LA PLATA, Md., May 9, 2025 — Charles County Commissioners held briefings on May 6 and 7 to review the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget, covering the General Fund, Capital Improvement Program, Special Revenue Funds, and Enterprise Funds. Led by Acting Director Jacob Dyer, Chief of Budget Samantha Chiriaco, and Assistant Chief TaTanya Bowman from the Department of Fiscal and Administrative Services, the sessions addressed key financial priorities, including the fiscal impact of switching to weekly recycling and historical funding for the Sheriff’s Office, Board of Education, and County Government.
On May 7, Commissioners received updates on the Fiscal Year 2025 General Fund and American Rescue Plan Act allocations. They also conferred with representatives from La Plata and Indian Head on the Fiscal Year 2026 Tax Differential. The day concluded with a public hearing on the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget, allowing community input. The Commissioners are scheduled to adopt the budget on May 20.
Dr. Dianna Abney, Health Officer, presented the Bi-Annual Health Department Report, highlighting the status of measles in the United States and updates on disease prevention and health promotion programs. Michelle Lilly, Director of Emergency Services, alongside Jennifer Mott, Dr. Kevin Seamen, Constance Coggins, and Tia Deloatch, briefed the Commissioners on the Mobile Integrated Health and Mobile Crisis Teams. Established in 2017 through a partnership with the Charles County Department of Health and Charles Regional Medical Center, the Mobile Integrated Health Team connects residents to care and community resources. The Mobile Crisis Team, serving Charles and St. Mary’s Counties, provides immediate intervention for acute mental health crises.
Beth Groth, Climate Resilience and Sustainability Officer, presented the Maryland Climate Adaptation Report Card, which gave Charles County a B- grade for climate resilience. The report praised the county’s strengths in groundwater management, living shorelines, and flooding preparedness but noted areas for improvement in hurricane resistance, extreme weather, and riverine flooding. Commissioners also discussed forming a Fire Suppression Task Force, giving consensus for the Board of Fire and Rescue to study and recommend improvements to fire prevention services and volunteer organization structures. The Board will propose a timeline and work plan later.
Commissioners approved three items: the VanGO Five Year Transit Development Plan, outlining service and organizational improvements for the transit system; a resolution creating the Charles County Compensation Commission to recommend salaries for the 2026-2030 Board of County Commissioners term; and a resolution authorizing a land transfer to the Official Piscataway Conoy Tribe of Maryland, Inc., with Commissioner Gilbert “BJ” Bowling abstaining.
The budget briefings and approvals reflect Charles County’s focus on fiscal responsibility, public health, and community services. The public hearing provided residents a chance to weigh in on budget priorities, ensuring transparency. The VanGO plan aims to enhance transit access, while the Compensation Commission will address fair pay for future commissioners. The land transfer supports the county’s commitment to its indigenous community.
