On Tuesday, Feb. 8, the Board of County Commissioners met with the Board of Education to discuss the fiscal implications of the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future. The Board of Education discussed three of the five policy areas, including early childhood education; high quality and diverse teachers and leaders; and college and career-ready pathways. The full impact of funding shortage to implement the Blueprint in fiscal 2023 is more than $4.6 million. The County Commissioners and Board of Education will continue to meet twice a year to discuss funding and programmatic implications and future trends and implementation deadlines.
- Department of Fiscal and Administrative Services staff provided a presentation on the fiscal 2022 second quarter General Fund Review. The county is expected to end the year with a surplus of almost $14 million mainly due to receipt of one-time revenues.
- Department of Fiscal and Administrative Services staff provided an update on the American Rescue Plan Act. The county was awarded more than $31 million recovery funds, which have supported local businesses and non-profits, public safety, infrastructure, administration, and public health.
Legislative Update
Associate County Attorney II Danielle Mitchell provided an update on the 2022 Maryland General Assembly Session. LR3178 and LR1734 are new bills relating to Charles County. Updates and additional information were also provided on House Bill 739, House Bill 514/ Senate Bill 388, House Bill 797, and House Bill 685. There are public hearings scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 9 for House Bill 136 and House Bill 646.
Commissioners also approved:
- A fiscal 2022 budget amendment increase of $140,000 for the groundwater study.
- Lease agreements with the Town of La Plata, the Melwood Center, and the Charles County Sheriff’s Office.
Appointments
- Reappointed Kathleen Quade as District 2 member on the Board of License Commissioners (Liquor Board).
Discussion
County Commissioners and Town of La Plata discussed a potential Water Supply Agreement between the County and the Town of La Plata. County Planning and Growth Management Deputy Director Jason Groth provided an overview of the history, current and future water resources, and the possible framework for establishing a water-supply agreement with the Town.
Joint Meeting
On Wednesday, Feb. 9, County Commissioners met with the Board of County Commissioners from Calvert and St. Mary’s Counties virtually to discuss animal adoption and resource center control; Police Accountability Board; an update on emergency medical services mutual aid; Senate Bill 413 and other legislation with local implications; and suicide prevention and awareness measures. County Commissioners discussed a further session to discuss suicide prevention measures relating to local bridges and utilizing local health departments for mental health assistance.
Public Hearings
County Commissioners provided a public hearing on Compensation Committee Report and Resolution. County Commissioners adopted Bill 2022-01 County Commissioners Compensation, and the public record was closed.
County Commissioners also provided a public hearing on Solid Waste Management Plan. County Commissioners approved the Resolution 2022-01 Solid Waste Management Plan, and the public record was closed.
Next Commissioners Session: Feb. 15, 2022