LEONARDTOWN, Md. — The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County (CSMC) approved a $348.5 million General Fund budget for fiscal year 2026 during their business meeting on May 20, 2025, alongside $28.5 million for Enterprise and Special Revenue Funds and $75.4 million for the Capital Improvement Budget. The balanced budget maintains current income and property tax rates while eliminating the County Energy Tax. The approval followed a series of motions addressing fees, revenues, appropriations, and state education requirements, with near-unanimous support, though Commissioner President James R. Guy was absent and Commissioner Michael L. Hewitt voted against the final budget.
The day began with a joint meeting with the St. Mary’s County Metropolitan Commission (MetCom), where discussions focused on Capital Improvement Projects, the St. Mary’s 2050 Comprehensive Plan, and the Marlay-Taylor Water Reclamation Facility’s capacity. The CSMC approved MetCom’s FY2026 Capital Improvement Budget and FY2027-2031 Plan, ensuring continued infrastructure development.
Reconvening at 10:30 a.m., the commissioners opened their regular meeting with an invocation, pledge, and consent agenda approval, which included 17 quitclaim deeds for surplus properties acquired through tax sales. They then issued proclamations recognizing National Emergency Medical Services Week, Mental Health Awareness Month, National Drug Court Month, National Transportation Week, and National Public Works Week.
On the main agenda, the CSMC scheduled a public hearing for June 24, 2025, to discuss amendments to ZONE24-0413, proposing a zoning change for properties in Great Mills tied to the Pax River Village Center’s second-phase redevelopment from Limited Commercial/Industrial and Mixed-Use Medium Intensity to Mixed-Use High-Intensity. They also approved adding one Fire and EMS volunteer to the 2024 Certified LOSAP list, accommodating a late appeal to ensure eligible volunteers were included.
During County Administrator Time, the commissioners reviewed upcoming meeting agendas, approved a $12,772 FY2026 Sex Offender Compliance and Enforcement grant application for the Sheriff’s Office, and endorsed a reorganization of the County Administrator’s Office and Public Information Office. The restructuring consolidates administrative support to create a Video Production Manager position.
Commissioner Eric Colvin highlighted the budget’s approval, noting its focus on meeting county needs without raising taxes. He also mentioned a recent Congressional delegation visit to Naval Air Station Patuxent River and the University System of Maryland at Southern Maryland, organized by the Southern Maryland Navy Alliance. Colvin addressed a prior vote to end the county’s contract with lobbyist Bruce Bereano, which he opposed, and promoted upcoming community events, including a Memorial Day Celebration at Ridge American Legion Post 255 and local high school graduations.
The CSMC will not meet on May 27, 2025, due to the Memorial Day holiday. Their next business meeting is scheduled for June 3, 2025, at 9 a.m. in the CSMC Meeting Room at 41770 Baldridge Street, Leonardtown. Meetings are open to the public, broadcast live on Channel 95, and available on-demand via the county’s YouTube channel. Additional details and documents are accessible on the county’s BoardDocs platform .
St. Mary’s County relies on the CSMC to oversee critical budgetary and infrastructure decisions. The approved budget and MetCom plans reflect ongoing efforts to balance fiscal responsibility with community needs, while the zoning changes signal continued development in Great Mills. The proclamations underscore the county’s commitment to recognizing vital public services and health initiatives.
