After multiple work sessions earlier this year, the St. Mary’s County Commissioners have approved a $682.7 million recommended budget for fiscal year 2027, advancing the proposal to a public hearing scheduled for April 21 at 6:30 p.m. at Chopticon High School. Comments can also be emailed to csmc@stmaryscountymd.gov.

This article provides an in depth look at decisions that shaped the budget proposal. However, let’s start with a quick summary for what you need to know before the public hearing.

• No property or income tax rate increases, although revenues will increase due to projected growth in both categories.

• Of a total $69 million in unassigned fund balance, $18.9 million is available for use per county policy. Commissioners used $16.9 million to balance the budget and fund major purchases.

• County, public safety, and library employees will receive cost of living adjustments, step increases, and market rate adjustments to their pay.

• 13 new positions added, mostly in Emergency Services.

• SMCPS receives $8.4 million in additional funding, but this does not cover the 13 at risk social worker positions.

• Fees increasing for recreation and parks and the solid waste program, while Bay District Fire Department is requesting an increase to their fire tax.

• This budget relies on optimistic revenue and reserve spending, which may create future shortfalls if the economy weakens.

Full Analysis:

The proposed budget represents an overall increase from the current fiscal year, with $377 million coming from local revenues and fund balance — an 8.2% increase in the locally funded portion — and approximately $305.7 million supported by state, federal and other sources.

The county’s property tax rate will remain at $0.8478 per $100 of assessed value. However, rising property assessments are expected to generate $146.2 million in property tax revenue, an increase of $8.3 million, or 6%, over the current year.

The Commissioners did not adopt the constant yield tax rate of $0.8245, which would have kept property tax revenue flat. By maintaining the higher rate, the county is projected to generate an additional $3.76 million.

During budget deliberations, Commissioners increased the projected property tax revenue growth from an initial estimate of 4.6% to 6%. Commissioner Mike Hewitt cited the county’s $17 billion assessable tax base and expressed confidence in continued revenue growth. Commissioners Ostrow and Guy agreed.

The local income tax rate will remain at 3.2%. Initial projections estimated a 7.4% increase in income tax revenue, or $11.3 million. However, Commissioners ultimately adopted a higher growth assumption of 8.9%, raising the projected increase to $13.75 million.

Chief Financial Officer Vanetta Van Cleave previously cautioned that revenue growth could be impacted by changes to State and Local Tax (SALT) deductions under the One Big Beautiful Bill passed in 2025. She noted the potential for reduced local revenue, estimated at up to $7.8 million. 

Current projections also do not fully account for the economic effects of federal workforce reductions in 2025. The county continues to receive tax distributions based on prior tax years, meaning projected revenue growth relies largely on data from 2024 and earlier.

In addition to tax revenues, the proposed budget includes fee increases for recreation programs and solid waste services, as well as a requested fire tax rate increase for the Bay District Volunteer Fire Department.

General fund expenditures are largely driven by employee compensation and public safety investments. County employees are slated to receive a 2% cost-of-living adjustment, step increases and a 3.66% market-based salary adjustment, the final of a three-year phased in approach. Similar increases apply to Sheriff’s Office personnel and library employees.

The budget adds 13 positions across county government, including eight in emergency services, two in the State’s Attorney’s Office and one each in finance, human resources and information technology.

The Commissioners funded the Board of Education’s request for an additional $8.4 million, bringing total county funding for the school system to $147.45 million. The funding supports negotiated salary increases, including step adjustments and a 2% cost-of-living increase for education employees.

While both the Board of Education and Commissioners expressed satisfaction with the funding level, the budget does not address the potential loss of school social worker positions tied to expiring state and federal grants. Maintaining current staffing levels could require an estimated $1 million in additional funding or reductions elsewhere.

At the April 14th joint meeting between the County Commissioners and the Board of Education, Commissioner Colvin asked about the social worker positions. Tammy McCourt, Deputy Superintendent of Fiscal Services for the school system, said that eight social worker positions will continue. Four positions will be at schools with a higher concentration of students in poverty, classified as social emotional learning / social workers. Others will continue to be funded through remaining STOP Grant Funds. McCourt said there was not enough funding to retain four social workers, but those individuals have been encouraged to look for other opportunities within the school system or broader community.

