Howard County Quorum Court Approves Budget Changes, Backs State Bond Resolution
The Howard County Quorum Court met in regular session Monday, approving amendments to the county’s 2026 operating budget, adopting a resolution supporting a statewide bond issue, and authorizing the use of county sales tax revenue for road improvement projects.
Justices of the Peace approved Ordinance 2026-9, which amends the county’s 2026 operating budget. The ordinance increases the Howard County Road General Supplies budget by $251.54 from a class action lawsuit settlement involving the City of Laurel, Mississippi. It also increases the Howard County 911 telephone and fax landline budget by $322.95 and the County Clerk’s telephone and fax landline budget by $61.47, both resulting from AT&T credits on final bills.
The ordinance also decreases the Howard County Road Budget’s bridge and steel line item by $89,610, with those funds being transferred back into the county’s contingency fund for the Holly Creek Reservoir Road project.
Justice of the Peace Andi Hogg made the motion to approve the ordinance, which was seconded by Justice of the Peace Don Marks. The measure was approved by the court.
The Quorum Court also approved Resolution 2026-2 in support of Issue 4, a statewide ballot measure created under Act 578 of 2025. The proposal will appear on the November general election ballot and seeks voter approval for the issuance of state general obligation bonds to help counties, cities and other local entities improve critical water and wastewater infrastructure.
Before the meeting concluded, Howard County Judge Brent Pinkerton reported that the county has collected $342,458.50 in county sales tax revenue. Pinkerton then requested authorization to use up to $500,000 in sales tax funds for road paving projects this year, saying the goal is to get ahead on planned road improvements.
He then outlined the roads he plans to address as part of the upcoming improvement efforts.
Following discussion, the Quorum Court approved the request, allowing the county to use the sales tax revenue for road improvement projects.