A large part of the Howard County is experiencing economic hardship because of the coronavirus.
On Wednesday, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball announced a hiring freeze for the county as officials prepare for a budget deficit caused by COVID-19 spending.
He signed an executive order that clarifies guidance for operations and services for residents.
Ball also said he submitted his budget proposal to the city council last week.
"The impact response recovery is going to affect everyone financially including the Howard County government. We're already taking action to help weather this outbreak both in the current and upcoming fiscal years."
Ball also announced another death in Howard County. The resident was a woman in her 80's.
So far, the county has 274 confirmed cases and three deaths.
