LEONARDTOWN, Md., June 11, 2025 — The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County (CSMC) convened their weekly business meeting on June 10, 2025, approving a $137,469,907 budget for the St. Mary’s County Public Schools Board of Education for fiscal year 2026. The 3-2 vote authorized quarterly payments to fund the school system, marking the meeting’s primary agenda item. The CSMC also reaffirmed the county’s opposition to offshore oil and gas drilling, approved a heroin coordinator grant, and reviewed local recreation and economic development initiatives.
The meeting began with an invocation, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the consent agenda, which included a one-year lease renewal for the Friends of the Library, two quitclaim deeds for surplus county property sales, and appointments to various boards and commissions. “Thank you to everyone who applies to join our many boards and commissions, we appreciate you all!” Commissioner Eric Colvin posted on his Facebook page.
The CSMC presented proclamations recognizing World Elder Abuse Awareness Day and National Certified Nursing Assistants Week, highlighting community efforts to protect vulnerable populations and honor healthcare workers. These ceremonial actions set the stage for the meeting’s substantive discussions.
The approval of the Board of Education’s FY2026 budget was the focal point, with the commissioners agreeing to distribute the $137,469,907 in county funding in four equal installments throughout the fiscal year. The 3-2 vote reflected differing views on the budget’s specifics, though details of the dissent were not disclosed in public records.
During County Administrator Time, the commissioners addressed several action items. They reviewed upcoming meeting agendas to streamline future sessions. The CSMC approved a $61,767 FY2026 Heroin Coordinator grant application for the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, with $12,925 in county funds, to support addiction prevention and coordination efforts. They also adopted a resolution, originally passed unanimously in 2019, restating opposition to offshore oil and gas drilling and exploration near the Chesapeake Bay’s mouth. This time, the vote was 4-1, indicating a shift in consensus among the commissioners.
The Department of Land Use and Growth Management updated the CSMC on a May 13, 2025, zoning ordinance that rezoned a property at 20698 Goddard Road in Great Mills, ensuring alignment with county development goals. The commissioners also approved Program Open Space applications from St. Mary’s County Recreation & Parks for four projects: a $25,000 update to the Land Preservation Parks and Recreation Plan, $647,385.30 for LED light conversions at Fifth District Park, and $225,000 for renovations at Chancellors Run basketball court and Dorsey Park tennis courts.
A presentation from the Department of Economic Development introduced the new St. Mary’s County Agriculture and Seafood brand, AgriCoast. “With over 500 miles of shoreline, 67,000 acres of farmland, and extensive forests, St. Mary’s County is defined by its working landscapes and waterways. Maryland’s coastal agriculture reflects the generations of farmers, watermen, and foresters who have built an economy deeply tied to the land and water, ensuring that these industries remain vital to the region’s identity and future,” the brand statement read, as shared by Colvin.
The meeting concluded with Commissioner Time, where Colvin highlighted community events, including the Hope In Harmony concerts, the St. Mary’s County Crab Festival, a Flag Day celebration on June 14, and the success of the Fire/Rescue Cadet Class. He also extended congratulations to Fulton and Connie Letourneau for their 60th wedding anniversary. “Have a great week and hope to see you on Saturday for the Flag Day Celebrations!” Colvin posted.
The CSMC entered a closed session to discuss real property matters before adjourning. Later that day, the commissioners attended the 20th Anniversary Celebration of the Northern Senior Activity Center, underscoring their engagement with community milestones.
The CSMC will skip its June 17, 2025, meeting due to scheduling conflicts. The next session is set for June 24, 2025, at 9 a.m. in the CSMC Meeting Room at 41770 Baldridge Street, Leonardtown. Meetings are open to the public, broadcast live on TV Channel 95, and available on-demand via the county’s YouTube channel. Decisions and documents are accessible on the St. Mary’s County Government website through BoardDocs.
The actions taken reflect the CSMC’s focus on education, public safety, environmental protection, and economic development. The school budget approval ensures continued support for students, while the heroin grant and recreation projects address community health and quality of life. The AgriCoast brand aims to promote the county’s agricultural and seafood industries, reinforcing St. Mary’s County’s identity as a coastal hub.
