Charles County Board of Commissioners Meeting – December 9, 2025

The Charles County Board of County Commissioners met on December 9, 2025, for their final regular session of the year. Commissioners present were Bowling, Coates, Patterson, and Collins; Commissioner Stewart was absent for the morning session but arrived later. The meeting opened with a recognition ceremony and proceeded through budget transfers, policy discussions on school pools, fire/EMS partnership, a compensation commission report, and a public arts master plan briefing. The board also entered closed session to discuss appointments and land acquisition.

Recognition — 2025 Charles County Truck Rodeo Awards

• Winners were announced across multiple classes: Class 1A pickup truck, Class 2 six-wheel, Class 3 step van, EMS SUV, and a Sheriff's Office course. The overall champions were the Department of Public Works (DPW) Facilities team. Presenters thanked the committee, all county departments that participated, and the commissioners for providing the budget to support the event.

Commissioner Comments

• Commissioner Collins offered condolences for the passing of Marjorie Mayer (wife of former Commissioner/Delgate Danny Mayer), the Wills family, and former Public Works director Michael Mudd (33 years of service, contributed to major improvements including White Plains Golf Course). Commissioner Collins also wished the community a Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah and congratulated the Fall 2025 Citizen Academy graduates, the Springdale Center auction fundraiser, the Black-Owned Small Business Expo, the Lackey High School football team (0-4 start, reached the state championship), and the Charles County Veterans Association year-end review.
• Commissioner Bowling thanked county government staff for their hard work in 2025 and wished everyone happy holidays.
• Commissioner Stewart (upon arriving) echoed happy holidays and thanked staff.

Approval of Minutes (December 2, 2025)

• A motion was made but initially lacked a second; Commissioner Stewart later seconded. Discussion ensued about the lack of a second. A roll-call vote was taken: Commissioner Bowling voted yes, Commissioner Coates voted no, Commissioner Stewart voted yes, Commissioner Patterson abstained, and Commissioner Collins voted yes. The motion passed 3–1 with one abstention.

Next Scheduled Session

• The board was reminded that the next scheduled session is January 6 and 7, 2026.

FY 2026 Budget Transfer Request #118 — Mandated Local Share for Eligible Children in Private Pre-K ($141,860)

• Jake Dyer (Director of Fiscal Services) and Sam Chiriaco (Chief of Budget) presented. The state (Maryland State Department of Education) issued a legal opinion in June 2025—after the county budget was adopted—requiring counties to pay the local share of private pre-K costs. The request is to transfer $141,860 from the county's contingency budget. MSDE declined the county's invitation to attend the meeting to explain. Commissioner Collins noted the pattern of state mandates shifting costs to counties and requested that Charles County Public Schools and the teachers' union (EACC) be present in future discussions. Commissioner Bowling suggested exploring whether the cost could be absorbed by the school system's budget rather than county contingency funds. Commissioner Coates noted that the costs will increase in future years — the original statewide estimate was $10.1 million; Charles County's initial bill of $183,000 was later rescrubbed to $141,860. The board agreed to table the item and bring it back in January after staff queries MSDE about alternative funding mechanisms.

FY 2026 Budget Transfer #736 — College of Southern Maryland Wastewater Treatment Plant Replacement Project ($330,620)

• The College of Southern Maryland needs additional local funds to cover construction cost increases for their wastewater treatment plant. MDE is providing 69% of construction costs. The local share of $330,620 is available in the CSM contingency project. Commissioner Collins confirmed this plant serves Dr. James Craig Elementary, McDonough, and Stethem schools. Motion to approve passed.

FY 2026 Budget Amendment #273 — MDNR Local Parks and Playground Infrastructure (Laurel Springs Park Field Lighting) ($735,000)

• Funds from a one-time state allocation, originally designated for the Waldorf amphitheater, are reallocated to upgrade field lighting at Laurel Springs Park after the state restriction was lifted. Motion to approve passed.

