LA PLATA, Md. – On Tuesday, May 14, the Charles County Commissioners convened for the final review and approval of the Fiscal Year 2025 General Operating Budget and the FY 2025-2029 Capital Improvement Projects. Acting Director of the Department of Fiscal and Administrative Services, Jacob Dyer, and Assistant Chief of Budget, Ms. TaTanya Bowman, led the briefing which covered key budget amendments and the overall fiscal strategy.
After a thorough presentation and discussion, the Commissioners unanimously approved the fiscal 2025 budget. This approval encompassed the general fund budget, capital improvement program, enterprise fund budgets, and the County’s fees and charges list. The vote marks a significant step in addressing the county’s financial and infrastructural needs for the upcoming year.
Briefings:
The session included several notable briefings. Dr. Dianna Abney, Health Officer, delivered the bi-annual report from the Charles County Department of Health. Her presentation highlighted critical updates, such as advancements in the Nursing Program, the introduction of a Virtual Narcan training program, events planned for Mental Health Awareness Month, and details about the upcoming second-annual “Prep 4 Pride” Festival, scheduled for Saturday, May 18, from noon to 6 p.m.
Julie Walton, Director of the Charles County Community Mediation Center at the College of Southern Maryland, briefed the commissioners on the center’s recent activities. Additionally, Joseph Green, Director of Strategic Partnerships at GS Proctor & Associates, discussed the Brighter Tomorrow Act. Passed during the 2024 Maryland General Assembly, this law affects Solar Energy Generating Systems in the state by establishing the Small Solar Energy Generating System Incentive Program and extending the duration of renewable energy credits.
Martin Harris, Director, Charles A. Strawberry, Jr., Capital Services Program Manager, Department of Public Works, and Kelly Robertson-Slagle, Director of the Department on Economic Development, provided a presentation on the feasibility of placing a logo on a water tower to promote the county. The Commissioners deliberated on using the Bryan’s Road tower as a promotional vehicle for the Charles County Western Technology Corridor and directed staff to develop related policies.
Public Hearings:
The Commissioners held a public hearing on Bill 2024-09: Zoning Map Amendment 23-03 Martin Knapp Properties. The proposed bill seeks to rezone 8.1 acres along Leonardtown Road and Moses Way from Central Business to High-Density Residential. After consideration, the Commissioners voted 3-2 to close the record and pass the bill.
Another public hearing focused on the draft Proposed Amendment to Indenture Docket 250 Villages at Swan Point. This bill aims to include definitions for Time-Share properties and Fractional Ownership, among other changes. The Commissioners decided unanimously to keep the record open for thirty days for further public input.
Additionally, the Commissioners unanimously passed Proposed Bill 2024-10: Amendments to the Charles County Building Code, reflecting updates to ensure the code aligns with current standards and practices.
Approval Items:
Several key items received approval during the session:
- A letter of response to the Board of Fire and Rescue regarding the Fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Assessment Final Report.
- A joint use agreement between Charles County Public Schools and the Department of Recreation, Parks, and Tourism.
For those interested in viewing the meeting and the Commissioner Listening Session, a viewing option is available here.
The next Commissioners’ session is scheduled for May 21 – May 22.
