WALDORF, MD – In a series of meetings concluding on Tuesday, Charles County officials presented updates on the fiscal 2025 budget, community initiatives, and upcoming projects aimed at improving local infrastructure and community services.
Jacob Dyer, Acting Director of the Department of Fiscal and Administrative Services, alongside TaTanya Bowman, Assistant Chief of Budget, engaged in budget work sessions focused on special revenue funds. These funds are earmarked for specific purposes, ensuring that certain revenues are utilized for legally designated activities. The briefings aimed to recap discussions from earlier sessions, leading up to the formal budget adoption scheduled for May 14.
During the briefings, the proposal to rename Black History Month to African American Heritage Month in February was highlighted. Renesha Miles, Chief Equity Officer, emphasized the need for community consultations over the summer to discuss the name change with county partners.
In a separate presentation, the Department of Recreation, Parks, and Tourism outlined significant developments. Sam Drury, Deputy Director, and other department heads discussed efforts to enhance local recreation and tourism facilities, including a move to a new site on Centennial Street. Plans are also underway to improve services at Mallows Bay, including a feasibility study for a new visitor center and a comprehensive master plan for future developments.
The commissioners approved several key items including a $390,000 budget amendment for the Environmental Services Program. This funding is earmarked for the purchase of a 77-acre parcel next to the old Pisgah Landfill, which will facilitate groundwater monitoring and potentially host future mulching operations.
Further approvals included a lease for additional space in White Plains to expand facilities for economic development, emergency services, and transit staff. The commissioners also endorsed a request to illuminate county government buildings in green to mark Mental Health Awareness Month, and approved a funding request to the Department of Justice for a community-based violence intervention and prevention initiative.
Key actions on boards and commissions included the appointments of Robert Ansell and Timothy Huntt to the Board of Fire & Rescue and the Maryland Fire Service Personnel Qualifications Board, respectively.
The next commissioners’ sessions are scheduled for May 7-8, with options to view the meeting and Commissioner Listening Session available online.
