LEONARDTOWN, MD – In a charming start to their latest session, the Commissioners of St. Mary’s County (CSMC) were visited by a unique envoy – Sunny the Squirrel, bearing an invitation to the eagerly anticipated Cherry Blossom Festival and a ceremony to inaugurate a new community garden.
Following this delightful interruption, the Commissioners settled into the day’s agenda, beginning with a customary invocation and the pledge of allegiance. The session continued with the approval of the consent agenda, setting the stage for a series of proclamations. These included acknowledgments of National Disabilities Awareness Month and Women’s History Month, underscoring the CSMC’s commitment to celebrating diversity and recognizing significant societal contributions.
A key moment in the meeting was the annual State of the College presentation, delivered by Dr. Yolanda Wilson, President of the College of Southern Maryland. Dr. Wilson’s update provided invaluable insights into the educational institution’s achievements and challenges, highlighting its integral role in the community.
The Commissioners’ agenda then shifted to County Administrator Time, a segment dedicated to forward-planning and decision-making. Among the actions taken were the approval of a Department of Housing and Community Development loan application by the Metropolitan Commission for a Capital Improvement Project, and the authorization for the Procurement Officer to award the Asphalt Overlay Services Contract for the 2024 calendar year to HOLCIM-MAR.
Further emphasizing their commitment to community development, the Commissioners approved requests for federal funding support for several county projects. These include initiatives like the YMCA, the Pegg Road Sidewalk Retrofit, and Street Intersection Lighting – projects that promise to enhance the quality of life for St. Mary’s County residents.
The legislative update from the Office of the County Attorney followed, ensuring that the Commissioners stayed informed on legal matters impacting their governance.
In the afternoon, the CSMC dedicated time to a Budget Work Session (BWS), emphasizing fiscal responsibility and public engagement in the budgeting process. The county has made it easier for residents to participate in this process through a dedicated Budget Engage Page, where citizens can access BWS videos, review the meeting schedule, and share their feedback on local priorities.
Looking ahead, the next CSMC business meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 12, 2024, at 9 a.m., with another BWS slated for 1:30 p.m. that day. These sessions, held in the Chesapeake Building in Leonardtown, are open to the public, ensuring transparency and community participation in local governance. For those unable to attend in person, meetings can be viewed live or on-demand through the St. Mary’s County Government Channel 95 or the SMCG YouTube Channel.
For more information about St. Mary’s County Government initiatives and upcoming meetings, residents are encouraged to visit the county’s official website.
This blend of community celebration, recognition of historical and societal contributions, and diligent governance underscores the Commissioners’ dedication to serving and enhancing the St. Mary’s County community.
