LEONARDTOWN, MD — The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County opened their March 3, 2026, business meeting at 9 a.m. in the Chesapeake Building with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the consent agenda without discussion.
The board issued four proclamations recognizing observances in March: National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, Women’s History Month, the 54th anniversary of the National Senior Nutrition Program, and National Social Work Month. These designations highlight community support for individuals with developmental disabilities, women’s contributions throughout history, nutrition services for seniors, and the vital role of social workers in Southern Maryland.
Under County Administrator time, the commissioners reviewed upcoming meeting agendas to plan future sessions. They approved the FY2027 Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) grant application submitted on behalf of the Office of the State’s Attorney. The grant seeks $523,878 in federal funding, requiring a $290,254 county match to support victim services programs in St. Mary’s County.
The board also approved the 2025 eligibility lists for the Length of Service Awards Program (LOSAP), which provides benefits to volunteer firefighters and rescue squad members based on years of service. This action ensures qualified volunteers receive recognition and potential monthly stipends upon retirement or meeting criteria.
Commissioners approved a FY2026 budget amendment reallocating $504,949 in unused salary savings to the Commissioners’ Emergency Reserve. This realignment maintains fiscal flexibility for unforeseen needs without increasing overall spending.
The meeting included a legislative update from the Office of the County Attorney. Officials briefed the board on pending state bills affecting St. Mary’s County and outlined submitted—but not yet approved—legislative bond initiatives from the local delegation. These include:
- $200,000 for Carver Center Boys & Girls Club (Delegate Crosby and Senator Bailey)
- $50,000 for Knott Lodge at Greenwell State Park (Delegate Todd Morgan and Senator Bailey)
- $100,000 for Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department (Senator Bailey)
- $250,000 for Seventh District Volunteer Fire Department (Senator Bailey)
- $500,000 for St. Mary’s County Family YMCA (Delegate Crosby)
- $60,000 for Ridge Volunteer Fire Department (Delegate Crosby)
These requests target community facilities, parks, and emergency services improvements if funded by the Maryland General Assembly.
During Commissioner Time, Commissioner Eric Colvin discussed ongoing international events including the war in Iran, promoted the upcoming production “The Mad Ones” by the Newtowne Players, and noted the observance of National Anthem Day. The board then entered closed session to discuss personnel matters.
The commissioners reconvened at 1:30 p.m. for a budget work session focused on requests from elected officials, including the Sheriff, State’s Attorney, Treasurer, Orphans’ Court Judges, and Circuit Court.
The next Commissioners meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at 9 a.m. in the CSMC Meeting Room on the first floor of the Chesapeake Building at 41770 Baldridge Street in Leonardtown. A budget work session follows at 1:30 p.m., with a public hearing at 6:30 p.m. that evening. All sessions are open to the public and streamed live on TV Channel 95 or YouTube at www.youtube.com/@StMarysCoGov.
This routine business meeting advanced administrative approvals and community recognitions amid ongoing budget preparations for the fiscal year.