Howard County Passes Tax Credit for Retired Public Safety Officers

The County Council in Howard County passed a bill that extends the Public Safety Officer Property Tax Credit to retired public safety personnel. The credit, introduced by the County Executive, allows retired police officers, firefighters, correctional officers, deputy sheriffs, and 911 dispatchers to receive up to $2,500 annually off their property tax bills starting in 2027. The credit previously only applied to active employees, volunteer firefighters, and EMTs, and ended when the recipient left their job.

The measure changes the financial structure of property taxation within Howard County by creating a new, recurring tax credit for a specific group of retirees. Supporters noted that the credit helps retirees balance budgets given the county's cost of living. Councilwoman Liz Walsh cast the lone vote against the bill.