LEONARDTOWN, MD – The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County (CSMC) conducted a packed agenda at their recent meeting, recognizing community milestones, approving key grants, and beginning budget planning for the fiscal year 2026.
The meeting opened with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the approval of the consent agenda, which included commissioner appointments to various boards and committees for 2025. Notable appointments include Commissioner Eric Colvin as Navy Alliance representative and MACo Legislative Committee alternate.
Proclamations and Recognitions
The Commissioners issued proclamations to commemorate World Children’s Day, the Great American Smokeout, Giving Tuesday, and National Diabetes Awareness Month. Additionally, the 2024 Citizens Academy graduates were recognized with certificates for their participation in the program, which provides insight into county government operations.
Health and Commerce Briefings
The CSMC transitioned into the Board of Health to hear a presentation from Dr. Meena Brewster, St. Mary’s County Health Officer. Dr. Brewster addressed public health concerns and services, including an anticipated proposal to increase Environmental Health fees.
The Commissioners also received a briefing from Christine Bergmark, CEO of the St. Mary’s County Chamber of Commerce, celebrating the Chamber’s 50th anniversary and highlighting its strategic initiatives. Bergmark encouraged families with middle school students to participate in the Chamber-organized Civics Bee, an educational competition.
County Administrator Time: Grant Approvals and Legislative Proposals
During County Administrator Time, the Commissioners approved several grants and initiatives:
- State Homeland Security Grant: Approved $97,682 for emergency services projects.
- Emergency Management Performance Grant: Approved $82,874 with a 100% in-kind county match for weather monitoring and emergency message boards.
- ARPA Funds for Emergency Services: Allocated $414,960 to replace the Department of Emergency Services’ microwave radio system, a critical component of the county’s communications infrastructure.
However, the Commissioners deferred or declined certain proposals:
- Compensation Review Commission Recommendations: Declined forwarding the 2024 report to the State Delegation.
- Capital Improvement Plan Bonds: Deferred the $94 million public facilities bond proposal pending further budget discussions.
The Commissioners approved other legislative proposals, including one allowing the Alcoholic Beverage Board to issue multiple licenses in specific cases and another amending the term of service for Library Board of Trustees members.
To boost employee morale, the Commissioners granted December 24 and December 26, 2024, as additional paid holidays. Commissioner Colvin suggested formalizing this recurring benefit to enhance recruitment and retention efforts.
First FY 2026 Budget Work Session
The afternoon session focused on the FY 2026 budget, including discussions on the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). Residents can access the county budget timeline and meeting materials online at SMCG-FY26-Budget.
Looking Ahead
The CSMC will not hold a meeting on November 26 due to the Thanksgiving holiday. Instead, they will meet with the Naval Air Station Patuxent River leadership on December 3, 2024, at 9 a.m. in the Frank Knox Building. Regular business meetings will resume at 11 a.m. that day in Leonardtown.
All meetings are open to the public and can be viewed live on TV Channel 95 or on-demand via YouTube.
For more information, visit St. Mary’s County Government.
