March 10 Commissioner Meeting Update

News Release # 2026-036

Wednesday, March 11, 2026

On Tuesday, March 10, Wes Adams, County Attorney, presented proposed legislation to the Charles County Commissioners to establish a framework for collective bargaining for certain county government employees. The bill outlines how eligible employees may organize and be represented by a labor organization to negotiate wages, hours, and working conditions. It also establishes procedures for employee representation elections, outlines the responsibilities of both the county and employee organizations during negotiations, and defines the scope of issues that may be included in collective bargaining agreements. The legislation sets guidelines for dispute resolution, including mediation if negotiations reach an impasse, and clarifies administrative roles to support the process. The proposal is intended to establish a clear, structured process for labor negotiations while maintaining the county's ability to manage operations and services. Jacob Dyer, Director of Fiscal and Administrative Services, presented the potential fiscal impact if an additional union was created. Commissioners voted unanimously to introduce the bill and scheduled a public hearing for May 12, 2026, at 6 p.m.

Briefings

• Cathy Reisinger, Deputy Director and Ray Shumaker, Chief of Codes, Permits, and Inspection Services, Department of Planning and Growth Management; Anthony Adesina, Business Retention and Expansion Manager, Department of Economic Development; and Kathy Guzman, President and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce presented an update to the Charles County Commissioners on the work of the Small Business Permitting Work Group (SBPWG). They presented recommendations to refine the permitting process for businesses in the county seeking a Use and Occupancy for an existing structure. The presentation highlighted the group's efforts to review current permitting procedures, identify challenges faced by business owners, and develop strategies to improve the permitting experience.

  Key recommendations focused on improving outreach and education for permit applicants, real estate agents and design professionals; creating a business permitting webpage; and requiring business owner involvement in the permitting process. Additionally, the workgroup recommended a Small Business Permitting Navigator position be created to act as a liaison between business owners and the County and other reviewing agencies. These recommendations are intended to help business owners navigate the regulations and permit requirements while reducing obstacles or delays in opening their businesses.

• Yolanda Wilson, President of the College of Southern Maryland, presented the College of Southern Maryland (CSM) State of the College Update to the Charles County Commissioners, highlighting the college's role in providing affordable higher education, workforce training, and community partnerships across Southern Maryland. The presentation included an overview of student enrollment trends and recent accomplishments. It also highlighted new and expanded academic and workforce programs, as well as partnerships with local employers and government agencies. College leaders discussed efforts to prepare students for in-demand careers in fields such as healthcare, technology, and skilled trades. Additional initiatives that support student success were also highlighted, including scholarships, transfer agreements with four-year universities, and programs that connect students with local job opportunities. The update emphasized the college's mission to provide accessible, high-quality education while strengthening the regional workforce and supporting economic development in Charles County and the surrounding region.

Legislative Update

Danielle Mitchell, Acting Deputy County Attorney, updated commissioners on the 2026 Maryland General Assembly. Commissioners were informed that HB 1493, titled Charles County - Student Bus Transportation Providers - Provider Displacement (SB 574), which would require the Charles County Board of Education to provide advance notice of changes to school bus contracts, was being withdrawn. Senate Bill 953/House Bill 1493, which would enact rent stabilization measures for residents 65 years of age and older, is scheduled for public hearings in the Senate on March 11 and the House on March 12.

Approval Items

Commissioners approved:

• A Final Purchase and Sale Agreement of Lot One of the Hughesville Industrial Park Well Site and Waterline Extension.
• A letter of support for the Charles County Resilience Authority for the Popes Creek Waterfront Park Living Shoreline Construction Project.
• Letters of support for Fiscal Year 2027 Congressional Earmarks for:
  • Charles Soil Conservation District Agricultural and Environmental Resource & Education Facility
  • Charles County Projects and Initiatives

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