The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County held their business meeting on March 10, 2026, in Leonardtown, approving key actions on zoning, grants, transportation priorities, and community support, and addressing upcoming public input opportunities.
The meeting opened with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by approval of the consent agenda. This included authorization of a letter of support for the St. Mary’s County Historical Society’s application to the Maryland Historical Trust’s Historic Preservation Capital Grant Program, targeting repairs and preservation at Tudor Hall.
Commissioners then presented a proclamation recognizing Problem Gambling Awareness Month to raise community awareness.
The primary agenda item was the approval of an amendment to the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance permitting Use Type 28 (Day Care, Non-Medical) in the Resource Conservation Area Overlay District. The change, requested by All Saints Church to establish a daycare in an existing building, advances to the Critical Area Commission for final review.
During County Administrator Time, commissioners reviewed upcoming meeting agendas. They received a presentation from the Department of Land Use and Growth Management on the Calvert – St. Mary’s Metropolitan Planning Organization (C-SMMPO) and a proposed boundary expansion. Calvert County seeks to include its entire area; the discussion included the potential inclusion of Leonardtown on the St. Mary’s side. Concerns regarding mandatory vehicle emissions testing were addressed, and it was confirmed that no such requirement applies.
Commissioners approved the FY2027 Gun Violence Reduction Grant application for the Office of the State’s Attorney, totaling $72,448 with a county match of $28,782 to support related initiatives.
They approved the FY2026 St. Mary’s Transit System (STS) Capital Grant award of $555,018 ($444,013 federal, $27,750 state, $83,255 county), funding preventative maintenance, Bus Barn concrete slab replacement, and four vehicle replacements. A related budget amendment was approved to advance the Bus Barn project.
An agreement with the FAA was approved to return $150,000 in expiring entitlement funds to the Washington Airports District Office.
The FY2027 Maryland Department of Transportation Priority Letter was approved, listing top priorities: 1. MD Route 4 Merge Lane Extension to the North End of South Patuxent Beach Road; 2. MD Route 4 Shared Use Lane; 3. MD Route 5 from MD Route 245 to Moll Dyer Road Feasibility Study; 4. MD Route 235 at FDR Blvd Intersection; 5. MD Route 5 at Willows Road. The letter emphasizes the need for a new Thomas Johnson Solomons Bridge, repavement, and roadway overlays, while opposing the removal of the southbound turn lane on Route 235 from Chancellor’s Run to Great Mills Road.
Commissioners adopted a resolution covering tipping fees for up to 100 tons of waste disposal for Christmas in April’s 2026 projects, supporting the organization’s community efforts.
They approved the employment contract for Edward Moreland as the new EMS Chief for St. Mary’s County Government.
The meeting included a legislative update from the Office of the County Attorney on state bills of interest, with no immediate action taken.
Commissioner Time featured remarks on the St. Mary’s County Farm Bureau’s 100th anniversary. Commissioner Eric Colvin highlighted public input opportunities: the 6:30 p.m. excise tax public hearing that day and a Thursday information session from 5-7 p.m. at Great Mills High School on the proposed removal of the southbound turn lane on Route 235.
The commissioners reconvened at 1:30 p.m. for a Budget Work Session on county departments and at 6:30 p.m. for the excise tax public hearing. The business meeting was streamed live via St. Mary’s County Government channels.