Harford County

The meeting included public safety reports detailing a significant year-over-year decrease in Part I crime, despite an increase in accidents attributed to speeding and distracted driving, and organized theft activity targeting vehicles in parking lots. The Fallston Volunteer Fire & Ambulance Co. reported on staffing during a snow emergency and noted an increase in carbon monoxide calls. A significant portion of the discussion focused on Agricultural Preservation efforts, including goals for preserved acreage, funding sources from transfer taxes, and eligibility requirements for easements. The County Executive provided updates on the budget, noting a significant proposed increase for the Board of Education and the Sheriff's Office, while discussing fiscal constraints and the limited County oversight over state-run entities like the school system and Sheriff's Office. Council updates included discussion of a proposed solar project in Joppa under state jurisdiction.

The meeting agenda included a report from the Sheriff's Office detailing call volumes and crime statistics for January 2026 compared to 2025, noting an increase in total calls and a decrease in crashes. A presentation was given by the Department of Aging regarding services such as caregiver support, senior care programs, and facility offerings. Council updates covered legislative meetings, the county retaining its AAA bond rating, planned distribution of cannabis tax money, and specific improvements including the approval of a site plan for an additional field at Joppatowne recreational fields, funding for the Edgewood shopping center improvements, and installation of speed bumps and a dog park. The Fire Safety Report emphasized caution regarding power strip use, chimney cleaning, and new protocols for lithium-ion battery disposal. Further updates detailed road work, traffic study requests, potential improvements to the Joppa wrestling venue, pending retail tenants, and discussions regarding the need to increase capacity for local shelters. Community issue reviews included discussions on tax support availability and the cancellation of a blood drive.

Key discussions included a presentation by Rev. Reginald Bishop on the Maryland Inventory of Cemeteries and Burial Sites Workgroup Final Report, which recommends establishing a centralized, statewide cemetery inventory database and a state grant program for cemetery maintenance. The Commission also reviewed the second draft of the 2025 Annual Report, incorporating feedback such as adding an executive summary and reorganizing sections for clarity. Additionally, the Commission discussed correspondence regarding Section 106 review for properties at 501 St. Mary's Road and Belle Farm House, ultimately deciding to notify MDOT that they have no comments at this time. Ongoing business focused on updates from subcommittees, including completing a draft for Francis Silver Park and planning a workshop to introduce the Harford County Historic Preservation Guidelines to contractors and property owners, emphasizing better communication and oversight regarding Certificates of Appropriateness.

The key discussion topics for this board meeting include a presentation and discussion with leadership from UM Upper Chesapeake Health regarding operations and medical oversight. The agenda also features a Director's Report from the Deputy Director of Economic Development and various updates from liaisons, legislative bodies, and subcommittees. The session will conclude with remarks, action items, and adjournment.

Key discussions included the status of the FY2026 audit plan, noting a delay in the Payroll Controls audit completion due to data intensity and a new payroll system implementation, and the addition of an investigation into Harford County Public Schools (HCPS) 2024 NSBA Travel to the plan. Audit reports detailed the HCPS investigation, which found travel expenses reasonable and supported, though a concern was raised regarding governance controls given the time elapsed before the investigation was requested. The audit of Water & Sewer Benefit Assessments confirmed accurate billing, but found that Treasury failed to routinely distribute the required annual review summary to the County Council. Other items covered the County-wide Risk Assessment for the FY2027 audit plan, including general consideration of AI risks, and an announcement regarding the County Auditor's upcoming retirement.