Speaker numbers apply only to this recording. Names come from transcript evidence. “Possibly” marks uncertain attribution.
The Charles County Board of Commissioners met on April 28, 2026 with Commissioners Bowling, Coates, Stewart, and Collins present (Patterson absent). The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and roll call. Commissioners approved minutes from previous meetings and heard briefings on an accessory dwelling unit zoning amendment, fiscal year‑2026 third‑quarter results, an ARPA fund reallocation, and an extensive FY2027 budget work session. The board took action on the ADU amendment and the ARPA reallocation, and later moved to closed session for confidential discussions.
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Zoning Text Amendment (Bill 2026‑06) Devin Parker and Joel Binkley of Planning and Growth Management presented proposed amendments to allow more flexible ADUs in line with state House Bill 1466. Current regulations require equivalent storage; the amendment removes that requirement, increases allowable size to 75% of the principal dwelling, eliminates off‑street parking (pending a countywide study), and adds local limits: one ADU per lot, maximum two bedrooms, 24‑foot height limit, no mobile homes, and compliance with accessory‑building setbacks. Discussion covered septic system connections, HOA override, and the lack of a neighbor‑notification process (state law makes ADUs by‑right). Commissioners voted to introduce the bill and schedule a public hearing for July 7, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.
FY2026 Third‑Quarter General Fund Review Jake Dyer (Fiscal Services) and Sam Chiriaco (Budget) reported year‑end projections: adopted budget $604.4M, estimated revenues $606.5M, expenditures $603.6M, yielding a projected surplus of about $2.9M. Income tax receipts were higher than budgeted, though an over‑distribution of $6.3M from the state will be reconciled in FY2027. Property taxes remain 80% residential, 20% commercial. Fund balance policy was reviewed; unassigned fund balance stands at roughly $4M. No action required.
American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Update and Reallocation Jake Dyer and Kelly Shear updated ARPA spending: of $31.7M received, $25M has been spent; $7.7M must be obligated by December 31, 2026. They proposed reallocating $1.5M in savings from stormwater projects to: $508,000 for nonprofit grants (Charitable Trust), $200,000 for food security (community refrigerators/pantries), $512,000 for surface transportation road overlay, $130,000 for health department community health outreach workers, and $150,000 for Mobile Integrated Healthcare (MIH) expansion. The board unanimously approved the reallocation.
FY2027 Budget Work Session Staff recapped the proposed general fund budget ($641.8M, balanced) and five‑year CIP ($533.8M, with ~$2M in affordability for additions). Enterprise fund summaries were presented:
Charles County Government presents the Board of Commissioners. Good morning. The April 28th, 2026, Charles County Board of Commissioners meeting is now called to order. Today's session will begin with the Pledge of Allegiance. Thank you, Commissioners. Commissioners, we're going to begin today's session with a roll call. Commissioner Bowling. Present. Commissioner Coates. Here. Commissioner Stewart. Here. Commissioner Patterson is absent. Commissioner Collins. Here. Thank you. Commissioners, the next item on your agenda is an opportunity for Commissioner Comments. Commissioners, if there's no comments, we'll move on to your next item on your agenda, which is approval of the minutes. Commissioners, we need a motion to approve the minutes from the April 14th, 2026 board meeting. Motion to approve. Is there a second? Second. It's been moved and properly second. All in favor? Aye. Opposed. The ayes have it. We'll also need a motion to approve the minutes of the April 21st 2026 meeting. Motion to approve. I second. Moved and properly seconded. All in favor? Aye. Opposed. The ayes have it. And finally, we'll need a motion to approve the April 22nd, 2026 board meeting. So moved. Is there a second? I wasn't intended. Is there a second? Commissioner Collins, given that this is a small quorum, you could second it if you wished. Well, I will do it. I will second. It's been moved and properly seconded. All in favor. Opposed, the ayes have it. Thank you.