Speaker numbers apply only to this recording.
The Board of County Commissioners for Charles County met on December 9, 2025, for an afternoon session. Commissioners present were Bowling, Coates, Stewart, Patterson, and Collins. The meeting included approvals of appointments, a revised partnership letter for Fire and EMS, the FY 2026 general fund first quarter report, an ARPA update, and a briefing on the Sports and Wellness Complex. Discussions were held on a proposed AFSCME collective bargaining bill, zoning for cannabis production, and procedures for agricultural nuisance abatement.
The board unanimously approved reappointments and new appointments to the Area Council on Aging, Board of Social Services, Commission for Veterans Affairs, Animal Matter Hearing Board (appointing April Hodges as the Charles County Humane Society representative), and the Ethics Commission.
Commissioners approved a revised letter of support for the Charles County Volunteer Fire and EMS Association. Staff detailed changes made at the board’s direction, including a new title ("Strategic Use of Resources") and added language on recruitment and retention research. Commissioner Bowling noted that a 30% childcare discount was negotiated for volunteers at a center in Port Tobacco but questioned the accessibility of that specific location for volunteers in other parts of the county.
Jake Dyer and Sam Chiriaco presented the first quarter report. The adjusted budget is $598.6 million. The year-end revenue projection shows a $9.7 million loss, which is better than the budgeted $25.1 million fund balance drawdown. Income taxes are projected $18.1 million higher than budgeted, which staff attributed largely to a one-time reconciliation payment and the impact of federal employee buyouts, warning that the 16% withholding growth is likely a "one-time blimp." Residential property taxes make up 81% of the tax base, but the number of taxable accounts fell by 18 while tax-exempt accounts (primarily for 100% disabled veterans) grew by 700, putting pressure on future growth. Commissioners approved a motion to provide a $1,000 one-time take-home bonus for eligible full-time county employees and a $250 bonus for eligible part-time employees, and to increase the CIP fund PAYGO reserve by $5.7 million, using the projected unassigned fund balance surplus.
Kelly Shear provided an update on ARPA program expenditures. With a deadline of December 31, 2026, remaining balances exist in broadband, housing, stormwater, and public health programs. Commissioners approved a transfer of $704,947 in projected savings from the broadband long driveway program, rental assistance, and home ownership programs to the surface transportation road overlay budget for resurfacing Trinity Church Road.
Kelly Beavers, Jim Chandler, and Ben Yekley briefed the board. The county has secured a commitment from the Maryland Stadium Authority (MSA) to conduct an economic impact study, following a productive meeting on October 27, 2025. Jim Chandler stated that a pre-development feasibility and market study is critical to evaluating operating costs and attracting private partners (P3s) to fill the funding gap for the approximately $100 million project, for which the county has roughly $54-55 million. Commissioners approved a $150,000 budget transfer from the CIP contingent inflation account to fund this market and feasibility study.
The board discussed a draft bill for collective bargaining from AFSCME. Commissioner President directed staff to draft a bill using the AFSCME framework but consistent with the county’s existing collective bargaining statutes for public safety unions to ensure parity across all unions. The draft is to be brought back to the board in January.
Commissioners discussed the county’s current classification of cannabis as an agricultural product, which allows it in agricultural zones and subjects it to the Right to Farm Act, potentially exempting operations from nuisance complaints related to smells. Staff noted that the state of Maryland has not classified cannabis as an agricultural product and that one active project in the rural area is causing concern. Staff were directed to review the zoning classification to align it with the state’s regulatory framework and bring recommendations back in the spring.
The board discussed refining procedures for nuisance complaints on agricultural properties. The discussion was spurred by a specific enforcement action where questions were raised about legal standing for inspections and the classification of farm equipment. The goal is to ensure inspectors have clear legal standing, distinguish legitimate farming operations from nuisances, and utilize the Agricultural Reconciliation Board (which has never had a case) for resolution, with input from the county’s agricultural marketing specialist. Staff were directed to review and improve the process, ensuring it does not unfairly target the farming community while preventing the misuse of agricultural classifications.
Commissioners President noted no new business. The session was adjourned to resume at 6:00 PM for the quarterly District 4 town hall at St. Charles High School.
Good afternoon, Commissioners. We're going to begin this afternoon session with a roll call. Commissioner Bowling. Present. Commissioner Coates. Here. Commissioner Stewart. Commissioner Patterson. Present. And Commissioner Collins. Here. Thank you. Commissioners, the first item on your agenda for this afternoon is action on boards and commissions. Commissioners, we're seeking a motion to reappoint Linda Stansbury Roy, Narian, Jacqueline Pressey, Cheryl Robinson, Cynthia Vaughn, and appoint Sarah Kano, Fanny Irkham, and Dante Varney and Kenneth Pearson as members to the area council on aging. So motion to approve. So moved. Second. Moved and properly second. All in favor. Aye. Oppose. The ayes have it. Thank you. The next we're seeking a motion to appoint Hayden Jarboe, Nils, Canoe, Jaberi, Douglas, Erica, Wilson, Marshall, Edwards, and Jude Mota as members to the Board of Social Services. Motion to approve. So moved. Second. Moved and properly second. All in favor. Aye. Opposed, the ayes have it. Thank you. The next is a motion to appoint Aaron Miscell, Christopher Allen, Justin Dick, and William Flowers as members to the Commission for Veterans Affairs. Motion to approve. Second. Moved and properly seconded. All in favor. Aye. Opposed. The ayes have it. Next, we're looking for a motion to appoint April Hodges as representative of the Charles County Humane Society to the Animal Matter Hearing Board. Motion to approve. Second. Moved and properly seconded. All in favor. Aye. Opposed. And finally, we're seeking a motion to reappoint Andrea McCoy as alternate member. Maxine Somerville, Angel Rogers, and Christopher Nickerson as citizen members to the ethics commission.