Charles County commissioners held a roundtable discussion on Tuesday, February 25, to address the local effects of federal executive orders and workforce changes. The conversation brought together county officials, regional leaders, and state and federal partners to examine the response to the shifting federal employment landscape and its impact on Charles County workers and businesses.
As part of ongoing efforts to support affected residents, the Charles County Department of Economic Development has launched an online resource center. The website provides job search tools, unemployment assistance, benefits program details, and additional support to help former federal employees transition into new opportunities.
Legislative Updates and Policy Decisions
During the meeting, Assistant Deputy County Attorney Danielle Mitchell provided an update on the 2025 Maryland General Assembly session. Commissioners agreed to send letters of support for a bill that would grant the Charles County Sheriff’s Office authority to regulate off-road vehicles on highways. They also endorsed legislation that would require additional training for homeowners association members to enhance their understanding of responsibilities.
Commissioners also took a stance on proposed changes to liquor laws, responding to concerns raised by the local Liquor Board. Following a public hearing on February 13, where speakers opposed two bills that would expand beer and wine sales, commissioners voted 4-1 to send a formal letter opposing the legislation.
Additionally, the commissioners voted to oppose HB 352, the Budget Reconciliation and Financing Act of 2025. The bill includes provisions that would shift $2.7 million in teacher pension costs from the state to Charles County, a move the commissioners believe would place an undue financial burden on the county.
Briefings and Reports on County Initiatives
Several department heads and organizational leaders provided updates on ongoing county programs and initiatives.
Christie Burnett, Executive Director of the Charles County Charitable Trust, presented an annual report on the trust’s funding allocations. In 2024, the trust awarded approximately $1.7 million in grants to over 60 nonprofit organizations, supported by both the county’s nonprofit grant program and additional rounds of funding through the American Rescue Plan Act.
Resilience Authority of Charles County Executive Director Stacy Schaefer reported on environmental and infrastructure projects funded through grants secured by the authority. Notable initiatives include the creation of a stormwater pocket park at the Elite Gymnastics Recreation Center, financial support for the Residential Stormwater Drainage Improvement Program, and shoreline restoration work in the Town of Indian Head.
Acting Director of Fiscal and Administrative Services Jacob Dyer and Chief of Treasury Eric Jackson provided commissioners with a briefing on delinquent commercial taxes. The report outlined the number of delinquent businesses, the percentage of back taxes collected, and the trends in tax recovery between 2021 and 2024.
Public Hearings and Land Donations
During the evening session, commissioners held three public hearings.
The first hearing involved a request from the Bryans Road Volunteer Fire Department to enter a tax-exempt loan agreement to purchase a new aerial ladder truck. The $600,000 loan would allow the department to replace its current equipment, with the new vehicle expected to enter service in 2028. Commissioners unanimously approved the request.
Two additional hearings focused on land donations. The first involved a proposal to donate five acres of land along Davis Road in Waldorf to Hospice of the Chesapeake, while the county retained 15 acres of the original parcel. Commissioners approved the donation.
The second hearing centered on an 8.7-acre land donation along Country Lane in Waldorf requested by Melwood. The initial request was submitted in September 2023. While commissioners voted to close the public record, final approval will come in the form of a resolution at a later date.
Approval of Budget Amendments and Funding Requests
Commissioners approved several budget amendments and funding allocations during the session. These included:
- A $150,000 budget amendment increase to support a public safety ordinance consultant study, marking the first step in developing an adequate public safety ordinance.
- A $2 million budget amendment increase to reimburse the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission for 15% of construction costs related to the Clinton Zone Phase IV Transmission Main project.
- A $397,000 budget amendment increase designated for potential property purchases.
- A $100,000 budget transfer to meet the match requirement for grant funding necessary to conduct major repairs at Stagg Hall.
Commissioners also approved letters of support for multiple grant applications. One letter endorsed a funding request to restore the historic Rich Hill property. Another supported the Maryland Veterans Museum’s application for a federal earmark in fiscal year 2026 to enhance its facilities.
Additionally, commissioners approved the fiscal year 2026 VanGO Annual Transportation Plan, along with an authorizing resolution for continued VanGO services.
Looking Ahead
The roundtable discussion on federal workforce changes highlighted the county’s commitment to addressing economic shifts at the local level. As legislative sessions continue, the commissioners remain focused on advocating for policies that benefit Charles County residents, businesses, and institutions.
Budget planning, infrastructure improvements, and community resource development remain priorities in the coming months as the county works to balance growth with fiscal responsibility.
