LEONARDTOWN, MD – In a significant community gathering, the Commissioners of St. Mary’s County (CSMC) dedicated a portion of their business meeting to honor the St. Mary’s County Chamber of Commerce on its 50th anniversary. The ceremony, part of the Commissioners’ agenda, underscored the enduring partnership between the county government and the local business community.
The meeting commenced with traditional formalities—an invocation and the pledge of allegiance—followed by the Commissioners’ approval of the consent agenda, setting the tone for a session focused on community development and public safety enhancements.
Highlighting the day’s events was a proclamation to the St. Mary’s County Chamber of Commerce, celebrating its half-century of service to the business community. The Chamber, known for its vital role in supporting local businesses, invites the public to join its ongoing efforts to foster economic growth. More information can be found on their website at https://smcchamber.com.
During the County Administrator Time, a segment dedicated to operational updates and strategic planning, the Commissioners reviewed upcoming meeting agendas and took several critical actions aimed at enhancing community services and safety. Key decisions included the approval of the Maryland Highway Safety Grant for the Sheriff’s Office, aimed at improving road safety throughout the county.
Furthermore, the Commissioners received insightful presentations from external and internal stakeholders. Mission Critical Partners shared their assessment and recommendations on Emergency Medical Services in St. Mary’s County, offering a roadmap for enhanced emergency healthcare delivery. Michael Blackwell, the Director of St. Mary’s County Library, also provided updates on library services, highlighting the institution’s ongoing commitment to education and community engagement.
The Commissioners approved donated revenue for Congregate & Home Delivered Meal Programs to support vulnerable populations. They also ratified the Department of Social Services, Inter-Governmental Agency Agreement on behalf of the Local Management Board and the Poverty Alleviation System, Circles USA, showcasing the county’s dedication to reducing poverty and supporting social services.
Moreover, the Commissioners endorsed the Fire, Rescue, and ALS eligibility lists for the Length of Service Awards Program (LOSAP) for 2023, recognizing the invaluable contribution of emergency service volunteers. A budget amendment was also approved, reallocating salary savings to enhance the Commissioner’s Emergency Reserve, bolstering the county’s financial readiness for unforeseen challenges.
The session concluded with a legislative update from the Office of the County Attorney, ensuring that the Commissioners remain informed on the county’s legal and policy developments.
The day’s proceedings also included a Budget Work Session (BWS), part of the county’s transparent and participatory budgeting process. Residents are encouraged to engage with the budgeting process through the Budget Engage Page at http://bit.ly/SMCGFY25Budget, where they can access BWS videos and schedules and provide feedback on local priorities.
The next CSMC business meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at 9 a.m., with a subsequent BWS at 1:30 p.m. Meetings, open to the public, take place in the CSMC Meeting Room, Chesapeake Building, Leonardtown, and are broadcast live on the St. Mary’s County Government Channel 95 and the SMCG YouTube Channel. For more details on the county’s initiatives and meetings, visit stmaryscountymd.gov.
