PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. – The Calvert County Board of County Commissioners announced September 19, 2025, that public access to government meetings via Zoom will end October 1. Virtual participation will shift to Microsoft Teams, with phone and in-person options remaining available for public comment.
The board’s weekly meetings occur Tuesdays at 10 a.m. in the Commissioners’ Hearing Room at 175 Main Street in Prince Frederick. Virtual access through Teams allows residents to join live, while a dial-in number provides audio-only participation: 301-715-8592, meeting ID 899 4188 8251, passcode required. In-person attendance encourages direct engagement, and public hearings follow similar formats, with comments accepted via mail to the clerk at the same address.
Live streams continue on Comcast channels 99 and 1070, and the county’s YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/@CalvertCountyGov/streams, where past meetings are archived. This setup ensures broad access without relying on multiple platforms. The change aims to cut costs and simplify operations while maintaining engagement options under Maryland’s Open Meetings Act, which mandates public notice and access for deliberations.
For Southern Maryland residents, this adjustment aligns with post-pandemic trends toward efficient tools. Calvert County, bordering Charles and Anne Arundel counties, holds over 50 board meetings annually, covering budgets, zoning and services. Teams integration supports hybrid formats, allowing remote input from areas like Dunkirk or Lusby, where travel to Prince Frederick can exceed 30 minutes. The platform’s features, including screen sharing and chat, facilitate real-time questions during open sessions.
Maryland law requires counties to provide reasonable access, including virtual means since 2020 expansions. Calvert’s setup complies, with broadcasts resuming full public view after closed sessions. Agendas post Thursdays prior on the county website, detailing topics from infrastructure to ethics reviews. The Ethics Commission, for example, meets monthly via Teams on third Tuesdays at 4:30 p.m., demonstrating consistent use.
Public participation requires pre-approval for some boards, but BOCC welcomes comments at hearings. Mailed submissions ensure inclusion, processed by the clerk. For phone users, pressing *9 signals intent to speak during open floors. This structure prevents disruptions while complying with state guidelines.
The transition reflects fiscal priorities, as counties nationwide consolidate software post-2020. Calvert’s 2025 budget emphasized efficiencies, avoiding dual licenses for Zoom and Teams. Residents can access instructions on the official site, ensuring seamless adoption. For updates, follow the county on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CalvertCountyMd.
This ensures continued oversight, vital for decisions impacting local services like parks and planning. As Southern Maryland grows, such access keeps government accountable without added taxpayer burden.
