The Charles County Board of County Commissioners took several significant actions during its June 24 meeting, including advancing proposed collective bargaining legislation and approving the 2026 school allocation cycle in coordination with the Board of Education.
Commissioners received a detailed presentation on proposed collective bargaining legislation. County staff outlined employee concerns regarding representation, workplace conditions, compensation, and organizational support, while also highlighting recent county investments in employee pay, benefits, workplace safety, professional development, and facility improvements. Staff presented information on the potential operational and fiscal impacts of collective bargaining, including staffing requirements, personnel costs, and long-term budget implications.
The board voted 3-0, with one abstention, to include proposed amendments submitted by the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) to the bill originally submitted by the County Attorney’s Office. Commissioners scheduled an additional work session for July 7 and a public hearing on the legislation and amendments for July 21.
In a joint briefing with the Board of Education, commissioners reviewed the proposed School Allocations for the 2026 Annual Cycle. Staff reported that Charles County Public Schools currently have capacity for approximately 4,499 students across elementary, middle, and high school levels, based on September 2025 enrollment data and the county’s Adequate Public Facilities requirements. The approved cycle will allocate capacity to eligible residential development projects on the School Allocation Waiting List while reserving capacity for minor subdivisions and existing lots of record. Commissioners adopted the analysis and authorized the issuance of available allocations.
Commissioners also received a briefing on a proposed amendment to the 2016 Charles County Comprehensive Plan that would revise land use designations for 351 acres surrounding Maryland Airport. The amendment would align the land use map with existing Watershed Conservation District zoning by reversing a 2021 designation change that had been intended to support potential industrial and business park rezoning. The Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval after a public hearing and work session, noting that the change would not expand industrial zoning or add new permitted uses. A public hearing on the amendment is scheduled for July 21.
The board made several appointments to county boards and commissions, including Henry St. Charles to the Police Accountability Board, Kevin Copeland to the Police Accountability Board, and Dennis Johnson to the Board of License Commissioners. They also reappointed and appointed members to the Animal Matters Hearing Board and appointed Bernard Howard to the Historic Preservation Commission.
Among approval items, commissioners approved Charles County’s FY2027 Board of Education Budget and the county’s recommendations for five eligible Opportunity Zones 2.0 census tracts in Waldorf, Indian Head, and Newburg for submission to the state. The county prioritized tracts in Waldorf and Newburg based on criteria intended to attract private investment and support redevelopment and job creation.
Commissioners approved a letter of support for a $1.26 million Land and Water Conservation Fund grant application to fund improvements at White Plains Regional Park, including new basketball courts, relocation of the golf driving range, and expanded amenities. They also approved the Hopewell Burial Ground Landmark Designation Application, granting local historic landmark status to a previously undocumented burial ground discovered during construction in the St. Charles Parklands community.
Additional approvals included a one-year Memorandum of Understanding with Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 24 establishing FY2027 collective bargaining terms, amendments to P3 agreements with IQ Fiber for broadband expansion projects, the county’s state and federal lobbying contract, and multiple budget transfers and amendments. These included a $3.8 million inter-category transfer for Charles County Public Schools to address instructional needs, special education, transportation, and facility costs, as well as transfers to consolidate capital projects and address departmental shortfalls.
The actions reflect ongoing efforts by county leadership to manage growth, support public education, expand economic development tools, and address employee relations while maintaining fiscal oversight.