St. Mary’s County Public Schools has reduced staff by over 80 positions across the last several years, McCourt noted.

As of June 2025, the county reported a total fund balance of $88.7 million, including $69 million in unassigned general fund balance — approximately 20.66% of annual revenues. County policy calls for maintaining reserves at 15%, or roughly $50 million.

The recommended budget proposes using $16.9 million in fund balance.

Of that, $11.2 million is allocated within the general fund for major purchases, including:

• $2.7 million for 25 new Sheriff’s Office vehicles

• $4.39 million for emergency services equipment, including radios and an ambulance

• $1.6 million for public works vehicles

• $373,000 for recreation and parks equipment

• $1.08 million grant to the Hollywood Volunteer Rescue Squad for building repairs

An additional $3.56 million is allocated to support enterprise and special revenue funds, including solid waste and emergency services programs. The budget also includes $1 million reserved for snow removal and just over $1 million for nonprofit grants.

Despite these allocations, approximately $2 million in fund balance remains unassigned. (This information is not explicitly stated in the recommended budget, however was included in a presentation to the Commissioners on March 24). The Commissioners have also set aside $78,000 for potential adjustments following the public hearing.

At the request of the Emergency Services Board, Commissioners voted to increase the Fire and Rescue Revolving Loan Fund from $5 million to $8 million and to allow higher borrowing limits for individual departments.

The fund provides low-interest loans for equipment purchases and facility improvements. The Hollywood Volunteer Rescue Squad is expected to receive a $2 million loan for building repairs, in addition to a $1 million grant approved by the Commissioners. Commissioner Eric Colvin noted the grant falls outside the board’s typical funding practices.

By structuring the support as a combination of loan and grant—Commissioner Hewitt’s idea—the Commissioners avoided the need for immediate additional funding in the revolving loan fund, which is projected to face financial strain in two years.

The combination of increased reliance on fund balance, higher revenue growth assumptions and ongoing personnel cost increases may present challenges in future budgets, particularly if economic conditions shift. 

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An application was filed in August 2025 with the county’s Department of Land Use and Growth Management for a residential development of more than 400 homes off Buck Hewitt Road in Great Mills.

The project, known as Jacob’s Run, is proposed by K. Hovnanian Mid-Atlantic Division LLC of Gambrills, the same developer behind the recently approved Pembrooke Townhomes off Willows Road in Lexington Park. The development would span two parcels owned by DC Buck Properties LLC.

Plans call for connections to Goldfinch Drive in the Victoria’s Grant subdivision and to FDR Boulevard just north of Victory Woods, behind the Kohl’s shopping center. Of the roughly 168-acre site, about 96 acres are slated for residential development across three phases: 157 homes in the first year, 218 in the second and 56 in the third, for a total of 431 units. The completed community is expected to include 206 townhomes and 225 single-family homes.

According to the stormwater management report, the site is “completely covered by wooded vegetation, with steep slopes located near the stream that runs along the edge of the property.” Stormwater is expected to drain into that stream, Jarboesville Run, and its tributaries. No development is proposed within the property’s special flood hazard area.

“Site layout took into account the minimization of disturbances to existing conditions as well as maintaining and not disturbing the wetland or wetland buffer as much as possible,” the report states. However, several lots would encroach into stream or wetland buffers, requiring variances from the Board of Appeals. The developer said a full wetland study will be submitted later in the review process, following concept site plan approval.

Access to the development would require a right-of-way approved by the Commissioners of St. Mary’s County, as well as coordination with a neighboring property owner, Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, which owns the parcel that includes Victory Woods.

Project documents also show a proposed 6-foot widening of portions of Goldfinch Drive and Oriole Drive near the development entrance. The work could affect gas lines owned by Washington Gas and several adjacent properties. Staff review notes the potential need to coordinate with the Victoria’s Grant Homeowners Association.

County review documents outline projected impacts. An August 2025 capital facilities analysis estimates the development would generate approximately 93 elementary school students, 46 middle school students and 66 high school students.

