget; prepares special management and financial reports, and monitors the purchasing, personnel and other spending requests of all county government agencies.

The Howard County Office of Agriculture is dedicated to preserving Agriculture in Howard County as a viable industry. The Office provides the agricultural industry with business support, technical assistance, promotion and acts as a liaison between farms and other county agencies.

The Inspector General Advisory Board consists of seven citizen members who are tasked with selecting the Inspector General, and providing advisory and ministerial oversight on the activities of the Office of the Inspector General.

The North Laurel Community Center is one of Howard County's community centers, built to serve the southeastern portion of the county. The facility is shared by the Departments of Recreation & Parks and Health, Howard County Police and the Office on Aging and Independence. Features include a fitness room, game room, dance and aerobics room, double gymnasium, pre-school classrooms, multi-purpose rooms, senior activity room, and more.