LEONARDTOWN, Md. — The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County (CSMC) convened their business meeting on March 11, 2025, starting with an invocation and pledge before approving the consent agenda. The meeting, held in the Chesapeake Building at 41770 Baldridge St., addressed key administrative actions, including a $30 million bond issuance and a $4.7 million transit grant, before transitioning to a legislative update and budget work session.
During County Administrator Time, the commissioners reviewed upcoming meeting agendas and took several votes. They approved a $15,746 Cooperative Reimbursement Agreement with the Maryland Department of Human Services for child support services through the St. Mary’s County Circuit Court. The FY2026 St. Mary’s Transit System (STS) Transportation Grant Application, totaling $4,734,815—comprising $3,586,725 in federal funds and $1,025,595 from the county—was also greenlit. Discussions highlighted upcoming STS changes, such as SSTEP expansion, new bus stops, and fare adjustments.
The commissioners further approved a budget-neutral reorganization in the Department of Land Use & Growth Management, reallocating funds from a vacant Planner IV position to an Assistant Permits Manager role. The 2024 Length of Service Awards Program (LOSAP) eligibility lists for volunteer fire, rescue, and advanced life support personnel were ratified, recognizing their service. Finally, a resolution authorizing $30 million in General Obligation Bonds was passed, funding previously approved projects like roadway improvements, school renovations, and the Adult Detention Center, with an estimated 3.76% interest rate.
A legislative update from the County Attorney’s Office followed. The CSMC opposed HB 1554/SB 1045, which would tax business services, potentially harming small businesses, and HB 1525, limiting municipal annexations. They also discussed HB 93/SB 234, which could impact the WARM homeless shelter program. Commissioner Eric Colvin later noted on his Facebook page that these bills could strain the local economy and services.
The meeting concluded with Commissioner Time, where Colvin highlighted the St. Mary’s County Farm Bureau Banquet and a new water supply tank installation in Callaway. A closed session on personnel matters preceded an afternoon Budget Work Session at 1:30 p.m., focusing on department requests and compensation. Residents can track the FY2026 budget process at https://bit.ly/SMCG-FY26-Budget, with live broadcasts on Channel 95 and recordings on YouTube at www.youtube.com/@StMarysCoGov.
St. Mary’s County, Maryland’s oldest, manages a $320 million budget for FY2025, per its website, balancing infrastructure, education, and public safety. The $30 million bond aligns with debt limits and supports projects like the Lettie Dent Modernization and Piney Point Elementary HVAC upgrades. The STS grant reflects a commitment to transit, serving over 300,000 riders annually, according to county data.
The next business meeting is set for March 18 at 9 a.m., followed by another budget session at 1:30 p.m. Documents and decisions are accessible via BoardDocs on the county website. Public attendance is encouraged, with all sessions open unless otherwise noted.
