LEONARDTOWN, Md. — The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County (CSMC) convened their business meeting on September 23, 2025, addressing a range of local governance issues, from zoning amendments to sheriff’s office initiatives, while recognizing community contributions through proclamations. The meeting, held at the Chesapeake Building, saw the board defer a key zoning decision and approve several administrative actions critical to St. Mary’s County’s operations and public safety.
The CSMC postponed a decision on proposed amendments to Chapter 285 of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance, which would allow Use Type 28 (Day Care – Non-medical) in the Resource Conservation Area Critical Area Overlay District. Requested by All Saints Church in Avenue to establish a Head Start program in an existing building, the change requires approval from the Maryland Critical Areas Commission before taking effect. The board will revisit the matter on September 30, 2025, to ensure thorough review, reflecting the county’s cautious approach to development in environmentally sensitive areas near the Chesapeake Bay.
During County Administrator Time, the commissioners took decisive actions to support public safety and education. They approved a $25,000 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office (SMCSO) and the Health Department for the FY2026 Tobacco Compliance Enforcement Initiative, ensuring checks on underage tobacco sales.
A budget amendment for the FY2026 Cooperative Reimbursement Agreement for Child Support was also approved, allocating $519,536, including $315,432 in county funds already budgeted, to support SMCSO’s child support enforcement efforts.
Additionally, a $36,182 MOU with the Charles County Department of Health was greenlit for Regional Crisis Intervention Team Training, enhancing SMCSO’s capacity to handle mental health-related calls. The commissioners also endorsed a letter supporting the FY2027–FY2032 State Capital Improvement Program for St. Mary’s County Public Schools, securing state funding for infrastructure like the new Margaret J. Thornton Elementary School.
The board set the FY2026 Transferable Development Rights Fee-in-Lieu at $5,280, based on 120% of the FY2024 average fair market value. These funds, managed by the St. Mary’s County Agricultural Preservation Commission, will acquire property to protect farmland, a priority in a county where agriculture remains a cornerstone, with over 400 farms spanning 54,000 acres. An ordinance to reduce the speed limit on Van Ward Road from 35 mph to 25 mph was adopted, following a resident petition and a county speed study, addressing safety concerns in a residential area near Mechanicsville.
The CSMC voted on six 2026 legislative proposals for the state delegation, approving two: prohibiting roadside solicitation and donations, and amending Chapter 113 of the local public law for METCOM, the county’s water and sewer authority. Proposals to increase the firefighting equipment fund borrowing limit, exempt public purpose projects from METCOM charges, revise the building excise tax, and exempt family-oriented recreation from the admissions and amusement tax were not approved. A joint public meeting with the St. Mary’s County Legislative Delegation is set for October 7, 2025, to discuss these proposals further.
The meeting began with proclamations for National Service Dog Month, recognizing the role of service animals in supporting residents, and International Underground Railroad Month, honoring St. Mary’s County’s historical ties to freedom seekers along the Patuxent River. The consent agenda included approval of the FY2026 Emergency Services Board Scholarship Fund recipients, commended by Commissioner Eric Colvin for their commitment to community service.
The next CSMC meeting is scheduled for September 30, 2025, at 9 a.m., followed by a 6 p.m. session with the Maryland Department of Transportation for the Consolidated Transportation Program tour. Meetings are open to the public, streamed live on Channel 95, and available on-demand at www.youtube.com/@StMarysCoGov. Documents are accessible via BoardDocs on the county website.
