County proposes million-dollar yard trim facility for southern residents

The Harford County Council convened on April 24, 2025, for a public hearing focused on the Fiscal Year 2026 budget, addressing several key initiatives and funding requests. The meeting began with discussions on property tax implications related to property transfers, clarifying that unpaid taxes would not appear on property tax bills but would be billed separately.

The council then shifted its attention to solid waste management, specifically the proposal for a new residential yard trim acceptance facility in South County, which is projected to cost $1 million. This facility aims to alleviate the burden on residents who currently must travel significant distances to dispose of yard waste. The proposed site is located on county-owned land previously used for a driving range, which is deemed suitable due to its accessibility and undeveloped status. The facility will primarily serve as a drop-off point, with plans for a permanent access road and grading to facilitate operations.

Further discussions highlighted the need for watershed management capital projects, driven by federal and state mandates to improve water quality. The county is currently under its fifth generation permit, which requires compliance with various environmental standards. The council noted that the county has been proactive in managing stormwater runoff and has a robust capital program to address these requirements. However, it was revealed that the county would need to transfer $1 million from the general fund to support these initiatives, marking the first time such a transfer has been necessary.

Overall, the meeting underscored the county's commitment to enhancing waste management and environmental compliance, while also addressing the financial challenges associated with these projects. The council is expected to continue refining these proposals as they move forward with the budget process.