LA PLATA, Md. — On June 24, 2025, Charles County Commissioners convened to address the local impact of federal executive orders, discuss proposed express lanes on the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, and review key county initiatives, including equity assessments and fire service improvements. The meeting also included approvals for budgets and legislative proposals, reflecting a broad focus on community support and infrastructure.
Federal Transition Support
Michelle Frye, Acting Director of the Charles County Economic Development Department (EDD), and Mark Thompson, Chief of Commercial Development, presented a quarterly update on the effects of federal executive orders. These orders have impacted residents and businesses, particularly those tied to federal employment. To address these challenges, the EDD launched a dedicated webpage at Government Transition Resources. The centralized hub provides job search assistance through the Southern Maryland JobSource and Tri-County Council, unemployment resources via the Maryland Department of Labor, small business support through the Circle of Services and Maryland Small Business Development Center, and benefits programs from the Maryland Department of Human Services.
The EDD is conducting a community survey at SurveyMonkey to assess the local impact and guide future support efforts. Residents are encouraged to share their experiences to help tailor resources. Local support is also available through Southern Maryland American Job Centers in Waldorf and California, offering job search assistance, career counseling, and employment workshops.
Woodrow Wilson Bridge Express Lanes
The commissioners discussed a Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) proposal to add express lanes to the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, part of the I-495 corridor, connecting to the Northern Virginia Regional Express Lanes Network. George Clark, Transportation Director for the Southern Maryland Tri-County Council, noted potential traffic impacts for residents commuting to Virginia. A public hearing on June 16 highlighted community concerns, with some, like the Coalition for Smarter Growth, arguing the lanes could disrupt plans for future Metrorail expansion and increase local road congestion.
Equity Assessment Findings
Renesha Miles, Chief Equity Officer, presented findings from an equity assessment of Charles County government operations, as reported in a prior update.
Fire Suppression Task Force
Wes Adams, County Attorney, joined Michelle Lilly, Director of Emergency Services, and Deborah Hall, Acting County Administrator, to update the fire suppression task force. A June 16 meeting with Charles County Volunteer Fire Department leadership discussed leadership changes, updates to the Board of Fire and Rescue statute, and collaboration with an outside consultant. The task force aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of fire and rescue operations to serve the community better.
Legislative and Budget Actions
During their annual work session on 2025 Local Legislative Proposals, commissioners supported a bill to expand nuisance enforcement under Chapter 85 of the Charles County Code to include commercial and abandoned or bank-owned properties. They also requested a fiscal note for changes to the Volunteer Emergency Responders Tax Credit.
The commissioners approved several budget actions, detailed in the table below:
Action Amount Purpose Budget Amendment $166,400 Department of Emergency Services billing overruns Budget Amendment $216,000 Inspection and Review Fund’s credit card processing Budget Transfer $930,000 Contract Services account expenses through FY 2025 Budget Transfer $2.1 million Reallocate funds from Old Washington Road Sewer Project to Sewer Contingency Project Budget Transfer $64,500 Support Planning & Growth Management consultant costs Budget Amendment $175,000 Mattawoman Waste Water Treatment Plant project costs Inter-Category Budget Change $5.7 million Charles County Board of Education instructional and administrative costs
Additional approvals included the Fiscal Year 2026 Charles County Board of Education Budget, letters of intent for the College of Southern Maryland’s Fiscal Year 2027 Campus Center and Bookstore renovation, and collective bargaining agreements for the Fraternal Order of Police and Charles County Correctional Officers Association.
Boards and Commissions Updates
Commissioners received updates from the Ethics Commission and the Charles County Commission for Veterans Affairs, reflecting ongoing efforts to maintain transparency and support community stakeholders.
