On September 9, 2025, the Commissioners of St. Mary’s County convened their business meeting in Leonardtown, tackling a range of local governance issues from community recognitions to zoning amendments and legislative planning. Held in the Chesapeake Building at 41770 Baldridge Street, the meeting opened with an invocation and pledge, followed by the approval of the consent agenda, setting a focused tone for the day’s agenda. The session, open to the public and broadcast live on TV Channel 95, provided residents with insight into the county’s priorities and upcoming initiatives.
The Commissioners began by presenting proclamations for Forget-Me-Not Month, National Recovery Month, and National Suicide Prevention Month, emphasizing St. Mary’s County’s commitment to raising awareness about Alzheimer’s disease, substance use recovery, and mental health. These designations resonate deeply in a county where community organizations, such as the St. Mary’s County Health Department, actively promote resources like the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and local recovery programs. A commendation was also presented to Francis Bowles, honoring his 31 years of service to the county upon his retirement, a gesture highlighting the county’s appreciation for its workforce.
A public hearing followed, focusing on proposed amendments to the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance to permit Use Type 28 (Day Care, Non-medical) in the Resource Conservation Area Critical Area Overlay District. The request, initiated by All Saints Church in Avenue, aims to establish a Head Start preschool program on church property. Three speakers addressed the Commissioners, offering perspectives on the proposal, which could enhance early childhood education in a rural area of the county where such services are limited. The Commissioners will review public input before deciding, reflecting their commitment to balancing development with environmental protections in the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area.
The County Attorney’s Office then presented an overview of six legislative proposals for the 2026 Maryland General Assembly session, designed to address local needs. These include increasing the bond amount for a revolving fund for firefighting equipment from $5 million to $7 million, proposed by Deputy County Administrator Yingling to bolster volunteer fire departments. Commissioner Hewitt requested exempting public uses from METCOM’s capital contribution charges for EDU allocations, aiming to ease costs for public projects.
Commissioner Ostrow proposed prohibiting roadside solicitations and donations, addressing safety concerns on county roads. METCOM requested amendments to Chapter 113 of the Public Local Law, while Jamie Raley and the St. Mary’s County Farm Bureau sought to apply the building excise tax to commercial utility-scale solar projects, reflecting concerns about land use. Finally, Kristopher McDonald, a private citizen, proposed exempting family-oriented recreation facilities from the amusement tax to support local businesses. The Commissioners will vote on these proposals in two weeks, forwarding recommendations to the state delegation.
During County Administrator Time, the Commissioners reviewed upcoming meeting agendas, ensuring alignment on future priorities. Commissioner Eric Colvin, in his remarks during Commissioner Time, highlighted community events, including a car show at St. Clair West and the St. Mary’s County Chamber of Commerce’s State of the County Luncheon, which debuted the 2025 State of the County video. These events underscore the county’s vibrant community spirit, with the car show drawing enthusiasts to Leonardtown and the luncheon fostering dialogue between residents and leaders.
The meeting concluded with a closed session to discuss personnel and litigation matters, followed by a return to open session to approve three motions. Two motions addressed opioid litigation, approving settlements with Purdue Pharma, the Sackler family, and secondary manufacturers in national opioid cases, aligning with Maryland’s efforts to address the opioid crisis. The third motion accepted a settlement for ongoing litigation, though specifics were not disclosed. These actions reflect St. Mary’s County’s proactive approach to resolving legal challenges while protecting public interests.
The zoning amendment, if approved, could expand educational opportunities in Avenue, while the legislative proposals aim to address fiscal, safety, and community needs. Residents can access meeting details and decisions on the county’s BoardDocs platform or watch recordings on the SMCG YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/@StMarysCoGov. The next meeting is scheduled for September 16, 2025, at 9 a.m. in the Chesapeake Building.
