On September 16, 2025, the Commissioners of St. Mary’s County (CSMC) convened their business meeting in the Chesapeake Building in Leonardtown, opening with an invocation and pledge before approving the consent agenda, which included appointments to various county boards and commissions. The meeting featured proclamations recognizing National Senior Center Month, Constitution Week, and the 75th anniversary of the St. Mary’s County Library, alongside updates on local initiatives and employee recognitions.
The CSMC, joined by the Department of Land Use & Growth Management, received special recognition from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for achieving a Class 7 rating in the National Flood Insurance Program’s Community Rating System. This milestone, reflecting robust floodplain management practices, qualifies most St. Mary’s County flood insurance policyholders for a 15% premium discount, a direct benefit for residents in flood-prone areas like those along the Patuxent River and St. George’s Creek. The county’s efforts, including updated flood maps and strict zoning, have strengthened its standing in the program, which evaluates over 1,500 communities nationwide.
A highlight of the meeting was an update from the St. Mary’s County Fair Association on the 78th Annual St. Mary’s County Fair, set for September 18-21 at the fairgrounds in Leonardtown. The fair, a tradition since 1947, draws thousands to its livestock shows, carnival rides, and local vendor booths, showcasing the county’s agricultural roots. The CSMC presented a county flag to John Richards, a long-serving fair leader, in appreciation of his dedication. Commissioner Eric Colvin, representing District 1, encouraged residents to attend, emphasizing the event’s role in fostering community pride.
The Human Resources Department recognized county employees with 10 to 45 years of service, celebrating their contributions to St. Mary’s County Government (SMCG). With over 600 employees across departments, these awards underscore the county’s reliance on experienced staff. SMCG is actively recruiting, with openings listed at www.stmaryscountymd.gov/careers, inviting residents to join roles in public safety, recreation, and administration.
During County Administrator Time, the CSMC reviewed upcoming meeting agendas and took several actions. They approved the FY2026 Senior Care Grant application and a $188,845 award for the Department of Aging & Human Services (DAHS), with a county match of $12,700. The funds support programs like Meals on Wheels and senior transportation, critical in a county where 15% of the population is over 65, per 2024 census estimates. The CSMC also approved a grade correction for the DAHS Maryland Access Point coordinator position, adjusting it from Grade 6 to Grade 7 to reflect the role’s responsibilities in connecting seniors to services. Finally, they greenlit the 2026 Commissioners’ meeting schedule and the FY2027 budget calendar, setting the stage for fiscal planning in a county with a $300 million operating budget.
Commissioner Colvin highlighted additional community events during Commissioner Time, including the COSMIC Symphony’s 30th Birthday Bash and the Patuxent Habitat for Humanity ReStore Anniversary Celebration, both held over the weekend. He also noted ongoing discussions about redistricting for St. Mary’s County Public Schools, a process driven by enrollment shifts and new facilities like the planned elementary school in California, Maryland. The meeting concluded with a closed session to discuss legal matters, as permitted under Maryland’s Open Meetings Act.
The CSMC’s actions reflect Leonardtown’s role as the county seat, where governance intersects with community life. The Chesapeake Building, a modern hub on Baldridge Street, hosts these meetings, streamed live on Channel 95 and archived at www.youtube.com/@StMarysCoGov. Residents can access decisions and documents via BoardDocs on the SMCG website. The next meeting is scheduled for September 23, 2025, at 9 a.m., open to the public.
