LEONARDTOWN, MD – The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County (CSMC) convened this week to deliberate on critical issues affecting the local community, including budget proposals and public hearing schedules for YMCA development and budget recommendations for Fiscal Year 2025.
The meeting kicked off with customary proceedings, including an invocation and the pledge of allegiance, followed by the approval of the consent agenda. A notable moment was the presentation of a proclamation in honor of National Public Health Week, highlighting the commissioners’ recognition of public health importance.
Central to the meeting’s agenda were authorizations for public hearings, crucial for future community development and fiscal planning. The commissioners scheduled two significant hearings for April 23, 2024. The morning session, at 9:30 a.m., will address the Program Open Space Conversion application concerning the Great Mills Pool and St. Mary’s Gymnastics Academy properties earmarked for YMCA development. The evening session, at 6:30 p.m., will focus on the FY2025 Recommended Budget.
Key budget proposals include an increase in the local income tax percentage to 3.2%, adjustments to government fees and charges, and tax rate hikes for volunteer fire departments in Leonardtown, Mechanicsville, and Ridge to 0.056%. The budget also outlines scheduling nonrecurring costs to the Maryland State Department of Education.
Residents are encouraged to engage with the budget process through the Budget Engage Page, offering access to work session videos, budget documents, and a platform for public feedback.
Further actions taken by the commissioners included reviewing upcoming meeting agendas and approving resolutions. These resolutions support the Metropolitan Commission’s authority to issue infrastructure bonds and the FY2025 STS Grant Application.
The legislative update was provided by the Office of the County Attorney, keeping the commissioners informed on relevant legal matters.
Looking ahead, the CSMC will not convene on April 2 but will hold a joint meeting with the Commanding Officer of NAS Patuxent River on April 9 at the Frank Knox Center in Lexington Park. This meeting will adjourn and later resume for additional business discussions.
The decisions made by the CSMC and related documents are accessible to the public through the county government’s BoardDocs system. Community members can participate in meetings in person or view proceedings live on the St. Mary’s County Government Channel 95 or on-demand via the county’s YouTube channel.
