UPDATE: Howard County has just announced significant changes to its service schedule for the upcoming New Year’s celebrations on January 1, 2024. Residents are advised that several county facilities will be closed as the community welcomes the new year.
On New Year’s Day, essential government offices, community centers, and local courts will be closed, impacting daily routines. Notably, waste collection services will not operate on January 1. Instead, the collection schedule will shift, with Thursday’s pickups occurring on Friday and Friday’s on Saturday.
While parks will remain open for public use, they will not have staff available for assistance. Operations are set to resume on January 2, designated as an Energy Saving Day, reflecting the county’s commitment to resource conservation.
Residents should be aware of early closures on New Year’s Eve, December 31. Community centers, including the Gary J. Arthur, North Laurel, and Roger Carter locations, will close their doors at 5:00 p.m.. The Harriet Tubman Cultural Center will also close at 5:00 p.m., while the Baltimore & Ohio Ellicott City Station Museum will wrap up even earlier at 3:00 p.m.
Public transportation will halt on New Year’s Day, with the Regional Transportation Agency (RTA) buses not running. For further inquiries regarding the RTA schedule, residents can call 1-800-270-9553 or visit their website.
Despite holiday closures, essential services remain operational. The 9-1-1 Center, along with the Police and Fire departments, will be fully staffed and vigilant throughout the festivities. Residents are reminded to call 9-1-1 for emergencies and 410-313-2200 for non-urgent matters.
Additionally, parking fees will not be enforced on January 1, providing residents with one less concern during the holiday.
Stay informed and plan accordingly as the New Year approaches!
