On Tuesday, Oct. 20, County Commissioners held a work session on legislation that would create a pretrial release program in the county. The proposed bill would establish a pretrial release and community service program to supervise individuals charged with certain nonviolent criminal offenses. The bill would allow a judge to place charged individuals under varying degrees of supervision based on a pretrial risk-scoring assessment. The community service program would supervise those sentenced to community service by assigning participants to community volunteer opportunities consistent with their court orders.
Commissioners worked with officials from the Charles County Sheriff’s Office and Charles County Circuit Court to discuss potential legislation, including provisions that would exclude individuals accused of or convicted of certain offenses, such as domestic violence or violent felonies, among other changes. Wes Adams, county attorney, said a draft bill incorporating the discussed amendments would be ready for the Oct. 29 session.
Capital Project Updates
During Department Highlights, Commissioners received an update on several capital projects, including Western Parkway and the new La Plata Library. Construction of Western Parkway is ongoing and is expected to be completed in January 2027. Once construction is complete, Phase 3B is expected to begin in February 2027, with an estimated completion date of winter 2028.
The county has received the grading permit for the La Plata Library project. The permit allows the county to proceed with site and infrastructure construction. The building permit is pending, contingent on the Town of La Plata allocating water to the facility. Construction is expected to begin in February 2027 and run through December 2028. Commissioners agreed to begin demolition work at the future site.
Charles County’s sidewalk and shared-use path program includes 46 requested projects, with seven active projects in design or procurement and construction projected between 2027 and 2029. Active projects include three along Bryans Road, one on Hamilton Road, one in South Hampton on Radio Station Road, and an extension to the Indian Head Rail Trail. Staff prioritize requests based on connectivity, community benefits, planning and equity priorities, and permitting and property requirements. Projects move through public outreach, design, permitting, and any necessary acquisition of property rights before construction. Road conditions, utilities, stormwater management, and environmental constraints can affect timelines. The county plans to advance the remaining 39 projects in groups of three once design and permitting are complete for three projects.
Public Comment Period Extended on Proposed Rental Licensing Program
Commissioners held a public hearing on proposed Bill 2026-08, which would establish registration, licensing, and inspection requirements for residential rental properties in Charles County. The program would promote compliance with property maintenance standards and complement existing state and county housing, fire safety, and livability codes for standard and short-term rental units. Proposed fees include a one-time $23 registration fee, a $214 standard license fee, and a $107 short-term license fee. License fees would include at least two inspections. Commissioners voted to hold the record open for an additional 30 days.
Commissioners Approve Stormwater Management Funding Plan
Commissioners also held a public hearing on the Fiscal Year 2027 Financial Assurance Plan, which outlines how Charles County will fund its municipal stormwater permit requirements over the next two years. The plan details funding for projects such as stormwater facilities, stream restorations, shoreline stabilizations, and septic system improvements, among other practices; the plan does not adopt a new budget or authorize new projects. Staff reported that the county has restored 621 acres, or 57 percent, of its required 1,083 acres of impervious surface restoration since January 2020 and appears on track to meet the impervious acre credit requirement by December 2027. Following approval, staff will submit the plan to the state. Commissioners voted unanimously to pass the resolution.
For more information on the meeting, including a full list of briefings, approval items, actions on boards and commissions, and more, visit the Charles County Board of County Commissioners webpage and select “Available Archives.”
