The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County (CSMC) recently convened for a business meeting in Leonardtown, Md., delving into crucial topics such as budget planning, funding requests, legislative updates, and community recognitions. The meeting kicked off with the usual rituals of an invocation, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the approval of the consent agenda, setting the stage for a day packed with informative discussions and decision-making.
Proclamations and Recognitions
The commissioners started the meeting on a high note by presenting proclamations in honor of National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, the Anniversary of the Senior Nutrition Program, and Women’s History Month. These proclamations not only celebrate the diverse contributions of different segments of the community but also shed light on the various needs that these groups may have.
County Administrator Updates
During the County Administrator segment of the meeting, the commissioners dived into upcoming meeting agendas and made crucial decisions on funding and grant initiatives. Of particular significance was the approval of updates to the county’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP) to incorporate additional grant funds. The commissioners also gave the green light to federal funding request letters for the YMCA project, a long-standing priority for earmark requests over the past three years.
The YMCA project, which has been a focal point for the commissioners, sparked some debate among the officials, with concerns raised about the lack of involvement in the earmark request selection process in a timely manner to assess additional county funding needs. Despite these reservations, the funding request pushed forward, emphasizing the project’s importance to federal representatives.
Furthermore, the commissioners endorsed the Department of Emergency Services’ application for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Fiscal Year 2024 Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) Funding to update the county’s Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan. With an anticipated grant amount of $45,000, the county will be required to match $15,000 if the grant is received. Otherwise, the county will need to cover the full cost of the plan update.
Legislative Updates and Commissioner Time
The commissioners were briefed on ongoing legislation that could impact St. Mary’s County by the County Attorney’s Office. While various legislative measures were reviewed during the session, no official positions were taken by the commissioners.
During Commissioner Time, individual commissioners shared insights on different community initiatives and events. One standout program highlighted was Christmas in April St. Mary’s County, marking its 35th year of aiding local residents with home repairs and enhancements.
In the afternoon session, the commissioners regrouped for a Budget Work Session, engaging in discussions on funding requests from elected officials and solidifying plans for the upcoming fiscal year.
The next business meeting is slated for March 11, 2025, at 9 a.m. in the CSMC Meeting Room at 41770 Baldridge Street in Leonardtown. Later that day, at 1:30 p.m., another Budget Work Session will be held.
These meetings are open to the public and can be viewed live on St. Mary’s County Government TV (SMCG Channel 95) or streamed on demand via the county’s YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/@StMarysCoGov. Meeting decisions and related documents are accessible on the county website through BoardDocs.
David M. Higgins II, a dedicated journalist with a knack for unraveling captivating narratives, brings a unique perspective to the table, fueled by his Baltimore roots and upbringing in Southern Maryland. With a passion for storytelling, he aims to shed light on the intricacies of local governance and community affairs, providing readers with an insightful glimpse into the workings of St. Mary’s County.
