June 9 Commissioners Meeting Update

News Release # 2026-073

Wednesday, June 10, 2026

On Tuesday, June 9, Paul W. Ruppert, Senior Commercial Development Manager, Economic Development Department, and Tony Felts, Assistant Chief of Planning, Planning and Growth Management, presented an overview of the federal Opportunity Zones 2.0 program and its potential impact on Charles County. The presentation explained that the updated program, which takes effect on January 1, 2027, is a federal program designed to attract private investment to eligible communities through tax incentives that support redevelopment, business growth, housing, and job creation.

Staff identified five census tracts in Charles County that meet the new eligibility criteria: three in Waldorf, one in Indian Head, and one in the Newburg/Morgantown area. The Waldorf tracts were identified as offering the strongest opportunities for redevelopment and reinvestment, while the Indian Head and Newburg areas could support investment tied to defense, energy, tourism, and waterfront-related assets.

Staff recommended continuing the evaluation process and preparing formal recommendations for the Commissioners' consideration before submitting the County's proposed Opportunity Zone designations to the State of Maryland for state review and approval.

Briefings

• Representatives of the Greater Waldorf Jaycees Foundation, Inc provided an update on the organization's activities and community impact. The Waldorf Jaycees is a leadership and community service organization that has served Charles County since 1969, and as a nonprofit foundation in 1983. Foundation representatives highlighted more than 55 years of service to the community, over $1.5 million in scholarships awarded through a longstanding partnership with the College of Southern Maryland Foundation, and millions of dollars in charitable contributions supporting local programs and services. The organization has also received state, national, and international recognition for its commitment to community service and leadership development.
• County Attorney Wes Adams provided an update on a complaint filed on Feb. 22, 2026, alleging a potential violation of the Maryland Open Meetings Act. After reviewing the complaint, the Maryland Open Meetings Compliance Board determined that the Board of County Commissioners did not violate the Act during its Jan. 28, 2026, closed session discussions concerning a potential business location. The Compliance Board found that the discussions were properly conducted under statutory exceptions, that the County provided the required notice and legal justification for the closed session, and that no violations occurred. Commissioners also directed staff to provide public updates on future Open Meetings Act complaint determinations and to incorporate this requirement into the Board's Rules and Procedures.

Public Hearings

Commissioners held a public hearing on Proposed Bill 2026-04: Collective Bargaining Legislation. This draft legislation would establish a formal collective bargaining process for most full-time Charles County government employees by creating a new Article V in Chapter 197 of the County Code.

It grants eligible employees the right to organize, select an exclusive bargaining representative, and negotiate with the County over wages, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment. The legislation excludes EMS employees already covered under a separate collective bargaining article, as well as supervisors, confidential employees, appointed officials, part-time, temporary, seasonal, and contractual employees.

Commissioners voted unanimously to hold the record open for an additional 14 days, and afterwards the Board will schedule a work session to review input and discuss next steps.

Charles County Boards and Commissions Annual Update

Commissioners received updates from the following county boards and commissions:

Approval Items

Commissioners approved:

• A Budget Amendment Increase of $430,000 to support immediate and long-term school safety and security initiatives.
• A request to reallocate the remaining funds from the FY2026 Beginner Farmer Equipment Rental Program to purchase additional equipment that supports the Soil Conservation District's programs and services.
• A letter of support for the Greenwell Foundation's application to the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program. The program provides funding to community-based organizations that deliver services designed to reduce and prevent veteran suicide, improve mental health outcomes, and connect veterans and their families with critical resources and support systems.
• A proposed resolution authorizing the submission of an application to the Maryland Affordable Housing Trust's Safe and Secure Water Access in Homes Grant Program. The program provides funding to help address water access challenges that impact the health, safety, and quality of life of Charles County residents.

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