Leonardtown, Md. — The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County opened their April 14, 2026, business day with a joint meeting alongside the St. Mary’s County Board of Education before holding their regular meeting that focused on grants, infrastructure financing, park amenities, and personnel matters.
The joint session at 9 a.m. in the Chesapeake Building covered negotiated agreements with the Education Association of St. Mary’s County and the St. Mary’s Association of School Administrators, Marathon Health Services, the Maryland Apprenticeship Program 2026, the Southern Maryland Summit Teacher Preparation Pipeline, and a redistricting summary. Commissioner Eric Colvin raised questions about the potential loss of school social workers once grant funding ends. School officials noted they retained several positions by prioritizing in-classroom support.
The regular business meeting began at 10:45 a.m. with an invocation, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the consent agenda. Commissioners then issued proclamations recognizing National Animal Care and Control Week, National Library Week, Week of the Young Child, and National Public Safety Telecommunications Week.
During County Administrator Time, the board took several actions. They reviewed future meeting agendas and approved the FY2027 Sex Offender Compliance and Enforcement in Maryland grant application for the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office for $13,045 with no county match required. The grant helps offset administrative costs related to sex offender registration and compliance.
Commissioners approved a resolution providing full faith and credit for the St. Mary’s County Metropolitan Commission to issue up to $38,400,000 in infrastructure bonds through the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development. Proceeds will support already approved capital improvement projects, including Piney Point Water Station upgrades, Southampton Water System rehabilitation, Piney Point Sewer Road Force Main replacement, Forest Run Wastewater Pump Station improvements, and grinder pump replacement programs.
The Department of Emergency Services, Animal Services Division, received approval to apply for a $24,000 Maryland Department of Agriculture Cat-Focused Grant with no county match. Funds, if awarded, will support Trap-Neuter-Release efforts for feral cat colonies in partnership with Feral Cat Rescue.
A Rent Fun agreement was approved to install self-service rental kiosks for park equipment at county parks. The kiosks will offer kayaks and stand-up paddleboards at Snow Hill Park, plus lawn games at Lexington Manor Passive Park and Chancellors Run Regional Park.
Priority enrollment for the new county childcare center, operated by the YMCA, was approved for first responders and essential personnel, including sheriff’s deputies, corrections officers, dispatchers, EMTs, and paramedics. The center, located at the Governmental Center, aims to serve as a retention tool for hard-to-fill positions. Users will pay for services with no direct county tax revenue used for operations. Spots will open to the general public after priority placement.
Five county-issued laptops were authorized for use by the St. Mary’s County Administrative Charging Committee to support its investigatory review process. The board also approved the employment contract for Dina Davis as the new Director of Human Resources. Davis brings more than 20 years of public-sector human resources experience.
A legislative update followed from the Office of the County Attorney. Commissioners noted that sine die occurred the previous day and that staff are reviewing outcomes of last-minute bills and the state budget.
During Commissioner Time, Colvin highlighted community events including the Town of Leonardtown’s State of the Town event, the 29th annual Run for Hospice, the Rebels and Redcoats weekend, and the unveiling of a Revolutionary War historic marker by the Maj. William Thomas Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, in partnership with the St. George Island Association. He also raised the need for restroom access at the Garvey Center Pickleball Courts, inquired about the status of CRRF grant funds, and advocated for improvements to the Department of Land Use and Growth Management website. Colvin reminded residents of an upcoming all-you-can-eat breakfast hosted by the Ladies Auxiliary of the Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department.
The meeting concluded in closed session for legal advice. Colvin voted against entering closed session, stating the topic did not require a non-public discussion and could have been addressed openly.
The next regular Commissioners of St. Mary’s County business meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at 9 a.m. in the CSMC Meeting Room on the first floor of the Chesapeake Building at 41770 Baldridge Street in Leonardtown. The FY2027 Budget Public Hearing will follow that evening at 6:30 p.m. in the Chopticon High School Auditorium.
Decisions and documents from the meeting are available on the county website through BoardDocs. Meetings can be viewed live on Channel 95 or on demand via the St. Mary’s County Government YouTube channel.
These actions reflect ongoing efforts in St. Mary’s County to support public safety, animal welfare, recreation, and workforce retention amid growing demands on county services. The childcare priority and park rental program directly addresses the needs of essential workers and families in Southern Maryland communities.
