FY 25 Harford County Government Proposed Operating Budget

COUNTY COUNCIL

ORIGIN / PURPOSE: The County Council is the legislative branch of the Harford County Government. The Council is comprised of six Council Members and the Council President who are elected to a four-year term by the voters. The Council is responsible for enacting all County laws. The Council adopts all County Master Plans including land use, transportation, community facilities, water and sewerage, and solid waste. The Council enacts laws establishing zoning regulations and comprehensive zoning maps. The Council adopts the annual operating and capital budgets, sets the property tax rate, and authorizes bond issues. The Council appoints and oversees the annual County audit and functions of the Board of Health and the Board of Appeals. The Council has oversight of the Zoning Hearing Examiners, People's Counsel, People's Counsel Citizens Advisory Board and the HarfordTV. The County Council Department consists of five divisions: Council Office, Board of Appeals and Rezoning, Office of Council Attorney and the People's Counsel, HarfordTV, and Office of the County Auditor. MISSION STATEMENT: TO PROVIDE CONSTITUENT AND LEGISLATIVE SERVICES TO THE CITIZENS OF HARFORD COUNTY IN A TIMELY, EFFICIENT AND COST EFFECTIVE MANNER. FY 25 GOALS: TO ADHERE TO CHARTER AND CODE REQUIREMENTS IN THE OPERATION OF THE DEPARTMENT AND ITS DIVISIONS TO PROMOTE EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATIONS WITH CITIZENS ABOUT THE COUNCIL AND ITS DIVISIONS TO EFFICIENTLY PROVIDE STAFF SUPPORT AND RESOURCES FOR ASSISTANCE TO COUNCIL MEMBERS, CONTRACTUAL STAFF, DIVISIONS AND THE PUBLIC TO ENHANCE THE USE OF TECHNOLOGY IN ORDER TO BE MORE EFFICIENT AND COST EFFECTIVE TO PROVIDE A SMOOTH TRANSITION FOR THE NEW COUNCIL AFTER THE GENERAL ELECTION

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