LEONARDTOWN, MD — The St. Mary’s County Commissioners commenced their business meeting on March 3, 2026, promptly at 9 a.m. in the Chesapeake Building. The meeting opened with a heartfelt invocation followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, after which the commissioners unanimously passed the consent agenda without further discussion.
The board took the opportunity to present four important proclamations in recognition of various observances for March: National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, Women’s History Month, the 54th anniversary of the National Senior Nutrition Program, and National Social Work Month. These declarations serve to underscore the county’s commitment to supporting individuals with developmental disabilities, celebrating the significant contributions of women throughout history, promoting essential nutrition services for seniors, and highlighting the indispensable work of social workers in the Southern Maryland region.
During the segment for the County Administrator, the commissioners evaluated the schedules for forthcoming meetings to effectively plan for future sessions. They approved the FY2027 Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) grant application, which was submitted on behalf of the Office of the State’s Attorney. This grant aims to secure $523,878 in federal funds, alongside a required county match of $290,254, to bolster victim service programs in St. Mary’s County.
The board also sanctioned the 2025 eligibility lists for the Length of Service Awards Program (LOSAP), which benefits volunteer firefighters and rescue squad members based on their years of service. This decision guarantees that qualified volunteers will be acknowledged and may receive monthly stipends upon retirement or fulfilling established criteria.
In addition, the commissioners approved an amendment to the FY2026 budget, reallocating $504,949 in unspent salary savings to the Commissioners’ Emergency Reserve fund. This strategic realignment ensures that fiscal flexibility is maintained to address unforeseen circumstances without increasing overall expenditure.
The meeting also featured a legislative update from the Office of the County Attorney, covering pending state legislation that could impact St. Mary’s County. The officials presented details on submitted legislative bond initiatives awaiting approval from the local delegation, which include:
- $200,000 for the Carver Center Boys & Girls Club (Delegate Crosby and Senator Bailey)
- $50,000 for the Knott Lodge at Greenwell State Park (Delegate Todd Morgan and Senator Bailey)
- $100,000 for the Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department (Senator Bailey)
- $250,000 for the Seventh District Volunteer Fire Department (Senator Bailey)
- $500,000 for the St. Mary’s County Family YMCA (Delegate Crosby)
- $60,000 for the Ridge Volunteer Fire Department (Delegate Crosby)
If approved by the Maryland General Assembly, these funding requests are aimed at enhancing community facilities, parks, and emergency service improvements.
During the Commissioner Time segment, Commissioner Eric Colvin addressed various ongoing international issues, including the war in Iran. He also promoted the upcoming performance “The Mad Ones” by the Newtowne Players and acknowledged the observance of National Anthem Day. Following this, the board moved into a closed session to discuss personnel matters.
Upon reconvening at 1:30 p.m., the commissioners focused on a budget work session that addressed requests from elected officials, including the Sheriff, State’s Attorney, Treasurer, Orphans’ Court Judges, and Circuit Court.
The next meeting of the Commissioners is scheduled for Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at 9 a.m. in the CSMC Meeting Room, situated on the first floor of the Chesapeake Building at 41770 Baldridge Street in Leonardtown. A budget work session is set to follow at 1:30 p.m., with a public hearing planned for 6:30 p.m. that same evening. All sessions are open to the public and will be streamed live on TV Channel 95 or via YouTube at www.youtube.com/@StMarysCoGov.
This regular business meeting not only facilitated administrative approvals but also celebrated significant community events while advancing preparations for the upcoming fiscal year’s budget.
