SERVICES FOR RESIDENTS

ANIMALS
From cat and dog licenses to animal complaints, this section covers pet-owners' responsibilities, regulations concerning animals and pets, and ways we can help you.

Summary of Howard County Animal Control Laws
Inspections, Licenses & Permits
Animal Control

Career Counseling
Bid Information
Consumer Affairs
Employment
Licenses and Permits

County Executive
County Council
Public Officials

CHILDREN AND TEENS
It is often said that Howard County is a great place to live, work and raise families. Here are some helpful links to services that county government provides for children and teens.

Office of Children's Services
Childcare Resource Center
Recreation and Parks - Child Care Services
Birth Certificates
Juvenile Justice - Office of the State's Attorney
The Diversion/First Offender Program - Police Department
Health & Safety - Health Department
Social Services - Adoptions, Foster Care Program

CITIZEN SERVICES
As the County’s human service agency, the Department of Citizen Services touches the lives of children and youth, their parents, people with disabilities, consumers who have complaints about a business, individuals in crisis, and older adults.

A searchable database of services designed to help residents of Howard County is available at:

www.horizonhelp.org

How a Bill becomes Law
Courts
Prisoners, Parole & Probation
Unpaid Child Support
Unpaid Debts
Unpaid Rent

Inspections, Licenses and Permits -

Building Inspections, Permits, Building Codes, Complaints

Planning and Zoning -

Use Permits, Zoning Approval, Subdivision Plan Review, Complaints

Child Care Resource Center
Head Start
Howard County Public School System
Howard Community College -
Offers degrees in Associate in Arts, Certificate of Proficiency,
Letter of Recognition and Adult Continuing Education

Public Libraries
Museums & Historic Sites

THE ENVIRONMENT
Protecting our environment is important for everyone. From recycling to land conservation, Howard County government wants to inform you about services that help to make your community an even better place to live.

Health Department -

Septic Systems and Wells, Water Testing

Planning and Zoning -

Environmental Regulations

Recreation and Parks -

Land Conservation, Open Space

Public Works -

Community clean-up, Industrial Wastewater,
Recycling and Trash, Roadside Conservation,
Stormwater and Watershed Management

Social Services -

Child Care Payments, Day Care Meals
Food Stamps, Medical Assistance

Community Action Council -

Energy Assistance, Food Distribution,
Housing Assistance, Transportation

Housing and Community Development -

Counseling for Home Buyers

Health Department -

WIC (provides services to Women, Infant and Children)
Medical Assistance Transportation

Health Department -

Adult Health Services, Children's Health Services, Immunizations, Women's Health, WIC, Environmental Health, Addictions Services, Cancer Screenings and Treatment Programs, Infection Control, Service Locations

Fire and Rescue -

Blood Pressure Screening, Injury Prevention Awareness

Community Action Council -

Crisis Intervention, Resources for new Parents

Recreation and Parks -

Community Wellness Programs

LEISURE
Howard County has a network of health care resources to fit almost every need, and some agencies deliver state and federally funded services. You'll find information here about a range of options for prevention and treatment.

PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
County residents with special needs can look to local government for assistance. In this section, you will find a wide range of services for people with disabilities.

Disabilities Services -

Accessibility of County Government, Employment Resources, Barrier-Free Housing, Rental Programs for the Homeless

Inspections, Licenses and Permits -

Accessibility Inspections

Health Department -

Nursing Home Screening, Personal Care

Recreation and Parks -

Therapeutic Recreation Programs

Social Services -

Alternative Living Units, Chore Services, Protective Services, Transitional Emergency, Medical and Housing Assistance

Fire and Rescue Services
Police Department
The Sheriff's Office
Office of the State's Attorney

Senior Centers -

Citizens Services

Adult Community Evaluation Services -
Adult Day Care Licensing, Care for Frail Adults, Adult Guardianships

Office on Aging -

health screenings, fairs, lectures, health exams

Recreation and Parks

TAXES AND FEES
Questions about your taxes and other fees you pay? The link above provides the answers that focuses on money matters in Howard County.

TRANSPORTATION AND ROADS
Getting there is part of the fun! Your travels in and through Howard County can be successful with up-to-date information about commuting, roads, parking and traffic.

VOICING CONCERNS
It is Howard County government's aim to treat residents like "customers." We invite you to air your concerns and share your ideas; this section suggests ways you can make a difference.

VOLUNTEERING
Volunteers furnish vital services to Howard County's citizens and share their expertise to help county workers. Donated time and skills enable government to provide additional programs without increasing revenue.

VOTING
Your vote counts!!! Information is provided in this section about elections, voting, voter registration, and running for office. The Board of Elections can answer your questions.

YOUR RESIDENCE
Howard County government provides many services specifically related to your home. Whether you need information about a building permit, home safety or recycling collection, this section provides a look at what is available for homeowners or renters.