Speaker numbers apply only to this recording.
On February 24, 2026, the Charles County Board of Commissioners held a public hearing on proposed Bill 2026-01, which would amend Charles County Code Section 27-2C to adjust commissioner compensation based on the 2025 Compensation Commission’s recommendations for the term beginning in 2027. Commissioners Bowling, Colt, Stewart, and Patterson were present; Commissioner Collins was absent. Associate County Attorney Tara Dews presented the bill and its legal background.
Charles County Government presents the board of commissioners meeting. Can you hear me? Yes, I can hear you. All right. Good evening, Commissioners. We'll continue this. I can hear you, Commissioner Stewart, but I don't think they can. We can hear you now. Okay. We can hear you. I apologize. Good evening, Commissioners. We'll continue this evening's session with a roll call. Commissioner Bowling. Present. Commissioner Colt. Commissioner Stewart. Chair. Commissioner Patterson. Present. Commissioner Collins is absent. Commissioners, the next item on your agenda is to hold a briefing on the proposed bill 2026 01 compensation for the county commissioners. Commissioner Patterson, if you can start with the statement, please. Absolutely. The purpose of this evening's session is to hold a public hearing on proposed bill 2026-01. Compensation for County Commissioners. If it pleases the commissioners, I will dispense with the reading of the public notice. Statements should be brief to the point and limited to three minutes or less. Proper language is required at all times. Additionally, please understand that this is a public hearing, which means that the Commissioner's opportunity to speak from the public uh commissioners' opportunity to hear from the public. This is the public's opportunity to speak. Consequently, the commissioner should not be entertaining questions or debating the issue. The commissioners reserve the right to extend the time frame or to continue hearing until another date. We will now begin the public hearing. Good evening, Commissioners. For the record, Tara Dews, Associate County Attorney. Before you this evening is proposed Bill 2026-01, which would amend Charles County Code Section 27-2C, codifying the compensation of the Charles County Commissioners. This change is based on the recommendation of the 2025 Compensation Commission that recommended an increase in the salaries for the Charles County Commissioners beginning with the next term starting in 2027. I'd like to mention that one of the commissioners, Ms. Telia Farrows Savannah, representing District 2 is present in the hearing this evening. Pursuant to local government article of the annotated code of Maryland, Section 10-302D. Any change in the compensation and allowances of members of the county legislative body shall be enacted by ordinance before the election for the members of the next succeeding county legislative body and take effect only for the members of the next succeeding county legislative body. Thus, every four years, this board appoints a compensation commission responsible for making recommendations for the compensation for the next succeeding board of Charles County Commissioners. On December 9th, 2025, Chair Vitolia Smith of the Compensation Commission presented to you the commission's report and resolution and summarize the commission's recommendations as well as the methodology used to reach their recommendations. On that same date, these items were accepted by this board.