FY 2026 Budget Amendment #274 — MDNR Local Parks and Playground Infrastructure (Laurel Springs Park Playground) ($2,265,000)

• Funds allocated to update the playground at Laurel Springs Park with modern equipment, shade structures, pavilions, and enhanced accessibility. Motion to approve passed.

Letter of Request to Charles County Public Schools — Swimming Pools in Schools

• Staff (led by Ms. Hall, supported by Jake Dyer and Kelly Beavers) presented a letter regarding La Plata High School (LPHS). The current model of building pools inside schools has created security risks from mixing adult public users and students during school hours. The county is building a stand-alone Sports and Wellness Center in Waldorf (over $50 million of the $100M project funded). The LPHS renovation is a $183 million project ($82M from the state). The original plan included $18 million for a pool in a separate building on the LPHS campus. The letter requested removing that funding (FY27–31 CIP) given the new county pool model. Commissioner Bowling strongly objected, citing equity concerns: LPHS is in District 1, which has not had a new school in approximately 40 years, while other areas have received new amenities. Commissioner Stewart proposed keeping the pool in the plans but deferring its funding to a later year (e.g., five years after the main school completion) and preserving the footprint for future construction. Commissioner Collins stated the letter should not imply the pool is being cut because of the Waldorf Sports and Wellness Center — that messaging is unacceptable. Staff agreed to revise the letter to keep the pool in the CIP with a deferred timeline and to remove language tying the decision solely to the Sports and Wellness Center. The item was delayed for revision.

Commission for Veterans' Affairs — Community Support Funds ($1,147) and Bylaws

• Ronaldo Walson (Chairman) requested $1,147 from the community support fund for name tags, pins, bulk flyers, business cards, and to cover expenses from the December 5 holiday social and upcoming events. The board also approved the commission's bylaws. Both motions passed.

Letter of Support for Partnership with Charles County Volunteer Fire and EMS Association Leadership

• County Attorney Wes Adams explained the letter originated from Commissioner Collins' accountability initiatives. Staff (Ms. Hall, Director Lilly, and Ms. Bangayo) met monthly with volunteer leadership. The letter lists commissioner requests, including strengthening communication, accountability, resource consolidation, strategic planning, feasibility of a county fire chief position, and recommendations via an independent consultant. Commissioner Bowling raised concerns: the letter omitted what the county could do to help volunteers (e.g., tax credits, childcare for volunteers' children, recruitment/retention). He stated he has served on the Board of Fire and Rescue and many listed issues are already addressed there. He offered to remove his name from the letter. Commissioner Stewart suggested moving the feasibility of a fire chief under the consultant's scope and recasting "consolidation of resources" as "strategic use of resources." Staff noted the volunteers have already identified an independent consultant through the Maryland State Firemen's Association (a former Prince George's County fire chief) who conducted a similar report in Queen Anne's County. The board agreed to have staff revise the letter with the discussed edits and bring it back later that day for approval.

Acquisition of Land for Billingsley Road ($1,609,000)

• Sarah Guy (Chief of Property Acquisition) reported the board authorized due diligence in July 2025 on 12790 Billingsley Road for potential relocation of the county's mulching facility, and possibly adding a composting facility and transfer station. The property was surveyed at 123.77 acres (6.5 acres more than tax records). Appraised value: $1,609,000. Funds are available in the line item. The board approved entering into a purchase and sale agreement.

SOP Update — Internal Audit Charter

• Johnny Coleman (Senior Internal Auditor) presented proposed changes to align with the 2025 global internal audit standards (Institute of Internal Auditors). Key changes: expand audit authority to the Sheriff's Office, coordinate with the Ethics Commission, and allow the Chief Audit Executive to administer oaths during investigative audits. Commissioner Collins questioned the timing, noting the board is also considering an Inspector General (IG) position. Commissioner Collins confirmed he is independently drafting IG legislation and that the two efforts are not mutually exclusive — several counties have both an IG and an internal auditor. The board approved the charter update 4–1 (Commissioner Coates opposed).

