Calvert County Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting – June 16, 2026
Calvert County Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting – June 16, 2026
The Board of County Commissioners of Calvert County held its regular meeting on June 16, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in Prince Frederick, Maryland. The meeting included an invocation, approval of the agenda (with amendments to defer items 9 and 10), a ceremony recognizing correctional academy graduates, a public hearing on Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) projects, three proclamations, a consent agenda with 16 items (two deferred), three new business items, a work session on a proposed data center moratorium, public comment, and commissioners' reports. The most significant discussion centered on the data center moratorium, where a motion to schedule a work session and public hearing failed on a tie vote (2-2), with no further action taken.
Consent Calendar
- The Board approved the consent agenda (items 1–8 and 11–16) after deferring items 9 and 10 (Apparatus Grants for North Beach Volunteer Fire Department Ambulance 19 and Calvert Advance Life Support Medic 103) to a later date. Items included historic preservation tax credits, parks and recreation grants, a tower lease agreement, several community resources MOUs and grant applications, the Calvert Marine Museum FY2027 budget, and sheriff's office grants.
Public Comments & Testimony
During the public comment period, 16 individuals spoke (in person and virtually), all but one opposing data centers and urging the Board to impose a moratorium. Speaker Patrick Flaherty criticized the Board's transparency and actions, noting a petition of over 8,000 signatures against data centers. Patty Stuckler referenced past votes against a moratorium and urged voters to reject incumbents at the June 23 primary. Pam Warner (Indivisible Calvert County) highlighted the Environmental Commission's analysis of heat islands and diesel emissions, arguing that current setbacks are insufficient. Jeff Dixon described noise impacts from the existing Dominion LNG plant and called for independent health studies. Dylan Johnson urged the Board to avoid partisanship and work together. Alison Ziggler noted the county's resident guide omitted heavy industrial uses like nuclear and LNG plants. Carmen Porello demanded cumulative impact analysis and inclusion of the Environmental Commission. Sherry Burden (Marley Run HOA board) detailed the county's long development planning and argued a moratorium is needed for public accountability. Kathy Decker (Calvert Citizens for Student Safety and Responsible Development) challenged the legal basis for an alleged “unlimited clause” and criticized the Board's transparency. Others echoed concerns about environmental health, wildlife, and the lack of independent studies.
Discussion Items
- Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Public Hearing: The Board received an update on three CDBG-funded projects (Ladies of Charity, Project Echo, and the homeless day program). The public hearing was closed after no additional comments were received. The Board accepted the closeout report.
- Proclamations: Three proclamations were issued: (1) World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (June 15, 2026), recognizing the Office on Aging and Adult Protective Services; (2) LGBTQ+ Pride Month (June 2026), acknowledging contributions to the community; and (3) Juneteenth (June 19), celebrating freedom and the role of United States Colored Troops from Calvert County.
- New Business:
- Financial Advisory Services (Davenport & Company): The Board approved a resolution authorizing a one-year contract (with four one-year renewal options) for municipal advisory services.
- Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) Grant: The Board authorized the county administrator to sign a $1,076,242 grant agreement for energy modernization projects (feasibility study for solar panels at courthouse, cooling tower replacement, and solar-powered lighting at Phillips House, Broomes Island, and other locations). Staff will return for a public hearing in July to allocate funds.
- Childcare Mini Grants Budget Adjustment: The Board approved a budget adjustment (BA2026-000900) reallocating $118,356.61 to distribute mini grants to childcare providers. The board president and county administrator were authorized to sign the budget modification with the Governor's Office for Children. Commissioner Grasso requested a future presentation on the program's criteria and impact.
