Charles County, MD – In a move to foster community development and engagement, Charles County officials introduced a new initiative aimed at enhancing local neighborhoods through Collaborative Community Improvement Projects. This 21-month pilot program, discussed by Chief Equity Officer Renesha Miles and Community Engagement Coordinator Doria Fleisher on Tuesday, is designed to solicit feedback on needed improvements directly from the community and align projects with the goals and objectives of the Board of County Commissioners.
The initiative seeks to involve a wide range of stakeholders in its planning stages, including the Board of County Commissioners, various government departments, community leaders, and local residents. Communities selected for the pilot are to be announced in June 2024, with project construction slated to begin in February 2025.
In addition to this community-focused project, the session covered a variety of legislative and planning updates significant to Charles County residents.
Legislative Updates and Planning
Assistant Deputy County Attorney Danielle Mitchell provided an update on the 2024 Maryland General Assembly session, highlighting key bills under consideration. One bill requires property developers to either dedicate land or pay a fee towards the creation or improvement of recreational facilities. Another seeks to mandate specific training for homeowners’ association members. The commissioners also reached a consensus to support a bill facilitating alcohol delivery services.
Planning Supervisor Joel Binkley discussed the county’s annual transportation priority letter, addressed to the Maryland Department of Transportation. The letter outlines priority projects for fiscal 2025, emphasizing the Southern Maryland Rapid Transit Project and pedestrian safety improvements along the US 301 Corridor in Waldorf and its intersection with Smallwood Drive. The commissioners approved the transportation priority letter, underlining their commitment to enhancing local infrastructure and safety.
Budget Adjustments and Appointments
The session also saw the approval of a significant budget transfer, allocating $426,300 from the unassigned fund balance to cover legal fees associated with the County Attorney’s Declaratory Judgement and post-decision appeal processes. The approved budget reflects both carried-over and additional funds necessitated by legal challenges faced in fiscal 2023 and 2024.
Furthermore, the commissioners acted on several appointments to Boards and Commissions, filling crucial roles in the Commission for Veterans Affairs, the Interfaith Commission, the Property Tax Assessment Appeal Board, the Nuisance Abatement Hearing Board, the Ethics Commission, the Animal Matters Hearing Board, and the Charles County Police Accountability Board. These appointments are part of the county’s effort to engage a diverse group of community members in its governance and advisory boards.
The next Commissioners Session is scheduled for March 19-20, 2024, continuing the discussion on initiatives and policies aimed at improving the quality of life for Charles County residents.