Acceptance of the 2025 Compensation Commission Report

• Terra Dews (Associate County Attorney) introduced Chair Vitoya Smith. The commission reviewed compensation for the Board of County Commissioners and nine county-appointed boards/commissions/courts. Key findings: two boards (Nuisance Abatement, Animal Matters) receive zero compensation, leading to quorum problems; most boards have not had adjustments since 2017. Recommendations: Commissioner salary increase of $54,555 (approximately 5%); compensation for Nuisance Abatement Board (Chair $2,350, members $1,900) and Animal Matters Hearing Board (Chair $2,880, members $2,780); $350 chair/$250 member increases for Board of Appeals, Liquor Board, Planning Commission, Board of Electrical Examiners (parity increase); Police Accountability Board — no stipend change but trial board members to receive $187.50 per trial; Orphans Court increases (Chief Judge to $14,850, Administrative Judge to $14,250). Commissioner Bowling suggested higher amounts for boards (e.g., $5,000/year for members, $5,500 for chairs) given recruitment difficulties and workload. Commissioner Collins noted that Animal Matters and Nuisance Abatement require legislative code changes because their statutes currently say "service without compensation." The board voted to accept the report as presented, with staff to bring back a broader budget discussion on board compensation during the upcoming budget process.

Briefing — Public Arts and Cultural Master Plan

• Ben Yekley (Planning Supervisor) and Alexander (consultant) presented the plan, funded through the Tri-County Council and Rural Maryland Economic Development Fund. Community engagement included 101 survey responses, three public meetings, three sector conversations, six site visits, and statewide arts council benchmarking. Key data: only 8% of respondents said there is enough arts space in the county; Charles County shares the title of lowest per capita arts funding in Maryland (second to last). Recommendations organized into four pillars: built environment (public art programs, microgrants, central arts venue feasibility, zoning incentives), cultural infrastructure (multi-use trails, agritourism, waterfront activation), community/workforce (training grants, Southern Maryland Arts Leadership Fellowship, youth mentorship), and government/financing (transition Arts Alliance to Arts Council, hire dedicated arts staff, create capital grants program, increase dedicated arts funding, explore arts/entertainment districts). Diane Roush, co-founder/president of the Charles County Arts Alliance, endorsed the plan, noting the alliance has awarded over $1 million in arts grants and scholarships since 1987. Commissioners expressed strong support and noted the plan will feed into the county's comprehensive plan update. Commissioner Patterson noted the state Commerce Secretary highlighted arts-related funding at a recent Indian Head meeting. The board received the briefing positively; staff will bring implementation items forward.

Closed Session

• The board moved into closed session under General Provisions Article §3-305(b)(13) of the Maryland Code to discuss appointments to commissioner-appointed boards and commissions and potential land acquisition. Motion passed.

Key Outcomes

• Vote on Minutes (Dec. 2): Passed 3–1–1 (Bowling yes, Coates no, Stewart yes, Patterson abstain, Collins yes).
• BTR #118 (Pre-K local share) tabled; brought back in January after MSDE inquiry.
• BTR #736 (CSM wastewater plant): Approved.
• BTRs #273 and #274 (Laurel Springs Park lighting and playground): Approved.
• La Plata High School pool letter: Revised to keep pool in plans with deferred funding; removed language tying decision to Waldorf Sports and Wellness Center.
• Veterans' Affairs funds ($1,147) and bylaws: Approved.
• Fire/EMS partnership letter: Staff directed to revise with edits (remove "consolidation of resources" wording, move fire chief feasibility under consultant scope) and bring back same day for approval.
• Billingsley Road land acquisition ($1,609,000): Approved.
• Internal Audit Charter update: Approved 4–1 (Coates no).
• Compensation Commission Report: Accepted as presented; additional discussion on board compensation amounts deferred to budget process.
• Public Arts and Cultural Master Plan: Briefing received; implementation to proceed.