Today, Howard County’s Department of Technology and Communication Services (DTCS) announced a collaboration with the Maryland National Guard Joint Cyber Security Task Force to increase the county’s cyber protection during the pandemic State of Emergency. This partnership will bring additional support, augment Howard County’s existing capabilities, and raise cybersecurity readiness during this time of increased vulnerability.

A Howard County project to conduct test pitting to locate existing underground water, sewer, gas and communication utility lines near the intersection of Main Street and Maryland Avenue and a portion of Tiber Alley is expected to begin Monday, April 27.

Howard County Executive Calvin Ball responded to the Maryland Strong: Roadmap to Recovery plan announced by Governor Hogan today.  “Today the Governor provided an overview of benchmarks and phases to re-opening and recovery for Maryland,” said Ball. “Howard County will review these standards and they will guide our decisions for re-opening certain aspects of our community, like our parks, recreation centers, and playgrounds." “Today the Governor provided an overview of benchmarks and phases to re-opening and recovery for Maryland,” said Ball. “Howard County will review these standards and they will guide our decisions for re-opening certain aspects of our community, like our parks, recreation centers, and playgrounds..."

Today, Howard County Department of Corrections announced Kimberly Powell, a Correctional Technician, has been recognized by the State of Maryland as Maryland Correctional Administrators Association (MCAA) Civilian Employee of the Year. Additionally, Sergeant Perry Young was recognized as the Howard County Correctional Officer of the Year.

Today, Howard County Government announced a coordinated surge plan with Howard County General Hospital (HCGH). The surge plan focuses on three major aspects of operation: adding physical capacity to the hospital; tracking streamlining and purchasing vital equipment; and identifying and deploying staff to the hospital.

As Maryland prepares to conclude another week of coronavirus mitigation measures, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball is encouraging residents to donate blood to ensure the blood supply remains sufficient. 

Today, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball announced a Solar Power Purchasing Agreement (PPA) with KDC Solar, Inc. that would cover approximately 30 percent of the total annual electricity use for County government operations, at no capital cost to the County and providing a total anticipated cost benefit of $1.2 million over the 25 year life of the contract.   

Today, Howard County shared updates on how the Department of Community Services (DCRS) has been working with local partners to provide safe locations for those facing homelessness amid the COVID-19 outbreak. DCRS has provided a total of 27 homeless individuals, including children and unaccompanied youth, non-congregate housing in partnership with a local hotel partner in Columbia. 

A Howard County construction project to improve Guilford Road between Vollmerhausen Road/Mary Lane and Carroll Heights Avenue in Jessup is expected to begin on or about Monday, May 4. Weather permitting, the project is expected to be completed by late January 2021.

Today, Howard County launched an online tool for residents to find locations and organizations to drop-off product donations including groceries, toiletries, and cleaning products. There are 12 locations currently listed, and each listing includes a contact, hours for drop-off, and a list of needs.

Today, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball addressed the still increasing number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the county. As of 9 a.m. today, Howard County is reporting 581 confirmed cases, including 460 active, 104 recovered, and 18 total deaths.  

Howard County received $770,000 in federal Community Development Block Grant funds to be used in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. The County is planning to grant these funds to housing providers (such as the Housing Commission, Bridges to Housing Stability, Heritage Housing Partners and Community Action Council) to provide rent assistance to tenants that could be facing eviction for non-payment of rent due to COVID-19. 

As the County braces for revenue impacts potentially exceeding $35 million in fiscal year 2020 and significant impacts beyond due to the COVID-19 virus, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball and Howard County Public School System Superintendent Dr. Michael Martirano jointly announced the partial delay of a plan to eliminate the $39.2 million HCPSS Health and Dental Fund deficit.

Howard County provided guidance to essential businesses on required face coverings for employees, based on Governor Hogan’s Executive Order yesterday. Effective Saturday, April 18th, at 7:00 a.m., all retail establishments and food service staff must wear face coverings in areas open to the public and other staff members, and when interacting with customers.

County Executive Calvin Ball announced progress on multiple lawsuits being filed by Howard County on behalf of residents.

Today, Governor Hogan signed an Executive Order requiring all residents to wear face masks at all stores, pharmacies, or on public transportation, effective Saturday April 18th at 7:00 am. Face coverings can be homemade using bandanas, scarves, or t-shirts or residents may also wear disposable or cloth masks. Tutorials for homemade masks are available online from the Center for Disease Control.

Howard County releases overview of the COVID-19 impact on its operating budget, focusing on the the revenue and expenditure impacts resulting from this pandemic.

Howard County Executive Calvin Ball announced today COVID-19 cases will be broken down by zip code on the county's COVID-19 case dashboard. Cases broken down by age will also be available. 

Howard County Executive Calvin Ball launches "HoCo Farms Connect," an innovative new tool that allows farms to list their produce and other products that are available for purchase, connecting county residents with county farms.

Today, the Howard County Health Department confirmed additional deaths due to coronavirus in Howard County, bringing the total deaths in Howard County to nine. The additional deaths were two women in their 60s, two women in their 80s, a man in his 30s, and a man in his 60s.

Howard County Executive Calvin Ball today announced the enhanced stream debris removal program, part of the Ellicott City Safe and Sound plan, was triggered last night after more than an hour of severe sustained winds.

Today, County Executive Calvin Ball signed an Executive Order allowing one-time discretionary bonus payments to personnel who must report to work to perform mission critical work. The order provides a $1,500 bonus to full-time on-site personnel and $600 to those who are intermittently on-site.

Howard County Executive Calvin Ball signed an Executive Order today allowing one-time discretionary bonus payments to personnel who must report to work to perform mission critical work. The order provides a $1,500 bonus to full-time on-site personnel and $600 to those who are intermittently on-site.

Howard County Executive Calvin Ball signed an Executive Order today allowing one-time discretionary bonus payments to personnel who must report to work to perform mission critical work. The order provides a $1,500 bonus to full-time on-site personnel and $600 to those who are intermittently on-site. The Executive Order can be viewed here.