Howard County SAAC Will Meet Earlier Due To Coronavirus

Ellicott City MD

10 November, 2020

7:04 PM

Description

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — The Howard County Spending Affordability Advisory Committee for fiscal year 2022 will be meeting earlier than in previous years to allow more time for the committee to digest, discuss and offer constructive advice to the county amid the pandemic. The SAAC is a non-partisan body charged with providing policy advice to the county executive on fiscal planning. The committee is comprised of several residents representing different disciplines and areas of expertise, and also includes representation from education entities, council staff and executive staff. "I asked the SAAC to begin their conversations earlier this year to provide more time to prepare recommendations amid the COVID-19 pandemic," said Howard County Executive Calvin Ball. "In these challenging times, we want to ensure we are constantly evaluating our fiscal position and are well prepared for the economic challenges that are inevitable in the current climate. There is no doubt that this virus has wreaked havoc on our global, national and local economy, we want to ensure we have strategies in place to encourage a steady and strong recovery." The SAAC plans to have 10 to 12 meetings between November and February covering operating budget needs, CIP budget needs, the current economy, revenue, long-term forecast and debt projections. The county's first round of preliminary projections won't be available until after data becomes available from the state. "We look forward to working closely with this diversified and talented group," said Holly Sun, Howard County Budget Administrator. "Data-informed analysis and constructive advice from this independent resident advisory body will assist us in making sound fiscal decisions amid all the challenges and uncertainties surrounding the economy." The Howard County unemployment rate of 5.2 percent in September, down from the peak of 8.1 percent in April, was still two times the pre-pandemic level. Officials note that uncertainties remain on the duration and severity of the pandemic as well as the timing and size of additional federal stimulus. "I am excited to get to work on such an important task, with a great group of individuals," said Steven Poynot, vice chair of the SAAC. "And I am grateful that the county has taken the advice of the previous SAAC and extended the timeframe for the meetings to allow for a deeper dive into our spending given the current environment."