April 28 and 29 Commissioners Meeting Update

News Release # 2026-055

Thursday, April 30, 2026

On Tuesday, April 28, the Charles County Commissioners continued their work sessions on the Fiscal Year 2027 Budget. This week, Commissioners recapped the general fund and enterprise funds. Commissioners also reviewed the special revenue funds, fees and charges, and recapped the Capital Improvement Plan budgets.

On Wednesday, April 29, Commissioners met with representatives from the towns of La Plata and Indian Head to confer on the Fiscal Year 2027 Tax Differential. That evening, the Commissioners held their annual public hearing on the Fiscal Year 2027 Budget. Residents had the opportunity to share their input on proposed adjustments ahead of the anticipated adoption date of May 12.

Briefings

• Joel Binkley, Planning Supervisor, and Devin Parker, Planner I, held a briefing on Proposed Bill 2026-06: Zoning Text Amendment 25-189 - Flexibility for Accessory Dwelling Units. The bill requires minimum lot sizes and building sizes as determined by Health Department regulations and building code statutes, allows one Accessory Dwelling Unit per lot, and includes other provisions that expand Accessory Dwelling Unit permissibility in accordance with HB 1466 (2025). Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the bill and scheduled the public hearing for Tuesday, July 7, at 6 p.m.
• Jacob Dyer, Director, and Samantha Chiriaco, Chief of Budget, Department of Fiscal and Administrative Services, provided an update on the Fiscal Year 2026 General Fund for the third quarter.
• Jacob Dyer, Director, and Kelli Scherer, Budget Analyst II, Department of Fiscal and Administrative Services, held a briefing on the use of American Rescue Plan Act funds. A request was also made to reallocate $1.5 million in stormwater projects to other categories. Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the reallocation.
• Meg Romero, Assistant Chief of Environmental Resources, and Michelle Smith, Litter Control Manager, reviewed the recent projects in the Keep Charles County Beautiful Initiative. Projects included the annual Spring Litter Blitz and the Potomac River Watershed Cleanup. The presentation also highlighted the initiative's various opportunities for communities to get involved.
• Renesha Miles, Chief Equity and Access Officer, and Elaine Pollard, Equity and Access Coordinator, presented the Equity and Access Quarterly Update. Focus areas for the briefing included efforts to advance equity initiatives in the workforce, in formulating the county budget, and in the community.

Approval items

Commissioners approved:

• A request to reintroduce proposed bill 2026-05: Charles County Volunteer Fire Tax Credit

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