The Howard County Council is the legislative branch of local government under the authorization of the Howard County Charter--the county's constitution. The Council consists of five members who serve four-year terms and who, since 1986, have been elected from five separate districts. There is a three term limit for Council Members. As the legislative branch of government, the Council's major responsibility is approving the laws for Howard County. The Council's law-making powers include the annual authorization of the county's operating and capital budgets as well as approval of the tax rate. In addition, the legislative body authorizes the issuance of all county bonds and approves all master plans for the physical development of the county.
