La Plata, Md. – The Charles County Commissioners took key steps during their March 10, 2026, meeting to shape labor relations for county employees, streamline business permitting, and support higher education initiatives in Southern Maryland.
County Attorney Wes Adams presented proposed legislation establishing a framework for collective bargaining among eligible county government employees. The bill allows workers to organize, select labor representation, and negotiate wages, hours, and working conditions. It details procedures for representation elections, defines responsibilities for the county and employee organizations during talks, and specifies negotiable topics for agreements. The measure includes dispute resolution steps like mediation for impasses and clarifies administrative support roles. Officials described the proposal as creating a structured negotiation process that preserves the county’s operational management authority. Jacob Dyer, Director of Fiscal and Administrative Services, outlined potential fiscal impacts from adding a union. Commissioners voted unanimously to introduce the bill and set a public hearing for May 12, 2026, at 6 p.m.
In a briefing, Cathy Reisinger, Deputy Director, and Ray Shumaker, Chief of Codes, Permits, and Inspection Services in the Department of Planning and Growth Management; Anthony Adesina, Business Retention and Expansion Manager in the Department of Economic Development; and Kathy Guzman, President and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce, updated commissioners on the Small Business Permitting Work Group (SBPWG). The group reviewed current procedures for businesses obtaining Use and Occupancy permits in existing structures, pinpointed owner challenges, and crafted improvements.
Recommendations include enhanced outreach and education for applicants, real estate agents, and design professionals; launching a dedicated business permitting webpage; mandating active business owner participation; and creating a Small Business Permitting Navigator role to serve as a liaison between owners, the county, and reviewing agencies. These steps aim to simplify navigation of regulations, cut delays, and ease business openings in Charles County.
Yolanda Wilson, President of the College of Southern Maryland (CSM), delivered the State of the College Update. She emphasized CSM’s mission delivering affordable higher education, workforce training, and community partnerships across Southern Maryland. The presentation covered enrollment trends, recent achievements, expanded academic and workforce programs, and collaborations with local employers and agencies. Leaders highlighted preparations for high-demand careers in healthcare, technology, and skilled trades, plus support programs like scholarships, four-year university transfer agreements, and job connection initiatives. The update reinforced CSM’s contributions to accessible quality education, regional workforce strength, and economic growth in Charles County and beyond.
During the legislative update, Acting Deputy County Attorney Danielle Mitchell briefed commissioners on the 2026 Maryland General Assembly session. HB 1493/SB 574, requiring advance notice from the Charles County Board of Education on school bus contract changes, is being withdrawn. SB 953/HB 1493, proposing rent stabilization for residents 65 and older, has public hearings scheduled in the Senate on March 11 and House on March 12.
Commissioners approved several items: a Final Purchase and Sale Agreement for Lot One of the Hughesville Industrial Park Well Site and Waterline Extension; a letter of support for the Charles County Resilience Authority’s Popes Creek Waterfront Park Living Shoreline Construction Project; and letters endorsing Fiscal Year 2027 Congressional Earmarks for the Charles Soil Conservation District Agricultural and Environmental Resource & Education Facility plus broader Charles County projects and initiatives.
The March 10 actions reflect ongoing efforts to balance employee relations, business facilitation, and educational partnerships while addressing state-level legislative matters affecting the county. The collective bargaining bill introduction opens public input ahead of the May hearing, with permitting recommendations poised to boost local entrepreneurship and CSM’s role continuing to anchor workforce development in Southern Maryland.