Commissioners & Delegation Meet
Originally Published: September 28, 2024
Will Discuss 2025 Legislative Proposals
On Tuesday, October 1, at 6PM, the Commissioners will meet with members of the St. Mary’s County Delegation to discuss proposed legislation for 2025. Fifteen proposals were reviewed by the Commissioners, who withdrew one citizen request to change the requirement for a senior citizen to live in their home from 40 years, to 20 years, to be eligible for the senior property tax credit. This power already lies with the Commissioners, who set tax rates each budget cycle.
Supported Legislation:
EMS Dept. request to amend animal control state law statute with specific language on dog licenses (currently only good for one year, must be issued with metal tag, etc.) with more general language that allows the county flexibility.
Planning Commission request to repeal public hearing requirements for Comprehensive Water and Sewer Plan amendments. The change would no longer require a hearing before the PC, but would still require one before the Commissioners.
IT Dept request to increase procurement threshold from $15K to $50K; current state law caps at $15K for Commissioner governments. This change would grant local gov’t the authority to increase the threshold.
Commissioner Ostrow requested to include SMC on the list of counties already prohibiting roadside solicitation and donations. Calvert Co. was added as the 5th last year, and Charles is also on the list. Deputy county attorney John Houser alluded to an argument of constitutionality over the proposal limiting First Amendment free speech, saying it wasn’t a settled area of law. Commissioner Hewitt said he’d been advised defending a potential challenge could be costly.
Commissioner Hewitt requested, on behalf of John Slaughter of the University of Maryland and Tom Jarboe of Airtec, a bond bill for $500K to install electric charging stations for airplanes at the SMC airport. This could support current electric powered drones, and may one day support electric powered autonomous commuter vehicles that would transport from our regional airport to a commercial airport.
Commissioner Hewitt requested a bond bill for $250K in support of Feed St. Mary’s and End Hunger in Calvert. The funds would assist in creating cold storage enabling food pantries to house additional community needs.
St. Mary’s County Alcohol Beverage Board requested to increase the maximum fine for violating the law from $1K to $2500.
The Sheriff's Office requested a change in law to allow day reporting, inpatient treatment, and pretrial supervision at the detention center. This is already happening, but the statute needs to be brought up to date with current practices.
Metcom requested authority to cut off service in the event of natural or manmade disasters, and to recoup expenses related to fixing utilities damaged by a developer.
St. Mary’s County License Beverage Board requested to amend the law around the number of licenses permitted to 1 for every 1,350 people in an election district, and one for every 4,000 people in the 8th election district. The 8th district covers the most populated area of the county, Lexington Park and Great Mills.
Delayed:
Finance Dept. request for a $94M bond bill to support FY26-27 capital improvement projects. Delayed until after the first budget work session reviewing CIPs.
Economic Development Dept requests to amend alcohol beverage laws to allow multiple licenses under the same name. This would affect restaurant owners who have multiple locations. The law now requires a different name on each location license, and the change would permit an operator up to three Class B beer, wine, or liquor licenses. Delayed until feedback received from the SMC Alcohol Beverage Board.
Commissioner Colvin requested legislation to mandate prompt repayment by the State to bus drivers for fuel tax expenses related to driving buses for local boards of education. This is in response to constituents raising the issue. Houser said he had spoken with Senator Bailey who advised that the Comptroller’s office is aware of the issue and is working to fix it. Delayed until more is known.
John Walters submitted a request to reduce the term of a member of the Library Board of Trustees from 5 to 3 years. Walters is a member of the board, but submitted this in a personal capacity. Delayed until the Board of Trustees meets in October to discuss.
Members of the public can, and should, attend the meeting to offer their thoughts on these proposals. If there are any additional legislative ideas you may have, this is also an appropriate time to offer those suggestions. The meeting is at 41770 Baldridge St, Leonardtown, at 6PM on October 1st.
