Howard County voters overwhelmingly approved a ballot measure Tuesday to create a new inspector general’s office.

Meanwhile, voters in Anne Arundel and Harford counties approved most of the local measures on their ballots. However, one measure failed in Anne Arundel County; this would have increased the term of office of the members of the Appeals Commission.

Here’s a look at how the local ballot measures played out:

Howard County

With all voting precincts reporting on Election Day, a measure to create an Office of Inspector General in Howard County passed with nearly 85 percent of the vote.

Last summer, the County Council introduced bills to create an OIG to investigate whistleblower complaints, county operations and spending. The county, which has a $2.4 billion budget this year, does not have an independent agency authorized to investigate possible fraud, waste and abuse. The proposal received unanimous support from elected officials and an outpouring of support from the public.

Citing the importance of “citizen buy-in,” the council decided to put the issue on the November ballot.

During the election, Lillian Utz, 22, said she voted for the ballot measure because she felt “a lot of money was being spent on things it shouldn’t be being spent on.” However, Carmichael Dedier, 56, said he is not in favor of creating a general inspection office because he considers it an “excess of power.”

Harford County

In Harford County, county council members — who previously had no term limits — will be prohibited from serving more than three consecutive four-year terms. The measure passed with about 91 percent of the vote.

Anne Arundel County

Voters approved 3 out of 4 voting questions in Anne Arundel County.

Question A allows the County Council to increase the minimum amount for contracts to go through a streamlined competitive contracting process – from more than $5,000 to more than $10,000. It was adopted with almost 58% of the votes.

Question B, which was supported by 89 percent of voters, requires all County Council meetings and legislative sessions to comply with Maryland’s Open Meetings Law. The county charter says all council meetings must be open to the public, while state law allows some meetings to be closed, such as to discuss personnel or legal matters.

Question D expands the types of records that can be reviewed by the county auditor and clarifies the responsibilities of the position. He received 90%.

Voters, however, rejected Question C, which would have relaxed the term limits for Board of Appeals members from two consecutive four-year terms to three consecutive four-year terms. He was defeated by a margin of 63 to 37 percent.

Reporter Maya Lora contributed to this story.