May 19 Commissioners Meeting Update

News Release # 2026-069

Thursday, May 21, 2026

On Tuesday, May 19, Commissioners held a public hearing on Proposed Bill 2026-03: Establishing an Inspector General Office. The bill would establish the Office of the Inspector General in Charles County and specify the selection process, term of service, qualifications, powers, and duties of the Inspector General. Commissioners voted unanimously to adopt the bill.

Commissioners began their day at the dedication of the Western Charles County Technology Corridor on Indian Head Highway. The dedication serves to further raise the corridor's profile within the community. The Western Charles County Technology Corridor seeks to facilitate economic development opportunities resulting from increased Federal Department of Defense funding for the research, development, and manufacture of energetic materials.

Briefings

• Commissioners received department highlights from the Department of Recreation, Parks, and Tourism, which included several renovations and improvements to park facilities aimed at expanding access to recreation, tourism, and historic resources throughout the county. Recently, improvements to the Crain Highway Welcome Center were completed, including interior renovations, accessibility upgrades, and exterior and site improvements.
• Commissioners held a work session on the 2026 Local Legislative Proposals. Each year, commissioners solicit proposals from the community for possible adoption as county bills. This year, commissioners received 21 proposals for local legislation. Commissioners gave consensus on four proposals to be considered for potential local legislation.

Public Hearings

• Commissioners held a public hearing on Proposed Bill 2026-05: Charles County Volunteer Fire Tax Credit. The bill would allow any emergency responder earning no more than $150,000 to receive a $2,500 tax credit, starting with the 2026-2027 full tax year. Commissioners voted unanimously to adopt the bill.
• Commissioners received status updates on Community Development Block Grants programs for the Gayle House Domestic Violence Shelter - Lifestyles, Fuller House Repairs, Martha's House Repairs, and Meals on Wheels. Community Development Block Grants are provided by the state of Maryland through a federally funded program designed to assist governments with activities focused on neighborhood and housing revitalization, economic development, and improved community facilities and services.

Charles County Boards and Commissions Annual Update

Commissioners received updates from the following county boards and commissions:

Approval Items

Commissioners approved:

• A budget transfer request of $2 million to align the budget for the radio communications system upgrade project to cover costs to the end of the project.
• A budget transfer request of $202,710to cancel a radio tower coating restoration project.
• A budget transfer request of $130,890 to cover existing overages in the water repairs and maintenance account.
• A budget transfer request of $130,000 to pay remaining invoices in the Infrastructure Management Development Services Plan Review expense account.
• A budget transfer request of $166,850 to complete the design and construction of an additional asphalt path for the Bensville Synthetic Field.
• A request to authorize Commissioner Collins to sign a $430,000 FY2027 midyear Nonrecurring Cost Request to the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) to support a request from Charles County Public Schools for emergency one time funding to support short-term and long-term safety and security efforts for the school system.
• A lease agreement with the Charles County Charitable Trust. Commissioners designated the naming of the space as "The Vivian Mills Center for Nonprofits" in honor of its first executive director.
• A letter of support for a Marathon Health Advanced Primary Care Grant Application.
• A letter of support and local financial match grant application for CSX Herbert Branch Railroad Trail.
• The approval of a process for the ceremonial use of a county building for memorial services for former/sitting county commissioners.
• Addition of a public comment session on Wednesday, June 24, 2026.

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