LEONARDTOWN, Md. — The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County advanced key infrastructure funding and scheduled a public hearing on excise tax changes during their February 10, 2026, business meeting at the Chesapeake Building.
The session opened with an invocation, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the consent agenda. Commissioners then issued a proclamation recognizing National Engineers Week.
In main agenda actions, the board unanimously approved a Memorandum of Understanding under the Built to Learn Act for multi-systemic renovations at Chopticon High School. The MOU, valued at $13,531,434 in grant funds, will be submitted to the Interagency Commission on School Construction and the Maryland Stadium Authority to support upgrades enhancing school functionality and safety.
The commissioners, in a 4-1 vote, authorized the County Attorney’s Office to conduct a public hearing March 10, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. on proposed amendments to the St. Mary’s County Excise Tax Ordinance. The changes aim to clarify application of the tax—imposed on new construction to fund schools, roads, recreation, parks, and public safety—across the county, including the Town of Leonardtown, and adjust collection timing to issuance of occupancy permits. Commissioner Eric Colvin opposed the measure, advocating instead for reducing the tax rate (supported only by Commissioner Mike Alderson) and pursuing a cooperative memorandum of understanding with Leonardtown focused on the education portion of the tax. Colvin cited original legislative intent excluding Leonardtown and the town’s willingness to cover education costs while handling its own roads and amenities.
During County Administrator time, the board reviewed upcoming agendas, noting no meeting February 17, with the next scheduled February 24 at 9 a.m., followed by a 1:30 p.m. budget work session. Commissioners received an update on the St. Mary’s 2050 Comprehensive Plan, currently in public review draft phase with community information sessions ongoing in February and planned for March. The plan guides future land use, growth, and preservation.
Other approvals included a lease providing office space in county buildings to the St. Mary’s County Chamber of Commerce, co-located with the Department of Economic Development; a 30-year lease renewal with the Department of Natural Resources for St. Clements Island Museum at no cost; and the FY2026 Senior Rides Operating Grant Agreement, securing $16,080 in state funds with county matches of $5,360 and additional funding of $12,525 plus $1,500 in other income to support transportation for seniors.
The board discussed the Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund, derived from cannabis legalization revenues with limited use guidelines. Colvin favored administration through the County Administrator’s office and restriction to one-time projects rather than recurring costs.
In a legislative update, commissioners approved letters of support for HB 668 (prohibiting roadside solicitation and donations in St. Mary’s County) and HB 674/SB 270 (requiring full costs and benefits analysis of electricity generation sources by the Public Service Commission). They opposed HB 81/SB 55 (altering police stops to secondary enforcement and evidence rules) and HB 176/SB 460 (providing geographic images for property appraisals by state departments).
Commissioner Time included remarks on the 75th anniversary of the Second District Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad, Mechanicsville Volunteer Rescue Squad officer installations, a Chamber of Commerce legislator Zoom, and Safer Internet Day. The meeting recessed into closed session for real property discussion before reconvening for a 1:30 p.m. capital improvement program budget work session.
Decisions appear in BoardDocs on the county website, with meetings broadcast on TV Channel 95 and YouTube.
This meeting reflects ongoing efforts to fund education infrastructure, balance development revenues, and engage residents on long-term planning in St. Mary’s County.
