The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County opened their May 5 business meeting with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the consent agenda and presented four proclamations recognizing important observances.
Proclamations were issued for Travel & Tourism Week, National Drug Court Month, Small Business Month and National Nurses Week. The county also recognized two apprentices from the Dr. James A. Forrest Career and Technology Center and an intern from St. Mary’s College of Maryland for their contributions to county government.
During County Administrator Time, the board reviewed future meeting agendas and took several key actions. Commissioners approved the FY2027 Maryland Criminal Intelligence Network/Overdose and Drug Awareness Coordinator Grant Program for the Sheriff’s Office. The grant totals $71,933, with $10,776 provided by the county.
They also approved a New and Expanding Business Property Tax Credit for Platform Aerospace, a growing aerospace company in the county. The firm will receive a $10,000 annual property tax credit for 10 years in exchange for creating more than 26 full-time jobs in a targeted industry.
In addition, the board approved a resolution realigning $4,215,507 in 2023 bond proceeds. This procedural step shifts unused funds from completed or near-complete projects — such as FDR Boulevard, Mount Wolfe Roundabout, drainage improvements, Mechanicsville, and Town Creek Elementary School — to other priority projects including side-paths and bikeways, St. Jerome’s Creek Jetty, the Animal Shelter, airport improvements, District 1 Sheriff’s Office, Lexington Manor Passive Park, the YMCA, Dorsey Park, Green Holly Elementary School and athletic fields. The realignment ensures all bond funds are fully utilized within three years of issuance to maintain tax-exempt status.
Commissioner Eric Colvin used his time to highlight upcoming community events, including the Liberty Tree Project, the Abate St. Mary’s Maryland Blessing of the Bikes, the Summerseat Farm Plant Sale and The Newtowne Players production of Pride & Prejudice. He also reminded Leonardtown residents that municipal elections were taking place that day.
After the morning session, the commissioners attended the annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Day ceremony. The recording will be available Friday, May 8, on SMCG TV Channel 95 and the St. Mary’s County Government YouTube channel.
The board reconvened at 1:30 p.m. for a Budget Work Session and at 6:30 p.m. for a Public Forum. On Tuesday, May 12, the commissioners will hold a joint meeting with the St. Mary’s County Metropolitan Commission at 9 a.m., followed by their regular business meeting at 10:15 a.m. A Budget Work Session is also scheduled for 1:30 p.m. All meetings take place in the Chesapeake Building in Leonardtown and are open to the public.
