The Charles County Board of County Commissioners convened their initial work session on the Fiscal Year 2027 budget Tuesday, March 17, 2026, reviewing proposed funding and fee structures for several key county operations while hearing briefings on public health, emergency services, nonprofit support, and water infrastructure.
The session examined proposed budgets and associated fees for Water and Sewer, Recreation, Landfill, Stormwater, Environmental Services, Inspection and Review, Cable, and Community Reinvestment and Repair Funds. Officials also presented the proposed Tax Differential for the Town of La Plata and the Town of Indian Head, which adjusts property tax rates within those incorporated areas to reflect local service provisions.
Residents have until March 31, 2026, to submit feedback through the Charles County Fiscal Year 2027 Budget engage page via an online survey. Additional budget work sessions are scheduled through April 28, 2026, followed by a public hearing on April 29, 2026, with final adoption anticipated on May 12, 2026.
Several briefings occurred during the meeting. Vincent DeMarco of the Maryland Health Care for All Coalition discussed the state’s Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB), established in 2019 and expanded to impose upper payment limits on select high-cost drugs. The presentation detailed how escalating prescription prices strain families, employers, and public budgets, and highlighted PDAB’s role in curbing costs for Maryland residents.
Staff from the Department of Emergency Services, Department of Public Works, and County Attorney’s office outlined Capital Improvement Project plans for the Emergency Medical Services & Special Operations Division. The overview included statistical analysis of proposed new career EMS and special operations stations in high-growth areas to enhance coverage, shorten response times, and address rising call volumes driven by population increases in Charles County.
Christie Burnett, Executive Director of the Charles County Charitable Trust, presented the Trust’s annual report. She reported that the organization awarded 25 grants totaling just over $1 million in Fiscal Year 2025 to support nonprofits providing essential services such as housing, food assistance, health care, education, and community development across Southern Maryland.
Planning and Growth Management staff updated commissioners on the County’s Water Supply Program. The presentation covered strategies to maintain reliable water access amid growth, including a planned interconnection with the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) system to supply additional treated surface water to Waldorf, reducing dependence on groundwater. Officials also discussed a future water treatment plant to boost capacity, along with quality improvements through blending and advanced treatment. Projects are funded via the Capital Improvement Program, with timelines emphasizing sustainability and long-term population needs.
In actions on boards and commissions, commissioners appointed LaVon Proctor as an At-Large member and Kerry-Ann Williams as a District 2 member to the Board of License Commissioners (Liquor Board).
Danielle Mitchell, Acting Deputy County Administrator, delivered a legislative update on the 2026 Maryland General Assembly session. Commissioners agreed to support SB987, which would eliminate tax deductions for direct-to-consumer prescription drug advertising costs. The status of county-proposed bills to the Charles County Delegation remains unchanged from prior updates.
Approval items included a $65,700 budget transfer to update the Land Preservation Parks and Recreation Plan, a letter of support for the Banana Ball World Tour at Blue Crabs Stadium, and a letter of support for Fiscal Year 2027 Congressional earmark funding for Melwood’s Nanjemoy Campus.
These proceedings reflect Charles County’s ongoing efforts to balance fiscal priorities, infrastructure investments, and community support in a growing Southern Maryland jurisdiction.
