LEONARDTOWN, Md., June 24, 2025 — The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County (CSMC) convened their business meeting on June 24, 2025, in Leonardtown, approving road transfers, a speed camera program, and funding for tourism and other initiatives. They also honored the St. Mary’s Youth Lacrosse Association for its 30th anniversary and championship wins, held a public hearing on zoning changes, and paid tribute to a late county employee.
The meeting began with the approval of the consent agenda, which included an appointment to the Airport Advisory Board, a quitclaim deed for surplus county property, and a contract to sell property at 45095 Blackwell Court. The CSMC then issued four proclamations to the St. Mary’s Youth Lacrosse Association, recognizing its 30th anniversary and the 10U, 12U, and 14U teams’ victories in the Southern Maryland Youth Lacrosse Association Championship. “Congratulations to all of these great athletes!” said Commissioner Eric Colvin.
The main agenda item was the approval of two road transfers with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR). A portion of Camp Cosoma Road was transferred from DNR to St. Mary’s County, and a portion of Newtowne Neck Road was transferred from the county to DNR. “This is a culmination of several years of work to make these transfers and it is beneficial for both parties,” Colvin stated.
A public hearing addressed amendments to ZONE24-0413 for the second phase of the Pax River Village Center redevelopment in Great Mills. The proposal seeks to change the land use and zoning from Limited Commercial/Industrial and Mixed-Use Medium-Intensity to Mixed-Use High-Intensity. Three speakers supported the change, one opposed, and the Navy formally opposed the rezoning. The record remains open for public comment until July 1, 2025, with a decision pending at a future meeting.
During County Administrator Time, the CSMC took several actions. They reviewed future meeting agendas, noting no meetings on July 1 and 8, 2025, with the next scheduled for July 15 at 9 a.m. in the Chesapeake Building at 41770 Baldridge St., Leonardtown. They approved three new Sheriff’s Office positions to administer the Automated Speed Photo Enforcement Program, authorized a three-year contract with NovoaGlobal, Inc., and passed budget amendments to establish the program in a revolving fund. The ordinance, approved in January 2024, restricts speed cameras to school zones within a half-mile radius, requiring public notification. “This program came by request from the Sheriff’s Office and will be implemented by the Sheriff’s Office,” Colvin noted.
The commissioners approved a $525,954 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Visit St. Mary’s for FY2026, funded by accommodation tax revenue, following a tourism update. A $46,500 Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the College of Southern Maryland was renewed for Small Business Development Center Services. A Cooperative Agreement with the Maryland Department of Agriculture was approved for the invasive weed control program, structured as a revolving fund. Additional approvals included a $535,634 budget amendment for the Maryland 9-1-1 Board Trust Fund to support Phase II of the Electrical Ground Deficiency Remediation project for the 911 Emergency Communications Backup Center, with $445,552.60 funded by a grant. Easements for METCOM grinder pump replacements at 44720 and 44703 Lighthouse Dr. in Piney Point were approved, along with grant applications for $6,340 for senior center activities and $41,923 for long-term care and dementia care navigation, both requiring no county match.
The meeting paused for a memorial ceremony honoring Christopher Shepard, a former Information Security Officer. “We were able to spend some time with his family and coworkers and hear a little bit more about him,” Colvin shared. During Commissioner Time, Colvin discussed the regional heat dome, the new St. Mary’s Transit System app, and community events, including Flag Day, Christmas in April, and the 25th Annual Potomac Jazz & Seafood Festival.
A public hearing on the Stewart’s Grant Planned Unit Development amendment was scheduled for the evening of June 24, 2025. St. Mary’s County, with a population of approximately 114,000, relies on the CSMC to manage infrastructure, public safety, and community programs. Meetings are open to the public, broadcast live on Channel 95, and available on-demand via St. Mary’s County YouTube.
Action Details Funding Road Transfers Camp Cosoma to county, Newtowne Neck to DNR N/A Speed Camera Program 3 new Sheriff’s Office positions, contract with NovoaGlobal, Inc. Revolving fund Tourism MOU Visit St. Mary’s FY2026 $525,954 (accommodation tax) Small Business MOA College of Southern Maryland $46,500 Invasive Weed Control Maryland Department of Agriculture Revolving fund 9-1-1 Trust Fund Electrical Ground Deficiency Remediation $535,634 ($445,552.60 grant) METCOM Easements Grinder pump replacements in Piney Point N/A Senior Center Grant Outdoor activities, entertainment $6,340 (no county match) Dementia Care Grant Long-term care navigation $41,923 (no county match)