A traffic impact study prepared in September 2025 projects more than 3,300 daily vehicle trips. All studied intersections are expected to operate at level of service B or better.

Plans include a mix of open space, including 27 acres of usable open space, 9.55 acres of common open space and 3.83 acres designated for recreation. Proposed amenities may include playgrounds, open fields and pickleball courts.

More than 400 parking spaces are planned for townhomes, including garages, along with 177 additional off-site spaces, for a total of 589 spaces.

from planning documents

The development would be served by 20 streets, at least 11 of which — primarily those serving townhomes — would remain privately maintained. Roads serving single-family homes are expected to be dedicated to the county upon completion, consistent with similar projects.

The property is zoned mixed-use moderate intensity, which allows a base density of up to seven units per acre, or a maximum of 1,176 units. The proposed 431-unit plan falls well below that threshold.

The Planning Commission is scheduled to review the proposal April 27 at 6:30 p.m. at the Chesapeake Building, 41770 Baldridge St., in Leonardtown. Residents are encouraged to attend the public hearing or submit comments in advance by email to megan.higgs-carter@stmaryscountymd.gov.

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Kingston Crossing, a thirty-six unit townhome development, was approved by the Planning Commission on March 23. At the corner of Myrtle Point Rd and Patuxent Boulevard in California, the neighborhood is slated for a 7.45 acre parcel zoned as residential low density. The developer is required to purchase twenty-nine transferable development rights to increase the base density per acre to achieve thirty-six total residences. 

Each unit is sold on its own lot, with all lots totaling 1.86 acres of the overall parcel. Overall open space totals 4.84 acres, but 2.25 acres of that remains undeveloped and wooded. The undeveloped open space is less than the amount required by the county’s zoning ordinance, but because the neighborhood will contain up to six units of “workforce housing” the developer is permitted to request a reduction. Plans state that useable open space includes front, side and rear yards on each lot, off-lot open space bordering townhouses, a centrally located recreational field, and parking lot islands.

Thirteen guest parking spots are provided. For units with a two car garage, the developer figured 2.5 total spaces (two driveway and half in the garage), units with a one car garage have one parking space (total of 6), for a combined total of 89 parking spaces in the development. 

A school bus shelter is provided on the side of the neighborhood nearest to Myrtle Point Road, with a sidewalk connecting to the road. Planning documents state approximately 8 elementary, 4 middle, and 6 high school students may live in the development. The Planning Commission was pleased with the addition of the bus stop given that the interior neighborhood roads will remain private and school buses will only travel on public roads.  

The centrally located recreation area will have a playground and benches, while a smaller area to the north of the development, near a stormwater manager pond, will have benches and dog waste receptacles. 

Planning Commission members confirmed that the neighborhood’s HOA would be responsible for maintaining the stormwater management areas, a subject that has been raised as an issue with some existing developments throughout the county. While the developer couldn’t confirm a price point, they did say that the six workforce housing units will be obligated to meet a certain price point. The county’s Comprehensive Plan, considered as the Commissioner’s “workforce housing policy,” defines workforce housing as “affordable to families earning 45% to 110% of the County’s median household income. In 2024, the median household income was roughly $120,000, meaning the workforce housing range would be $54,000-$132,000.

John O’Connell III, whose company Clearbrook Lane LLC owns the property, also owns the historic Clearbrook Farm next door. O’Connell, and developer Frank Daskievige, stressed their attention to detail with these designs, with O’Connell recognizing that he would drive by the development regularly because of his farm next door.

An adequate public facilities report from the county’s department of Public Works & Transportation stated that no traffic study was required because the development will generate less than fifty peak hour trips. Overall, the report found 211 daily trips would be added to the area. Despite this, Daskievige ran traffic numbers based on studies for nearby the Myrtle Point Woods development layering a five percent increase in to provide a conservative estimate that showed nearby intersections operated at a level of service A. 

Public comments were mixed, with several people expressing concerns about clearing trees near the critical area, increased sediment runoff into nearby waterways, and people speeding along Patuxent Boulevard. One speaker said he came to the meeting “adamantly opposed” to the plans, but appreciated the thoughtful design.

