Calvert County Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting – March 24, 2026

The Calvert County Board of Commissioners met on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to approximately 3:00 p.m. (with a public hearing at 7:00 p.m.). The meeting covered a wide range of topics including an ethics commission removal hearing, a proclamation for National Agriculture Day, approval of consent and new business items, a presentation on oyster restoration, work sessions on the FY2027 budget and a proposed data center and regional park, and extensive public comment.

Opening & Ethics Commission Removal Hearing

• The board approved the amended agenda. One commissioner recused themselves for the initial portion.
• Jeremy Todzia, Vice Chair of the Calvert County Ethics Commission, addressed the board regarding his potential removal. He argued that the Calvert County Republican Central Committee (CCRCC) is not a public elected office, citing an ethics advisory opinion and a state election law prohibiting simultaneous candidacy for two public offices. He also read a letter from CCRCC members expressing concern that the removal would set a precedent barring party volunteers from serving on county boards. The board recessed into executive session to discuss the matter. No open-session vote was taken.

Proclamation: National Agriculture Day

• Commissioner Hance read a proclamation designating March 24, 2026 as National Agriculture Day, recognizing Calvert County’s 285 farms, 24,654 acres of farmland, and a total market value of $15.2 million. The proclamation highlighted the theme “Together We Grow.”

Consent Calendar

• Approved four items: 1) Prescribed Burn Plan Agreement for Parks & Recreation; 2) Memorandum of Understanding for Health Services at Senior Centers; 3) FY2027 Transportation Grant Applications; 4) Consolidated Transportation Program Letter. All passed unanimously.

New Business

• Courthouse Square Renovations Budget Adjustment (BA2026-000724): The Department of Public Works requested $147,500 from the 800 MHz installation project (CIP000001) to create a new capital project (CIP000496) for renovating office space at 205 Main Street for Parks & Recreation staff. The board approved the motion unanimously.
• Service Charge for Semi-Annual Real Property Tax Billing: Treasurer Amanda Dolina presented a 0.517% service charge, which would generate an estimated $357,993.57 in annual revenue and add about $12.29 to the average second‑installment tax bill. After discussion, Commissioner Grasso moved to waive the fee, citing personal hardship for families. The motion to waive passed unanimously.

Presentation: Calvert Soil Conservation Oyster Restoration Program

• Jason Leavitt (District Manager) and Ryan St. Laurent (Assistant District Manager) presented an update on oyster restoration and shoreline stabilization. They explained that oysters naturally filter water, reduce erosion, and provide habitat. Current oyster abundance is about 1% of historic levels. Three pilot projects are underway: North Beach (210 linear feet, hybrid breakwater), Dare's Beach (1.25 miles), and Helen Creek. Estimated cost: $375 per linear foot. The board discussed the need for cost-effective methods, shell recycling, and partnerships. No action was taken; the presentation was informational.

Work Session: FY2027 Staff Recommended Budget

• CFO Malena Brookshire presented the proposed budget: $411.5 million in general fund revenue, $86.2 million in capital programs, $145 million available fund balance (37.2% ratio), and debt service at 4.9% of revenues (policy limit 9.5%). The budget includes $163 million for the Board of Education (40% of general fund) and funds for 44 new positions, primarily in public safety. The board noted that the budget does not yet include a COLA for employees, additional school funding requests, or potential costs from the state. A public hearing was scheduled for 7:00 p.m. that evening. Commissioner Hart advocated for funding turf fields for high schools, suggesting a one-time payment from the general fund. Staff will work with the Board of Education to develop a plan.

Work Session: Potential Data Center & Regional Park Proposal

• Julie Oberg (Economic Development) introduced Tommy Natelli (Natelli Holdings) and consultants who proposed a data center campus on county-owned land (former Dominion laydown site) in exchange for building a $30 million regional park at an alternative location near Mill Creek Middle School, Patuxent High School, and Dow Elementary School. The project would create an estimated 3,700 direct construction jobs and 110 permanent full-time jobs. The board discussed power (SMECO grid connection), water (reclaimed water from Solomon’s wastewater treatment plant), noise, visual impact, and environmental concerns. Commissioner Hart announced he would move for a two-year moratorium on data centers at the April 7 meeting. The developer expressed willingness to hold public information sessions. No decisions were made.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Over 20 speakers addressed the board, both in person and by phone. The majority opposed the data center proposal, citing concerns about noise, water usage, increased electricity costs, environmental impact, loss of a promised park, and lack of transparency. Several speakers supported the project, highlighting potential economic benefits and job creation. Some comments also addressed election integrity and ethics complaints. Speakers included residents, candidates for office, labor union representatives, and community organization leaders.

Key Outcomes

• Approved the consent agenda and new business items (budget adjustment and property tax fee waiver).
• Discussed but took no vote on the ethics commission removal; the matter was taken into executive session.
• Received information on oyster restoration; no action required.
• Reviewed the FY2027 budget; public hearing held that evening; further adjustments will be made.
• Received a proposal for a data center and park; no vote taken. Commissioner Hart will introduce a moratorium motion on April 7, 2026.
• The board recessed into executive session at the end of the meeting to discuss a business location matter.