LA PLATA — The Charles County Commissioners received a presentation on the federal Opportunity Zones 2.0 program and its potential benefits for the county during their June 10, 2026, meeting.
Paul W. Ruppert, Senior Commercial Development Manager in the Economic Development Department, and Tony Felts, Assistant Chief of Planning in Planning and Growth Management, explained that the updated program takes effect January 1, 2027. It uses tax incentives to attract private investment for redevelopment, business growth, housing, and job creation in eligible communities.
Staff identified five census tracts in Charles County that meet the new eligibility criteria: three in Waldorf, one in Indian Head, and one in the Newburg/Morgantown area. The Waldorf tracts were noted as offering the strongest opportunities for redevelopment and reinvestment. The Indian Head and Newburg areas could support investment tied to defense, energy, tourism, and waterfront assets.
Staff recommended continuing the evaluation process and preparing formal recommendations for the Commissioners before submitting proposed designations to the State of Maryland for review and approval.
Representatives of the Greater Waldorf Jaycees Foundation, Inc. provided an update on the organization’s activities. The group has served Charles County since 1969 and has awarded more than $1.5 million in scholarships through a partnership with the College of Southern Maryland Foundation. It has also provided millions in charitable contributions and received state, national, and international recognition.
County Attorney Wes Adams updated the Commissioners on a complaint filed February 22, 2026, alleging a potential violation of the Maryland Open Meetings Act. The Maryland Open Meetings Compliance Board determined that the Board of County Commissioners did not violate the Act during its January 28, 2026, closed session on a potential business location. The discussions were found to be properly conducted under statutory exceptions with required notice provided.
Commissioners held a public hearing on Proposed Bill 2026-04, which would establish a formal collective bargaining process for most full-time county government employees by creating a new Article V in Chapter 197 of the County Code. The legislation would grant eligible employees the right to organize, select an exclusive bargaining representative, and negotiate over wages, hours, and other terms of employment. It excludes EMS employees already covered under a separate article, as well as supervisors, confidential employees, appointed officials, part-time, temporary, seasonal, and contractual employees.
Commissioners voted unanimously to hold the record open for an additional 14 days before scheduling a work session to review input.
Commissioners received annual updates from the Board of Electrical Examiners, Library Board of Trustees, and Interfaith Commission.
They approved a budget amendment increase of $430,000 to support school safety and security initiatives. They also approved reallocating remaining funds from the FY2026 Beginner Farmer Equipment Rental Program to purchase additional equipment for the Soil Conservation District.
A letter of support was approved for the Greenwell Foundation’s application to the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program, which funds services to reduce veteran suicide and improve mental health outcomes.
Commissioners approved a proposed resolution authorizing an application to the Maryland Affordable Housing Trust’s Safe and Secure Water Access in Homes Grant Program to address water access challenges affecting residents’ health and safety.
The meeting addressed several items with direct impact on Charles County residents, including economic development opportunities in Waldorf, Indian Head, and Newburg, support for school safety, veteran services, and affordable housing initiatives.
