LEONARDTOWN, Md. — The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County opened their April 21 business meeting with an invocation and Pledge of Allegiance before approving the consent agenda and issuing four proclamations recognizing Administrative Professionals’ Day, National County Government Month, Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week and Earth Day.
County Administrator Time featured several key actions that advance infrastructure, community support and long-term planning in Southern Maryland. Commissioners reviewed upcoming meeting agendas, received a presentation from the Metropolitan Commission on the FY2027 Capital Improvement Budget and FY2028-2031 Capital Improvement Plan, and approved the FY27 Community Partnership Agreement and Funding Availability Application for the Department of Aging and Human Services. The $553,413 grant, with a $1,102 county match, supports the Local Management Board’s work assisting children, families and young adults through Governor’s Office for Children funds.
Commissioners authorized the Procurement Officer to award the Southampton Neighborhood Revitalization Project Phase 1 contract to Great Mills Trading Post for $7,926,051.13. The county’s share totals $2,958,558.79, with the Metropolitan Commission also utilizing the contract to coordinate improvements and reduce resident disruption in the area.
They also awarded the Sheriff’s Office Support Services Building Construction contract to Doyle Construction Company for $13,689,999. The project includes site development and a one-story 20,611-square-foot facility housing fleet operations, support vehicles, armory, crime lab and personnel.
A presentation from the Department of Economic Development highlighted efforts to engage, support and promote foreign liaison officers and their families stationed near Naval Air Station Patuxent River. Approximately 210 individuals from Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand, Denmark, Norway, Germany and other nations live and work in St. Mary’s County, contributing to the local economy through restaurants, schools, parks and professional services. Positive experiences for these families influence continued alignment with Navy programs.
Commissioners received a status update on the St. Mary’s 2050 Comprehensive Plan, including results from Community Engagement Window #3. The plan guides future growth, infrastructure and quality of life across the county.
During Commissioner Time, Commissioner Eric Colvin discussed the evening’s FY2027 Recommended County Budget Public Hearing at Chopticon High School. He highlighted a proposal to pay off debt early using fund balance, freeing revenue for raises at the Sheriff’s Office and other budget needs. Colvin also called for monthly meetings between county and Town of Leonardtown administrators to strengthen communication and partnership.
Colvin encouraged residents to attend the SDVFDRS Auxiliary Spaghetti Dinner on April 25 and the Ridge Volunteer Rescue Squad Breakfast on April 26. The board met in closed session to discuss litigation before the public hearing.
The FY2027 Recommended Budget, based on recurring revenues of $360,099,862 and $12,255,132 in fund balance for a 6.8 percent increase over FY2026, advances to public review. Written comments are accepted through April 28. Full documents, work session recordings and an online feedback forum are available at www.stmaryscountymd.gov/budget.
St. Mary’s County, home to Naval Air Station Patuxent River and a growing population of more than 113,000, continues balancing economic contributions from defense, agriculture and tourism with infrastructure upgrades and community programs. These commissioner actions reflect priorities in public safety, neighborhood revitalization, family services and strategic international partnerships tied to the Navy presence.
The next business meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 28, at 9 a.m. in the Chesapeake Building meeting room at 41770 Baldridge Street in Leonardtown. Meetings stream live on TV Channel 95 and YouTube at www.youtube.com/@StMarysCoGov. Board documents are posted on the county website.
