Charles County Board of Commissioners Meeting - September 15, 2026

The Charles County Board of Commissioners met on September 15, 2026, to consider administrative approvals, policy discussions, and briefings. Commissioners present were Bowling, Stewart, and Collins; Commissioners Coates and Patterson were absent, making a quorum. The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call, and approval of the September 1, 2026 minutes, followed by a series of approval items and briefings. The meeting adjourned into closed session at approximately 1:00 PM.

Approval Items (Consent Calendar)

• FY2026 Budget Transfer 1316: Approved $57,190 from contingency inflation to cover the shortfall in state funding for field lights at Bensville Park. (Unanimous)
• FY2027 Budget Transfer 180: Approved $38,365 from the Drug Forfeiture Fund for specialized Sheriff's Office training. (Unanimous)
• Maryland Solar 2 LLC Funds: Approved acceptance of $56,000 for forest preservation, as directed by MDE. (Unanimous)
• Van Gogh Bus Replacement Grant: Approved a grant application for $1.9 million in federal funds (80% federal, 20% county match of $395,000 in FY28) for 11 replacement and 3 repower buses. (Unanimous)
• Sponsorship for Southern Maryland Volunteer Firemen's Association Convention: Approved a sponsorship in compliance with the county's standing SOP, funded from each commissioner's community support account. (Unanimous)
• Calendar Change for January 2027 Sessions: Approved shifting January 5-6 to January 12-13 as a legislative day to accommodate the MACo conference. (Unanimous)

Discussion and Deliberation Items

• Board of Education FY2027 Intercategory Budget Transfer ($930,299): CFO Yuri O Drite explained the net-zero realignment of budget categories to reflect organizational changes. Commissioner Collins expressed concerns about the timing and transparency, noting that such transfers can obscure savings when the county faces fiscal constraints, but the board approved the transfer unanimously.
• Longme Neighborhood Roads Resurfacing: Commissioner Bowling introduced resident concerns about the aesthetics of crack-sealing versus full resurfacing. Staff reported that full resurfacing for Longme would cost $225,275 and that the annual overlay budget of $5.2 million is fully committed. Discussion centered on policy trade-offs; the board took no action but committed to revisit the issue during the next budget cycle. A member of the public briefly attempted to speak but was directed to the official public comment period.
• Proposed Charles County Employee Health Center: Alexis Blackwell and consultants presented a plan for an on-site health center funded partly by a $900,000 state grant. The center would provide primary care, urgent care, occupational health, and lab services at no cost to employees. Projected net savings over five years are $5.3 million. The board gave consensus to move forward, with formal approval items expected later.
• Employee Workplace Giving Program: Staff recommended transitioning to a county-focused model where employees can donate via payroll to designated Charles County programs (senior meals, animal care, mobile health, recreation). The change follows a survey of 148 employees. After discussion about portfolio diversity, the board unanimously approved the new model.
• Zoning Text Amendment 26-191 – Mixed Residential Community Use in RM and RH Zones: Kirby Bloss and Joel Binkley presented an applicant-driven proposal to allow a mix of housing types with density bonuses for affordable housing. Staff recommended increasing the density bonus for 100% affordable housing in the RH zone to match the transferable development rights bonus. The Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval. Commissioner Bowling opposed, citing fiscal concerns, but the board voted 3-1 to introduce the bill and schedule a public hearing for October 27, 2026, at 6:00 PM.

Briefings (No Formal Action)

• Meals on Wheels (Home Delivered Meals) Program: Dina Barclay and Lisa Furlow provided an overview of the 40-year-old program, which served 57,128 meals in FY26 and maintains a waitlist of 85–90 seniors. Funding sources include federal/state grants, client donations, and county general fund. Commissioners requested geographic distribution data and discussed potential uses for staff donations to assist non-eligible individuals.
• Food Truck Regulations and Concessions in County Parks: Staff presented the current concession operations (Gilbert Run and White Plains) and the food truck reservation process. Approximately 20 vendors are active, with fees of $25/weekday and $50/weekend. The program requires health permits, insurance, and business licenses. Staff noted growing interest and upcoming events like Food Truck Week.

Key Outcomes

• Approved all consent calendar items, the BOE budget transfer, and the workplace giving program.
• Consensus given to proceed with the employee health center.
• Scheduled a public hearing for zoning text amendment 26-191 on October 27, 2026.
• No formal action on Longme roads but committed to future policy discussion.
• Briefings only for Meals on Wheels and food trucks; no votes taken.
• Moved to closed session at approximately 1:00 PM to discuss property acquisition and legal advice.

Note: Commissioner Bowling voted against the zoning text amendment introduction and public hearing scheduling. All other votes were unanimous except where noted.