In a series of budget work sessions concluded on May 7, Charles County’s Commissioners, along with key department heads, reviewed and discussed potential amendments to the Fiscal 2025 budget, set for formal adoption on May 14. The sessions, led by Jacob Dyer, Acting Director of the Department of Fiscal and Administrative Services, and Assistant Chief of Budget, TaTanya Bowman, centered on changes proposed through commissioner’s add/delete forms which adjust the budget pre-adoption.
The briefings on May 7 also encompassed discussions on the Fiscal 2025-Fiscal 2029 capital improvement program and general fund alterations. For further details on the Fiscal 2025 proposed budget, a full news release is available here.
In addition to fiscal planning, commissioners were updated on various county department activities including the Department of Emergency Services and the Office of the County Administrator. A significant part of the discussions was the Rural Broadband Taskforce’s update, presented by Acting Deputy County Administrator Jenifer Ellin, along with Chief Information Officer Evelyn Jacobson and Network Specialist II Matt Jacobson. ThinkBig Networks, a participant in the broadband expansion project, confirmed the completion of the Nanjemoy-Cobb Neck Broadband buildout in February 2024, extending fiber optic connectivity to over 1500 residents. An upcoming project is set to further expand coverage to approximately 290 properties in Northern Nanjemoy by the end of August 2025.
Public hearings held included debates on the Community Development Block Grant Application, resulting in a 3-2 vote to keep the record open until May 20 for further comments on a land procurement for affordable housing in La Plata. Another unanimous decision postponed closing remarks on 37 local legislative proposals until June 7, with a follow-up session scheduled for June 11.
Among the approvals, a notable resolution declared Charles County a “Stroke Smart County” and support was confirmed for the Charles County Sheriff’s Office to apply for the fiscal 2026 Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Hiring Program. The session also saw reappointments to several county boards and commissions, emphasizing the ongoing commitment to community governance and support.
Commissioners also took the occasion to proclaim recognition of various national observances and awareness weeks, such as Foster Care Awareness Month, National Drug Court Month, and several others promoting public health, heritage, and community service.
The next commissioners’ session is slated for May 14-15, and those interested in viewing can access the meeting online via the Commissioner Listening Session here.
