Commissioners Update Zoning, Animal Rules

LEONARDTOWN, Md. — On May 13, 2025, the Commissioners of St. Mary’s County (CSMC) convened their business meeting, approving several ordinances and budget amendments while recognizing health and community awareness initiatives. The meeting, held in the Chesapeake Building, began with an invocation, pledge, and approval of the consent agenda, followed by proclamations for Lyme Disease Awareness Month, Stroke Awareness Month, National Skilled Nursing Care Week, and Older Americans Month.

The commissioners addressed three main agenda items. They repealed and replaced Ordinance 2017-30, designating county roads where golf carts can be legally driven, including Old Horse Landing Road in Mechanicsville. Commissioner Eric Colvin noted, “Huge shoutout to the neighborhood that advocated so strongly for many years to help make this possible!” They also approved a land use change for the property at 20698 Goddard Road in Great Mills, shifting its designation from Rural Preservation to Medium-Intensity Mixed Use and including it in the Lexington Park Development District. Additionally, the CSMC revised the Animal Control Ordinance, removing the phrase “where 5 or more dogs are kept” from the definition of a Commercial Animal Establishment.

During County Administrator Time, the commissioners reviewed upcoming meeting agendas and approved a request from the St. Mary’s County State’s Attorney’s Office to convert two positions into Assistant State’s Attorney I roles. They authorized the transfer of the county’s 2025 Private Activity Bond allocation to the state, protecting debt affordability and enabling the Maryland Department of Commerce and Department of Housing and Community Development to use the funds for county projects. Colvin explained, “This bond authority is available for the Maryland Department of Commerce and Department of Housing and Community Development for use on projects within St. Mary’s County.”

The CSMC also approved a $1,988 Hold Harmless Grant Award from the Maryland Department of Aging for the nutrition program. Two budget amendments were passed: one reallocating $507,866 in unused salary funds to the Commissioner’s Emergency Reserve, and another decreasing the reserve by $2,614,528 to increase the Highway Division’s snow removal budget. Colvin stated, “This past winter had a lot of snow and it was time to finish the accounting to ensure the bills were paid!”

The meeting concluded with Commissioner Time, where Colvin highlighted community events, including the Seventh District Volunteer Rescue Squad Open House, the Southern Maryland Heritage Festival at Historic Sotterley, and the Friends of the Library Annual Book Sale, all scheduled for the upcoming weekend. The CSMC then entered a closed session to discuss legal matters and later attended the St. Mary’s County Chamber of Commerce Business Awards Luncheon.

In the afternoon, the commissioners held a Budget Work Session, part of the ongoing fiscal year 2026 budget process. Community members can access the budget timeline, meeting schedules, and videos at the county’s budget portal.. The next CSMC meeting, including a joint session with the St. Mary’s County Metropolitan Commission, is set for May 20, 2025, at 9 a.m. in the Chesapeake Building. Meetings are open to the public, broadcast live on Channel 95, and available on-demand via the county’s YouTube channel.

St. Mary’s County continues to balance community advocacy, economic development, and fiscal responsibility. The approved ordinances reflect responsiveness to resident needs, while budget adjustments address practical challenges like snow removal costs from a harsh winter. The CSMC’s actions underscore their commitment to transparent governance and community engagement.