Charles County Board of Commissioners Public Hearing – July 21, 2026

The Charles County Board of Commissioners held a public hearing on July 21, 2026, to consider two main items: a land use plan map amendment near Maryland Airport and proposed Bill 2026-04 on collective bargaining for county employees. Commissioners heard public testimony, received staff presentations, and took procedural votes. No final decision was reached on the collective bargaining bill.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Land Use Amendment: Two speakers testified. Jacqueline Moore of Cobb Island urged the board not to allow expansion of Maryland Airport, citing environmental risks and health concerns from lead exposure for nearby schools and wetlands. Cyrus Howell of La Plata spoke against data center expansion, arguing it would harm health, water, and electricity. Both opposed the amendment, believing it would enable growth.
• Collective Bargaining Bill: Five speakers testified. David Maher, attorney for AFSCME Council 3, argued that the management rights clause in the revised bill would make key subjects like scheduling illegal to bargain, undermining collective bargaining. He urged adoption of Commissioner Collins’ amendments. Charles Marshall (DPW) requested two separate bargaining units for blue‑collar and white‑collar workers. Chris McDonald (DPW) opposed provisions allowing employer challenges to card‑check certification and election procedures requiring a majority of all eligible voters; he supported the Collins amendments. Samuel White (DPW recycler attendant) called for binding arbitration, stating that without it the union cannot negotiate effectively. Denise Gilmore, AFSCME Maryland legislative and political director, urged the board to reject the revised bill and instead pass the Collins amendments, describing the current bill as regressive.

Discussion Items

• Land Use Plan Map Amendment: Planning Director Charles Rice and Planner Devin Parker explained that the amendment would realign the comprehensive plan with existing zoning. In 2021, 565 acres near Maryland Airport were redesignated from Watershed Conservation District (WCD) to Employment Industrial Park to support development. In 2024, only about 200 acres were rezoned, leaving 351 acres still zoned WCD but shown as Employment Industrial Park on the land use map. The amendment would revert those 351 acres back to the WCD land use designation, removing the inconsistency. The Planning Commission recommended approval after a public hearing and work session. Commissioners clarified that the amendment does not expand the airport or allow additional development; it merely corrects the map to match the zoning already in place. Commissioner Collins noted she had opposed the original 2021 expansion.
• Collective Bargaining Bill (Bill 2026-04): County Attorney West Adams and outside labor counsel Eric Paul Tell presented the bill as the product of months of compromise among staff, the board, and AFSCME. Key features include: a single bargaining unit with two classifications, inclusion of part‑time employees, advisory (non‑binding) arbitration, a participation threshold of at least 50% of eligible voters for union elections, and modified management rights preserving county control over scheduling, work rules, and emergencies. Commissioner Collins stated she originally sponsored the bill on behalf of AFSCME, but the final version reflects board work sessions. Commissioner Stewart praised the collaborative work session process. Procedural debate followed: options were to pass, deny, or amend the bill. County Attorney Adams advised that amendments would require republication and a new public hearing. A motion to close the public record failed on a roll‑call vote (2‑3), and a motion to close the public hearing passed unanimously. A subsequent motion to keep the public record open for 60 days passed 3‑2.

Key Outcomes

• Land Use Amendment: The board unanimously voted to approve the comprehensive plan amendment (motion to amend the land use map and Table 3‑3). The amendment reduces the Employment Industrial Park land use designation from 565 acres to approximately 200 acres, reverting 351 acres back to WCD, aligning the plan with existing zoning. No further public hearing was needed.
• Collective Bargaining Bill: No final vote was taken on the bill itself. The public hearing was closed, but the public record was kept open for 60 days (motion passed 3‑2). This allows time for additional work sessions or amendments. The board may revisit the bill in the fall; any amendments would require a new public hearing.