LEONARDTOWN, Md. — The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County (CSMC) convened their March 25, 2025, business meeting, setting the stage for a public hearing on the proposed FY2026 county budget. The meeting, held in the Chesapeake Building, began with an invocation and pledge, followed by approval of the consent agenda and a proclamation recognizing Equal Pay Day, presented to the Commission for Women.
During County Administrator Time, the commissioners reviewed upcoming meeting agendas and approved a letter to the Maryland Department of Transportation outlining FY2026 transportation priorities. The letter emphasizes the stalled progress on the Governor Thomas Johnson “Solomons” Bridge and details needs in categories like highway projects, alternative pathways, and public transit. They also received an update on St. Mary’s 2050, the county’s comprehensive plan, focusing on recent community outreach efforts.
A public hearing addressed ZONE24-0002, a zoning change request for a property at 25741 Three Notch Road in Hollywood. The proposal seeks to shift the land use from Rural Preservation to Rural Commerce and rezone it from Rural Preservation District (RPD) to Rural Commercial Limited (RCL). Three speakers participated—two opposed, one in favor—with the commissioners taking input under advisement.
The main agenda featured approvals for three future public hearings. On April 29, a hearing will consider ZONE24-0040, proposing to reclassify 20698 Goddard Road in Great Mills from Rural Preservation to Mixed-Use Medium-Intensity and rezone it accordingly.
Two hearings are set for April 22 at 6:30 p.m. at Leonardtown High School: one to establish an Active Volunteer Fire Fighting and Rescue Squad Response Rewards Program, and another on the FY2026 Recommended Budget. The budget totals $348,398,191 for the General Fund, with revenues of $337,398,191 and $11,475,119 from the fund balance for non-recurring costs. It maintains current income and property tax rates while adjusting some enterprise fund fees.
Commissioner Eric Colvin voted against the budget, citing concerns over fairness and inadequate support for county employees and partner agencies. “The good news is that this is not the final version of the budget,” he noted on his Facebook page. “There will be time after the public hearing for adjustments and changes, especially once we have more solid information from the state.”
The budget hearing encourages community input, with resources available at the county’s Budget Engage Page. Residents can review the timeline, watch work session videos, and submit feedback. Public hearing details are posted at www.stmaryscountymd.gov/PublicHearings.
A legislative update from the County Attorney’s Office followed, with the CSMC voting to send letters on two bills: support with amendments for HB 1084/SB 942 (Correctional Services funding) and opposition to HB 728/SB 495 (Opioid Restitution Fund uses). Commissioner Time included Colvin’s remarks on Maryland Day, the budget, a local high school play, and the Cherry Blossom Festival. The meeting concluded with a closed session on personnel matters.
The next CSMC meeting is scheduled for April 1 at 9 a.m., open to the public and streamed live on Channel 95 or YouTube (@StMarysCoGov). Decisions and documents are accessible via BoardDocs on the county website.
