UPDATE: Howard County has just announced significant service changes for the New Year’s holiday, impacting residents as they ring in January 1, 2024. Essential services will continue, but many county facilities will close, affecting local routines.
Several county offices, including government buildings, activity rooms, community centers, and local courts, will be closed on New Year’s Day. Residents are urged to visit the Howard County Government website for a full list of closures.
On Thursday, January 1st, waste collection services will not operate. The county will implement a “slide” schedule where Thursday collections will shift to Friday and Friday collections to Saturday. This adjustment is crucial for residents who depend on these services.
Parks will remain open but will lack regular staffing, so visitors should plan accordingly. County operations are set to resume on January 2nd, noted as an Energy Saving Day, reflecting ongoing efforts to conserve resources while returning to regular governance.
As the countdown to the New Year approaches, residents planning to visit community centers should take note of early closures on December 31st. The Gary J. Arthur, North Laurel, and Roger Carter Community Centers, along with the Harriet Tubman Cultural Center, will close at 5:00 p.m.. The Baltimore & Ohio Ellicott City Station Museum will close even earlier at 3:00 p.m.
Public transportation will pause on New Year’s Day, with the Regional Transportation Agency (RTA) buses not running. For RTA schedule inquiries, residents can call 1-800-270-9553 or visit their website. Additionally, parking fees will not be enforced on January 1st, providing some relief to residents celebrating the holiday.
Despite the adjustments for the New Year, essential services remain fully operational. The 9-1-1 Center, along with the Police and Fire departments, will be staffed around the clock. In emergencies, residents are reminded to call 9-1-1. For non-urgent matters, the contact number is 410-313-2200.
Stay tuned for more updates as Howard County prepares for the New Year celebrations.
