LEONARDTOWN, Md., April 23, 2025 — The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County (CSMC) approved the sale of 41 surplus county-owned properties during their April 22, 2025, business meeting. These properties, acquired through tax foreclosures, will be sold to return them to private ownership, with listings and applications available at County Attorney’s page.
The meeting opened with an invocation, pledge, and approval of the consent agenda, followed by proclamations for Administrative Professionals’ Day, National County Government Month, Afterschool Professionals’ Appreciation Week, Earth Day, and Sexual Assault Awareness Month. The CSMC recognized three apprentices from the Dr. James A. Forrest Career and Technology Center—Bryce Burch, Cole Horner, and John Lang—for their work with county government in roles including help desk support, equipment maintenance, and engineering assistance.
The St. Mary’s County Metropolitan Commission (MetCom) presented its FY2026 Capital Improvement Budget and FY2027-2031 Capital Improvement Plan, outlining infrastructure priorities. The main agenda item, the surplus property sale, involves parcels primarily in Longview Beach, with purchase prices ranging from $4,500 to $140,500, totaling $88,722.99 to cover taxes and legal fees. A public hearing on April 8, 2025, facilitated community input, and the county anticipates selling 10 to 15 properties initially.
During County Administrator Time, the CSMC reviewed upcoming meeting agendas and approved: a $519,536 Sheriff’s Office FY2026 Cooperative Reimbursement Agreement for a Maryland Department of Human Services Child Support Grant (with a $315,432 county match); a reorganization of three State’s Attorney’s Office positions (Deputy State’s Attorney, Chief of Staff, and Communications Coordinator) to achieve salary savings; and a one-year renewal of the Golf Course Manager’s employment contract.
Commissioner Eric Colvin highlighted community events, including the COSMIC Symphony Concert on April 27 at the Nancy R. & Norton T. Dodge Performing Arts Center, the Commission on the Environment’s Earth Day Celebration at Summerseat Farm on April 26, and the Southern Maryland Volunteer Fireman’s Association convention in Leonardtown. He proposed shifting the May 6 public forum to May 13 to extend budget feedback, emphasizing transparency.
That evening, the CSMC held six public hearings at Leonardtown High School on topics including a volunteer first responder rewards program, tax rate increases for Hollywood and Leonardtown Volunteer Rescue Squads to 0.030, environmental health fee revisions, proposed fee increases, and the FY2026 Recommended Budget. Public comment on the budget is open through April 29, 2025. A joint meeting with the Patuxent River Naval Air Station’s Commanding Officer is set for April 29 at 9 a.m. at the Frank Knox Building.
The surplus property sale aligns with the county’s practice of disposing of tax-foreclosed properties to reduce maintenance costs and boost tax rolls. Interested buyers must apply through the County Attorney’s Office, with sales expected to proceed after legal reviews.
