The Charles County Board of County Commissioners reviewed significant progress in institutional governance and took key actions during their February 24, 2026, meeting in La Plata, focusing on workforce development, fiscal management, operational improvements, and resident engagement.
County staff presented updates on multiple fronts. The Human Resources Recruitment Division attended nine career fairs and hiring events in 2025, positioning the county for a 50% increase in recruitment activities. The county retained its Exemplar status in the Healthiest Maryland Business initiative for the ninth year. Employees engaged in leadership programs through the National Association of Counties High-Performance Leadership Academy and Leadership Southern Maryland.
Fiscal achievements included maintaining the AAA bond rating for nine consecutive years and completing a $75 million bond sale in November, awarded to Piper Sandler & Co. The county allocated record funding to the Board of Education without raising property or income taxes. New property tax and utility billing software enhanced efficiency and service.
The Internal Audit Office advanced countywide audits, including a recent review of departmental purchase cards that recommended stronger oversight and documentation. Updates proceed on critical documents: the Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual (targeted for Spring 2026), the Zoning Code (late 2026), and the Comprehensive Plan (early 2027).
Transparency initiatives expanded through the Media Division’s Children & Family Resource Academy, Charles County Unpacked webinar series, and the “31 Days of Engagement” social media campaign. The SeeClickReport system, implemented in April 2025, improved responses to resident service requests across departments.
In briefings, Chief of Transit Robert Romero outlined the Fiscal Year 2027 VanGO Annual Transportation Plan and Authorizing Resolution 2026-02. The plan complies with grant rules, addresses mobility needs, and seeks $12.9 million for operations plus $2 million for capital projects, including replacing 12 buses, repowering three, bus stop upgrades, and preventive maintenance. Commissioners approved the resolution.
Fiscal and Administrative Services Director Jacob Dyer and Chief of Budget Samantha Chiriaco reported on the Fiscal Year 2026 General Fund second-quarter review, noting a $3.6 million increase in year-end revenue estimates due to stronger performance in key categories.
Dyer and Budget Analyst II Kelli Scherer updated on American Rescue Plan Act funds, which required allocation by December 31, 2024, and spending by December 31, 2026, with surface transportation projects due by September 30, 2026.
Director Jim Chandler and Acting Business Programs Compliance Manager Chastity Durham-Butler detailed the Business Enterprise Program, incorporating 2023 Disparity Study recommendations. Enhancements include a Vendor Diversity Contract Compliance Portal and new software; about 900 firms certified through Small Local Business Enterprise and Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprise programs.
Acting Deputy County Administrator Danielle Mitchell provided a 2026 Maryland General Assembly legislative update. Four bills from the Charles County package await hearings; Senate Bills 572 and 952 face withdrawal. Commissioners agreed to invite Board of Education and Charles County Bus Contractors Association representatives to the March 3 meeting for discussion on SB 574/HB 1493 regarding student bus transportation providers. They sought amendments to SB 953 (HB 1497) on Charles County rent stabilization for seniors to make it enabling and clarify application to senior leaseholders. Opposition was expressed to House Bill 916 on regional transportation authorities.
During the public hearing on Bill 2026-01: Compensation for County Commissioners, which enacts 2025 Compensation Commission recommendations, commissioners unanimously approved the measure.
Appointments included James Slattery to the Board of Electrical Examiners; reappointment of Ruby Thomas and new members London Teele, Anjela Barnes, and Kenya Spencer to the Historic Preservation Commission.
Approved items encompassed budget transfers of $71,800 and $219,000 related to tourism event revenue and concert expenses from the Mixtape series; a letter supporting $950,000 in congressional directed spending for a multi-jurisdictional bomb technician and HazMat training initiative by the U.S. Bomb Technician Association; a $2.2 million decrease change order for Landfill Cell 4B construction; a deer cooperator permit letter for National Park Service Piscataway Park; courthouse lighting requests for blue in April (Autism Awareness) and green in May (Mental Health Awareness); community support funds for the Interfaith Commission’s Ramadan Iftar event; and a letter of concern over recent sewage spills into the Potomac and Port Tobacco rivers. Commissioners requested Maryland Department of the Environment representatives brief the board and residents soon, with a similar letter from the Tri-County Council.
