Howard County Reveals New Year’s Schedule and Service Changes

Howard County has announced its service schedule and facility closures for the New Year’s holiday, impacting various government operations on January 1, 2024. As the community celebrates the arrival of a new year, several county facilities—including government offices, community centers, and local courts—will be closed. Residents can find a complete list of closures on the official Howard County Government website.

As New Year’s Day approaches, the regular services that residents rely on will also experience changes. Waste collection will be suspended on January 1, following the “slide” system. This means that Thursday’s waste collection will shift to Friday, and Friday’s collection will move to Saturday. While parks will remain open, they will not have staff on site. County operations will resume on January 2, designated as an Energy Saving Day, emphasizing the county’s commitment to resource management.

New Year’s Eve and Essential Services

On New Year’s Eve, December 31, community centers will close early. The Gary J. Arthur, North Laurel, and Roger Carter Community Centers, as well as the Harriet Tubman Cultural Center, will close at 17:00. In contrast, the Baltimore & Ohio Ellicott City Station Museum will close even earlier at 15:00.

Public transportation will also be affected, as the Regional Transportation Agency (RTA) will not operate buses on New Year’s Day. For updated information regarding the RTA schedule, residents can call 1-800-270-9553 or visit the agency’s website. Additionally, parking fees will not be enforced on January 1, allowing residents to celebrate without worrying about parking costs.

Despite the holiday closures, essential services will remain operational. The 9-1-1 Center, along with the Police Department and Fire Department, will maintain staffing around the clock. Residents are urged to call 9-1-1 for emergencies, while non-urgent matters can be directed to 410-313-2200.

As Howard County prepares for New Year’s festivities, these adjustments are designed to ensure safety and accessibility for all residents while allowing for a brief pause in regular operations.