The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County approved the county’s Fiscal Year 2027 operating and capital budget on May 19, establishing a General Fund of $379,272,851 and a Capital Improvement Budget of $72,590,791.
All budget-related motions passed on 4-1 votes, with Commissioner Mike Hewitt voting against the package. The approved budget maintains current tax rates but does not hold to a constant yield on property taxes. It includes funding to meet the school system’s negotiated agreement and provides market adjustments for county employees and Sheriff’s Office personnel. The plan also includes early payoff of some county debt.
The commissioners approved Resolution 2026-12 to realign bond funds for the Chopticon High School Multi-Systemic Renovation. The project addresses aging building systems at the school, which has not undergone a major renovation since 2000. St. Mary’s County Public Schools has been advancing the work through a targeted approach to limit disruption to students and staff.
During County Administrator Time, the board approved a $33,138 Alternate Dispute Resolution Grant application for the Circuit Court. The funding supports mediation and other dispute resolution services that give residents alternatives to traditional court proceedings. These programs can lower costs for participants and help manage caseloads in the court system.
Commissioners approved the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) grant award of $144,972, which includes a county match of $14,497 and additional county funding of $8,376. RSVP places residents age 55 and older in volunteer positions with local nonprofits, schools, and county agencies. The program helps seniors remain active while providing valuable support to community organizations across St. Mary’s County.
The board approved an operating agreement for the snack bar concession at Chancellors Run Regional Park, to be run by Stacey Ray Seldon of Giselle’s Catering. The park regularly hosts youth sports, community events, and public activities.
Commissioners approved $583,000 in Program Open Space funding applications for the Department of Recreation and Parks. If awarded, the funds would support the Snow Hill Barn project ($153,000), the Nicolet Splash Pad ($405,000), and updates to the county’s Land Preservation, Parks and Recreation Plan ($25,000). Program Open Space is a long-standing state program that uses real estate transfer tax revenue to help counties develop and preserve parkland and recreational facilities.
The board also approved a $31,000 budget amendment from the Commissioner’s Reserve to cover increased First Colony common area maintenance assessments for county facilities.
Commissioners authorized a letter to the Maryland Department of Transportation Secretary with traffic safety and planning recommendations regarding proposed changes along the southbound MD 235 corridor. The corridor has been the focus of state pedestrian safety improvement efforts in the Great Mills area.
There will be no Commissioners meeting on May 26 due to the Memorial Day holiday. The next regular business meeting is scheduled for June 2 at 9 a.m. in the Chesapeake Building in Leonardtown. Meeting documents and video recordings are available on the St. Mary’s County Government website.
The FY2027 budget approval followed a public hearing held earlier this year at Chopticon High School. The budget maintains current tax rates while directing resources toward employee compensation, school funding commitments, capital projects, and community programs.
