On Tuesday, Feb. 25, commissioners hosted a round table discussion on the impact of federal executive orders on Charles County. County, regional, state and federal partners came together to discuss the state and local response to the separation of federal workers and contractors, and other changes occurring at the federal government level.

The Charles County Department of Economic Development has launched a website with resources for local individuals and businesses impacted by the federal government transition. The site includes job search assistance, unemployment resources, benefits programs, and other resources to help former federal employees recover.

2025 Legislative Update

Danielle Mitchell, Assistant Deputy County Attorney, provided an update on the 2025 Maryland General Assembly Session. Commissioners gave consensus to give letters of support for a bill that would allow the Charles County Sheriff’s Office to regulate off-road vehicles used on highways. Commissioners also agreed to a letter of support for a bill requiring homeowners association members to receive additional training on their duties.

Commissioners also heard a request from the Liquor Board to send a letter of opposition on a pair of bills that would expand where beer and wine could be sold. The Liquor Board held a public hearing on the bills on Feb. 13, and the speakers opposed the proposed bill. Commissioners voted 4-1 to send a letter of opposition to the bills.

The Commissioners agreed to send a letter opposing HB 352, the Budget Reconciliation and Financing Act of 2025 because it would, in part, shift $2.7 million in teacher pension costs from the state to the county, among other harmful impacts.

Briefings

• Christie Burnett, Executive Director of the Charles County Charitable Trust, presented an annual update on the trust’s activities.  In 2024, the Charles County Charitable Trust awarded approximately $1.7 million to over 60 nonprofit organizations through four rounds of grant funding through the trust’s Fiscal Year 2024 nonprofit Grant Program and three additional rounds funded by the American Rescue Plan Act.
• Stacy Schaefer, Executive Director of the Resilience Authority of Charles County, presented a report on the authority’s activity during 2024. Projects funded through grants secured by the Resilience Authority of Charles County include the creation of a Stormwater Pocket Park at the Elite Gymnastics Recreation Center, funding for the Residential Stormwater Drainage Improvement Program, and restoration work along the shoreline in the Town of Indian Head.
• Jacob Dyer, Acting Director of Fiscal and Administrative Services, and Eric Jackson, Chief of Treasury, briefed commissioners on delinquent commercial taxes. The discussion included the number of ordinary and personal businesses that were delinquent, the percentage of delinquent taxes collected, and the percentage of collections performed through 2021-2024.

Public Hearings

During the evening session, commissioners hosted three public hearings. The first hearing was a request by the Bryans Road Volunteer Fire Department to enter a tax-exempt loan to purchase a new aerial ladder truck for the fire department. The loan of $600,000 would provide for a new truck to enter service in 2028.  Commissioners unanimously approved the measure.

The commissioners also held a public hearing on two land donations. The first was with Hospice of the Chesapeake for 5 acres along Davis Road in Waldorf. The land would be subdivided with 5 acres belonging to Hospice of the Chesapeake and 15 acres retained by the county. Commissioners approved the land donation.

The second was for a land donation for an 8.7-acre parcel of land along Country Lane in Waldorf. The request made by Melwood was first received in Sept. 2023. Commissioners voted to close the public record, and the official approval will be made as a resolution at a later date.

Approval Items

Commissioners approved:

• A budget amendment increase of $150,000 to support the adequate public safety ordinance consultant study. The need for the study was initially discussed during the Feb. 4, 2025, commissioners meeting as the first step in creating an adequate public safety ordinance in the county.
• A budget amendment increase of $2 million to reimburse the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission 15% of construction costs related to the Clinton Zone Phase IV Transmission main.
• A budget amendment increase of $397,000 for potential property purchases.
• A budget amendment transfer of $100,000 to meet a match for grant funding needed for significant repairs at Stagg Hall.
• A letter of support for grant funding to restore historic Rich Hill.
• A letter of support for the Maryland Veteran’s Museum to seek fiscal year 2026 federal earmark funding for enhancements to the property.
• A request to approve the fiscal year 2026 VanGO Annual Transportation Plan and authorizing resolution of the VanGO service.