Charles County Board of Commissioners Meeting – March 3, 2026

The Charles County Board of Commissioners met on March 3, 2026, at 9:00 AM. The meeting included proclamations for March observances, unanimous approval of several routine items, briefings on accessory dwelling units and affordable housing pilot projects, and an extended discussion on a state bill concerning school bus contractor displacement. The board voted to introduce two new bills and schedule public hearings, and later moved into closed session to discuss contracts and legal matters.

Consent Calendar

• FY 2026 Budget Transfer Request #406 (SDAT billing errors): Approved unanimously, transferring $361,140 to correct an under-billing by the State Department of Assessment and Taxation for FY 2024.
• Standard Operating Procedure for Change Orders (CPS 05.02): Approved unanimously. Establishes thresholds: directors up to $50,000, county administrator $50,000–$250,000, commissioner present $250,000–$500,000, board approval above $500,000. Includes quarterly reporting to prevent artificial division of change orders.
• Letter of Support for University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center: Approved unanimously for a congressional directed spending request to upgrade nuclear medicine equipment.
• FY2027 Annual Transportation Priority Letter to MDOT: Approved unanimously. Top priority remains the Southern Maryland Rapid Transit (SMRT) project. Other priorities include pedestrian safety on US 301, intersection improvements, MTA service enhancements, and restoration of the W-19 commuter bus route.

Proclamations & Recognitions

• National Women’s History Month (March 2026): Presented to the Charles County Commission for Women; Chair Caprice James spoke on the commission’s advocacy work.
• Social Work Month: Proclamation accepted by social workers; speaker emphasized the “hard work” of the profession.
• National Nutrition Month: Kyra Smith, Senior Nutrition Program Specialist, accepted and thanked commissioners.
• Good Sportsmanship Month: Trevor Royal, sports coordinator, accepted on behalf of Recreation, Parks, and Tourism.
• National Vietnam War Veterans Day (March 29, 2026): Sonia Harris and Dr. Rhonda Bellow accepted for the Commission for Veterans Affairs.
• National Agricultural Day (March 24, 2026): Charles Rice, Planning Director, and Molly Meehan accepted. Rice noted 382 working farms and 46,000 farmland acres; land preservation efforts preserved over 7,000 acres in five years.

Discussion Items

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) – Zoning Text Amendment

• Staff proposed changes to allow detached ADUs, complying with state House Bill 1466 (due October 1, 2026). Key features: no additional parking required, maximum size 1,000 sq ft or 75% of primary dwelling, 24-ft height, two bedrooms max, not allowed on wheels. ADUs permitted in any zone with single-family housing. Commissioners discussed septic and well challenges, HOA restrictions, and potential for tiny homes. Motion passed to hold a public hearing with the Planning Commission on March 16, 2026.

Affordable Housing Pilot – NOFA Project Summaries

• Staff reviewed four multi-family proposals (all in Waldorf, total 439 affordable units). Top three by score:
  • Eagle Point Phase One (82 points, 60 units, 50%–30% AMI, includes units for homeless, in Waldorf Urban Redevelopment Corridor, 9% LIHTC awarded).
  • Lendville Crossing (55 points, 144 units, 60% AMI).
  • Pineway Village (45 points, 85 age-restricted units, 60% AMI).
• Total annual abatement request for all four: $518,434. Commissioners expressed concerns about affordability for middle-income workers (80–120% AMI) and fiscal impacts. Motion passed to hold a public hearing on April 21, 2026, to consider the top three projects only.

Legislative Update: SB574 – School Bus Contractor Displacement

• Extended debate between Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) and the Bus Contractors Association. Contractors sought six-year notice and removal of a buyback provision, arguing protection for small businesses and employees. CCPS opposed, citing loss of flexibility and precedent concerns. Commissioners discussed amending language to allow CCPS to bring services in-house without going to another private contractor (changing “and” to “or”), and removing the buyback provision. Board agreed to send a letter to the delegation with comments (no formal position): expressing support for contractor notice but stating the current bill’s language unduly restricts CCPS options and includes an unwanted buyback.

Other Briefings

• Proposed Bill 2026-02 (Animal Matters Board compensation): Introduced; public hearing set for April 14, 2026, at 6:00 PM.
• Proposed Bill 2026-03 (Inspector General office): Introduced; public hearing set for May 5, 2026, at 6:00 PM.
• Legislative Update: Provided on SB573 (HOA training), SB575 (MD Stadium Authority), rent stabilization for seniors, and withdrawal of economic development redevelopment corridor authority.

Key Outcomes

• Approved all consent items and introduced two bills with scheduled public hearings.
• Advanced ADU zoning text amendment to Planning Commission public hearing on March 16, 2026.
• Scheduled public hearing on affordable housing pilot top three projects for April 21, 2026.
• Decided to send informational letter to state delegation on SB574, not taking a formal position but noting concerns about current language.
• Moved into closed session at approximately 12:30 PM to discuss potential contracts, property acquisitions, and legal advice; returned to open session around 2:30 PM.