The St. Mary’s County Board of Commissioners approved the sale of $61.5 million in general obligation bonds during their June 23 business meeting, clearing the way for funding of several previously approved capital projects and a new low-interest loan program for volunteer fire and rescue companies.
The bond authorization, which passed on a 3-2 vote with Commissioners Scott Ostrow and Mike Hewitt opposed, carries an estimated interest rate of 3.71 percent. Proceeds are earmarked for roadway and safety improvements, the St. Clement’s Island Museum, the YMCA, multiple school projects, and $1.5 million for the Fire & Rescue Revolving Loan Program. The new loan program will allow volunteer companies to borrow at lower rates than they could obtain on the private market.
County officials described the bond package as routine financing for projects already approved in prior budgets. The sale is scheduled for July.
In a separate action, the board approved the St. Mary’s County Agricultural Land Preservation Advisory Board’s recommended rankings for the FY27 Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation applications. The county is submitting 12 applications covering 1,354 acres. The state program purchases development rights through easements, permanently protecting farmland from future subdivision or non-agricultural development. St. Mary’s County has long prioritized agricultural preservation to maintain its rural character while supporting the local economy tied to farming and the Naval Air Station Patuxent River.
The Commissioners also approved the grant award for the FY27 Victims of Crime Act grant through the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy. The award totals $496,216, with a required county match of $297,916, and will support victim services in the Office of the State’s Attorney.
On the consent agenda, the board ratified a routine update to authorized signers on a Shore United Bank account tied to the Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division. No fees or changes in account terms were involved.
During County Administrator Time, the board reviewed upcoming meeting schedules. There will be no regular business meetings on June 30 or July 7. The next meeting is scheduled for July 14 at 9 a.m. in the Chesapeake Building.
Commissioner Eric Colvin used his time to highlight community events from the past weekend, including the airshow and the UCAC Juneteenth celebration. He also noted that Tuesday marked the final day of voting in the 2026 primary election and encouraged residents to participate, citing low early turnout.
The June 23 meeting was relatively brief. Former County Commissioner Cindy Jones was recognized in the audience.
St. Mary’s County continues to balance capital investment with long-term land preservation and public safety support. The bond package and agricultural easement recommendations reflect ongoing efforts to fund infrastructure and protect farmland amid regional growth pressures. Meeting documents and decisions are posted on the St. Mary’s County Government website.
The bond financing represents standard county practice for spreading the cost of long-term capital assets across multiple budget years. Roadway improvements, school projects, and the St. Clement’s Island Museum have been in county plans for some time. The addition of the Fire & Rescue Revolving Loan Program marks a new commitment to supporting the county’s all-volunteer fire and rescue system at a time when equipment costs continue to rise.
Agricultural land preservation remains a priority in St. Mary’s County, where farming contributes to both the local economy and the county’s identity. The MALPF program has protected thousands of acres in the county over the years by compensating landowners for development rights while allowing them to continue farming. This year’s 1,354 acres would add meaningfully to that total if approved at the state level.
The Victims of Crime Act grant continues federal support for victim advocacy and services through the State’s Attorney’s Office. These funds help provide counseling, court advocacy, and other assistance to crime victims in the community.
The next regular meeting on July 14 will give residents another opportunity to follow county business in person or via SMCG TV and the county’s YouTube channel.