- Work Session – Data Center Moratorium: The Department of Planning & Zoning (Jason Brinkley) outlined the legal process for a moratorium (public hearing, 14-day newspaper notice, draft ordinance). Brinkley recommended a work session on July 7 to finalize language and discuss studies, with a public hearing on July 28 to vote on a moratorium. Commissioner Hart moved to direct staff to schedule an evening work session on July 7 and advertise a public hearing for July 28. After extensive debate (Commissioners Hart and Grasso supporting an immediate moratorium; Commissioners Cox and Ireland expressing process concerns), the motion failed on a 2-2 tie (Hart and Grasso in favor, Cox and Ireland opposed). No moratorium was imposed; no work session was scheduled. The Board took no further action on data centers.
Key Outcomes
- Consent Agenda Approved (items 1–8, 11–16; items 9 and 10 deferred).
- CDBG Public Hearing Closed; closeout of grants accepted.
- Resolution to Contract with Davenport & Company for financial advisory services approved (vote unanimous).
- MEA Grant Agreement Authorized (vote unanimous).
- Childcare Mini Grants Budget Adjustment Approved with delegation of signing authority (vote unanimous).
- Data Center Moratorium Motion Failed on a 2-2 tie (Hart, Grasso – aye; Cox, Ireland – no; Commissioner Hance absent). No future work session or public hearing was scheduled. The matter remains unresolved.
- Proclamations were read and presented.
- Commissioners' Reports included attendance at community events (ribbon cutting, Patuxent River weighted, Marley Run meeting, data center forum) and recognition of recent deaths.
Meeting Transcript
Of the Board of Calvert County Commissioners. We're going to start out this morning with our invitation. Pastor Charles Harry Harrell with Asbury and Solomon. Morning, sir. Morning. Good morning. Let us pray. Oh Lord, our Lord, how majestic is thy name in all the earth. How majestic is thy name in all the earth. On a beautiful morning, dear Lord, you have graciously given to us to be up and about and in the service of our fellow human beings. And we give you thanks for the gift of life, the privilege of community, and the richness of service. As we find ourselves now in this span between Flag Day on Sunday and Independence Day, just two and a half weeks hence, we are mindful of the cherished inheritance of freedom purchased at a high price and secured over and again by the blood, treasure, toil, and perseverance of America's patriots, her sons and daughters by birth or by adoption, and we are grateful. As we're poised at the threshold of the summer season, we celebrate with our graduates and their achievements, with students everywhere as they find a momentary release from their studies, and with our educators and staff who are beginning to enjoy a well-earned break from their important labor. In this elder abuse awareness month, we remember especially the most vulnerable among us, from the youngest to the elderly, and all those who find themselves at the margins of society and of our awareness, asking your special protection for these, and that you grant vigilance for us, their friends and neighbors, that childhood might be a time of joy, and the elder age a season of continued fruitfulness and blessing. Holy God, we have no agency at all apart from your power to enable and can accomplish no good thing absent your grace. Grant these your servants, our commissioners, and all who here gather the power and grace both to will and to do that which is best for the people of Calvert County, that which is conducive to the prosperity and safety of all, and to build and perfect this place. We call home. We make this prayer with a view towards the good of all our neighbors and the blessing of that majestic name to whom be all glory and honor now and forever. Amen. Amen. And to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Thank you, Pastor Harold. Would you like to say anything? Thank you very much. It's a privilege to be with you this morning. And uh just want to uh put in a plug for the community where I work, Asbury Solomon's, the only community of its type here in Southern Maryland, CCRC, wonderful place where I've been these 13 years now. And uh also to remind everyone that it is Elder Abuse Awareness Month. Certainly, if you see something, say something. We need to protect our elderly. Thank you, sir. Thank you. We appreciate it. Takes us to the approval of the agenda. Are there any amendments to the agenda? If not, we have a motion. I move that we approve and adopt the agenda as submitted. Second. So we have a motion and second to adopt the agenda as submitted. Hearing a discussion. Hearing none, all those in favor say aye. Aye. Opposed. Motion carries. Takes us to our public service announcements. Election 2026 information. Early voting is underway and continues through June 18th. Early voting centers are open daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Registered voters may cast their ballot at any Calvert County Early Voting Center. Ward Farm Park Boat Center, located at 10455, Ward Road in Dunkirk.
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