LEONARDTOWN, MD – The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County (CSMC) held their recent business meeting on Tuesday, initiating with an invocation, the pledge of allegiance, and approving the consent agenda. The commissioners also recognized two groups with proclamations: November as National Family Caregiver Month and Animal Shelter Appreciation Week.
Tri-County Council Presentation
John Hartline, Executive Director of the Tri-County Council, delivered a presentation detailing ongoing initiatives and programs that impact St. Mary’s County. Commissioners listened to Hartline’s overview of regional projects and discussed the council’s efforts to bolster resources and services in the tri-county area.
County Administrator Time: Fiscal Actions and Grant Approvals
The meeting proceeded to County Administrator Time, where commissioners approved several fiscal measures and grants. Highlights included:
- FY2025 Residential Substance Abuse Treatment Grant: A $221,270 grant for the Sheriff’s Office was approved, with the county already budgeting a match of $73,757 in salary and fringe costs to support local substance abuse treatment initiatives.
- FY2025 Senior Rides Operating Grant Agreement: The commissioners approved a $14,000 grant for the Department of Aging and Human Services, supplemented by a $4,667 county match, an additional $15,879 in county funding, and $3,000 in other income. This program aims to provide vital transportation services for senior residents.
- Termination and Replacement of Stormwater Management Agreement: The commissioners endorsed terminating a longstanding stormwater maintenance agreement with Great Mills Court Association Limited Partnership from 1983. Replacing it with a new, legally binding arrangement will enable the Green Street project to satisfy investor requirements and secure necessary funding.
- Budget Realignment: A budget amendment was approved to realign $511,757 in salary savings to the Commissioner’s Emergency Reserve, redirecting resources to address upcoming needs.
- FY2026 Operating Budget: The commissioners discussed foundational expectations for the FY2026 budget. Commissioner Eric Colvin emphasized priorities, including maintaining no tax rate increases, carefully reviewing department budgets, and withholding new positions if current vacancies exceed six months. Additionally, Colvin stressed competitive EMT salaries and honoring commitments to county employees and the Length of Service Award Program (LOSAP) for volunteer firefighters and EMS.
- Employment Contract for Animal Services Division Manager: The board approved the contract for Hollis Lampe as the new Animal Services Division Manager, solidifying leadership in this vital department.
Public Meeting and Future Sessions
The commissioners closed their session with Commissioner Time, where individual members provided updates. Colvin shared insights from recent events, including the Hollywood Volunteer Rescue Squad’s officer installation.
There will be no CSMC meeting on Tuesday, November 12, due to the Veterans Day holiday. The next session is scheduled for Tuesday, November 19, at 9 a.m. in the CSMC Meeting Room, located on the first floor of the Chesapeake Building in Leonardtown. Following this meeting, a Budget Work Session will take place at 1 p.m. Decisions and related documents are available on the St. Mary’s County Government (SMCG) website via BoardDocs. The public is invited to attend, and the meetings are available live on TV Channel 95 and on-demand through the county’s YouTube channel.
