Speaker numbers apply only to this recording. Names come from transcript evidence. “Possibly” marks uncertain attribution.
The Charles County Board of Commissioners held a virtual meeting on January 28, 2026, chaired by Commissioner President Reuben B. Collins II. The meeting addressed multiple budget transfers, capital project approvals, a memorandum of understanding, a condemnation resolution, a legislative update, and a public request to name a courthouse. All items were approved except a letter of support for naming the District 4 courthouse, which was deferred pending feedback from the judiciary.
Budget Transfer 102 (FY26): Water repair costs in the utilities fund. Sam Chiriaco (Budget Chief) requested $85,000 from savings on equipment not purchased due to unfavorable results of a new lead/copper technology. Approved unanimously.
Budget Transfer 118 (FY26): Mandated local share for private pre‑K. Jake Dyer (Fiscal Administrative Services) noted a $141,853 transfer from contingency to cover an unfunded state mandate. He reported that MSDE declined to share its legal opinion and would not advise on billing CCPS. Commissioner Stewart questioned the state’s shifting of costs; Dyer confirmed FY2027 costs are projected at $650,000. Approved unanimously.
Budget Transfer 359 (FY26): Emergency HVAC replacement for Lackey High School pool. The request utilized $1.64 million from the county’s contingent inflation account (total $2.5 million available). Approved unanimously.
CCPS Intercategory Budget Transfer (FY26): The Superintendent requested a $4.2 million reallocation to address rising costs for contracted special education services (speech therapists, occupational therapists, etc.). Reductions applied to administration, instructional salaries/supplies, and capital outlay. Approved unanimously.
Letter to CCPS Regarding Swimming Pools: An updated letter requesting CCPS to pause construction of a second indoor pool facility at La Plata High School and ensure the outdoor pool remains accessible during renovations. Commissioner Collins noted the letter incorporated feedback from December. Approved unanimously.
Letter of Support for Naming District 4 Courthouse: Joshua Marks presented the request. Commissioner Stewart supported but wanted input from district court judges and the Charles County Bar Association. Commissioner Collins opposed, citing Owens’ voting record on social issues and questioning the precedent of naming courthouses after non‑judges. Commissioner Patterson asked about process. The Board decided to seek feedback from the judiciary before further action.
Change Order 12 – Mattoman WWTP: Stephen Bellingsley (project manager) requested $244,147.25 for extended construction engineering services (19 months). Approved unanimously.
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Town of La Plata: Radio Station Road Side Path Extension. The MOU covers a 0.4‑mile county segment of a 2.25‑mile shared‑use path. The Town will design and construct; the county will reimburse pre‑construction costs and take ownership of the county portion. If bids exceed the engineer’s estimate by more than 10%, the county may withdraw. Approved unanimously.
Resolution 2026‑01 – Boundary Line Adjustment/Condemnation: Property at 8040 Marshall Corner Road encroaches on county project‑open‑space land. Sarah Guy (Property Acquisition) and County Attorney Wes Adams explained that DNR required removal of encroachments. The county offered multiple resolutions including monetary compensation and a land‑swap, but the owner did not accept. The resolution authorizes condemnation with just compensation. Commissioner Bowling asked for public clarification of the process. Approved unanimously.
Legislative Update (2026 General Assembly): Lobbyists Joe Green and Jeanette Tejeda de Gomez (GS Proctor) reported on the session. Key points: new House Speaker Adrienne Jones, a $1.5 billion state deficit, potential cost shifts to counties, and numerous housing bills that could preempt local zoning. Commissioner Bowling expressed concern about state‑set housing targets overriding local adequate public facilities ordinances. The Board discussed a request from the delegation to create a redevelopment authority to consolidate funding requests; County Administrator Deborah Hall and Commissioner Collins recommended deferring this for further study. The Board reached consensus to support Senate Bill 288 (highway user revenue capital grants) and authorized written and oral testimony. A detailed briefing on housing bills was scheduled for February 3.
Charles County Government presents the Board of Commissioners meeting. Good afternoon and greetings to everyone. The January 28th, 2026, Charles County Board of Commissioners meeting is now called to order. Today's virtual session will begin with the Pledge of Allegiance. Pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. And to the Republic for which it stands. One nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Thank you, Commissioners. Commissioners, we're going to begin today's session with a roll call. Commissioner Bowling. Present. Commissioner Coates is absent. Commissioner Stewart. Commissioner Patterson. Present. I know I saw him. Present. Can you hear me now, Carol? Commissioner Patterson. Are you s can you hear us, Commissioner Patterson? I can hear you. Can you hear me? I see you, Commissioner Patterson. I'll mark you're here. And Commissioner Collins. Here. Thank you. Commissioners, the first item on your agenda is Commissioner of Comments. Just very briefly, I just want to offer to all of the citizens of Charles County our sincere appreciation and understanding of the challenges that all of us are facing right now. Our um county uh staff has been working diligently to ensure that everyone has um clear roads and uh we will continue to make that a priority. It's really tough out there. Um, but our county has made an uh outstanding commitment to ensuring that you know everyone is safe and and I know you've heard this before, and I'm sure uh the other commissioners will uh certainly uh recognize this along with me. If you don't have to drive at this point, then please don't drive. But we will continue to work to clear our roads to make everyone as safe as we possibly can. Commissioners, are there any further comments? Yeah, I'm here now, Carol. We have some audio trouble here in the blue room. Um just really quickly. Real quickly, I just wanted to say congratulations to you, uh Commissioner Bowling are a new uh Tri County of Southern Maryland chairs. But