LA PLATA — Charles County Commissioners on Dec. 9 advanced a new Public Arts and Cultural Master Plan, approved one-time employee bonuses, and accepted more than $3 million in state park grants during their regular Tuesday meeting.
Staff from the Department of Recreation, Parks, and Tourism presented the draft Public Arts and Cultural Master Plan, a countywide roadmap built on extensive community input showing residents want more dedicated arts spaces and better coordination of cultural activities.
The plan rests on four pillars: integrating art into public buildings and streetscapes, linking art with nature and heritage sites, building creative career pathways, and creating stable funding and governance structures. Commissioners received the update favorably and directed staff to move toward formal adoption in 2026.
In a separate briefing, Recreation and Economic Development staff updated the board on the proposed Sports and Wellness Complex. The latest conceptual site plan includes an indoor natatorium, multi-court field house, outdoor basketball courts, playground, fitness trail, and amphitheater. Commissioners unanimously approved a $150,000 budget transfer for a market and financial feasibility study.
Fiscal Services Director Jacob Dyer and Chief of Budget Samantha Chiriaco delivered the First Quarter FY2026 General Fund review. Commissioners unanimously authorized use of unassigned fund balance to provide a $1,000 one-time take-home bonus for eligible full-time county employees and $250 for eligible part-time staff. The board also approved increasing the Capital Improvement Program reserve as recommended.
Dyer and Budget Analyst Kelli Scherer also received unanimous approval to redirect $709,947 in remaining American Rescue Plan Act savings to the Surface Transportation road-overlay program.
Commissioners gave consensus for staff to draft a local collective-bargaining legislation using a template submitted by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Maryland Council 3, with a public hearing planned for early 2026.
Two agriculture-related discussions took place. Commissioner Gilbert “B.J.” Bowling asked staff to review county zoning and code provisions for cannabis and hemp production to ensure alignment with state law. Separately, commissioners requested staff explore legislation exempting legitimate farm vehicles from certain weight-limit rules enforced under nuisance abatement provisions.
In other actions, commissioners:
- Approved $330,620 in additional local funding toward the College of Southern Maryland’s wastewater treatment plant replacement project at the La Plata campus.
- Accepted $735,000 and $2.26 million in separate Maryland Department of Natural Resources Project Open Space grants for new playground equipment, shade structures, pavilions, and LED field lighting at Laurel Springs Park in White Plains.
- Made multiple reappointments and new appointments to the Area Council on Aging, Board of Social Services, Commission for Veterans Affairs, Animal Matters Hearing Board, and Ethics Commission.
- Approved land acquisition along Billingsley Road, updated the Internal Audit Charter, and accepted the Compensation Commission’s recommended salary adjustments for elected officials and certain board stipends for consideration in the FY2027 budget.
The next regular meeting of the Charles County Board of Commissioners is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025.