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Thirty candidates are running to replace Congressman Steny Hoyer, who has represented Maryland 5th Congressional District for over 45 years, after he announced he would not seek reelection earlier this year. The vast majority of candidates–twenty four–are running in the Democratic primary. Rounding out the list are three Republican and three Unaffiliated candidates. 

Informed St. Mary’s reached out directly to each candidate via the email address provided on the candidate listing published by the Maryland State Board of Elections to request a statement for publication using the following prompt:

“Please submit a statement of approximately 300-500 words addressing the issues you believe are most important to voters in Maryland’s 5th Congressional District, your qualifications for office, and what you hope to accomplish if elected.”

The deadline for submission was Friday, April 3. 

Each candidate is listed below with their Name / Party Affiliation / Location, a photo, and a link to their website as published by the Maryland State Board of Elections. If the candidate responded to the statement request, a brief portion has been included. The full, unedited statement, can be accessed by clicking “Full Statement.” If the candidate did not respond to the statement request, that will be noted. Candidates are listed in alphabetical order, regardless of party affiliation.

Website: https://arnessforcongress.com/
Full Statement
“Vote no to poll taxes, voter ID and racial profiling, no more tariffs and taxes, and no Iran invasion. Vote to defund ICE, uphold and restore our Bill of Rights. Vote yes to fund Medicare/Medicaid and education, drug use reduction and essential services.”

Website: www.rushernbaker.com
No Statement Provided

Website: www.quincyforcongress.com
Full Statement
“Healthcare is my number one priority. In Congress, I will fight to protect and strengthen the Affordable Care Act, expand Medicare to cover dental, vision, and hearing, and give Medicare the power to negotiate lower drug prices. I will also fight hard on affordability and economic security. I am committed to protecting our federal workers and our military installations…with critical facilities like Pax River and Indian Head at stake, we need a representative who will stand up against harmful budget cuts…And I will invest in our children’s future — from universal pre-K and fully funded Title I schools to debt-free community college and career training linked to local jobs.”

Website: www.walablegay.com
Full Statement
“As your next Member of Congress, I will work to protect Pax River from BRAC threats; expand research, aviation technology, and innovation; strengthen partnerships among the base, local businesses, and our schools; expand employment for residents including veterans and young people. I will prioritize fighting inflation and lowering energy costs; protecting federal jobs and contractors; workforce development, defense and technology apprenticeships; affordable childcare, healthcare, and housing. I will fight to strengthen federal procurement programs, protect pathways for small businesses, and ensure that innovation coming out of Pax River benefits local companies.”

Website: www.adrianboafo.com
Full Statement
“As a Maryland State Delegate… I wrote the ICE Breaker Act to ban officers who joined ICE during Trump’s assault on our communities from ever serving in our state police force. I co-sponsored the Break STRIDE Act to close the loopholes that let utility companies overcharge Maryland families. And I co-sponsored the Maryland Protect Our Federal Workers Act to provide no-interest loans to federal employees and their families devastated by Trump’s mass layoffs and firings…My pledge to you is simple: I will make Maryland a place where families can afford to live with dignity, where seniors can count on their Social Security and Medicare and where newcomers—like my family once was—are welcome, not feared.”

Website: http://www.chaffeeamericafirst.com/
No Statement Provided

No Website on MD Elections List
No Statement Provided

Website: linkedin.com/in/DR-ELLIS-D-COLVIN-472619256
No Statement Provided

Website: harrydunnformd.com
Full Statement
“I have dedicated my life to protecting others — from defending the U.S. Capitol on January 6, to holding Donald Trump accountable for his attacks on our rights and our democracy. On [January 6, 2021], I saw exactly how the chaos and division we see in our government is tearing our country apart. Afterward, I had to call out the lies and immorality in the MAGA extremist camp. That’s why I’m running for Congress. We need leaders who are willing to come together, put in the work, and solve the issues that Marylanders care about — lowering costs, protecting a woman’s right to choose, and keeping our communities safe.”

Website: www.arthurellisforcongress.com
Full Statement
“My record reflects a commitment to progressive legislative reform and challenging established power structures to advocate for marginalized communities. My tenure in the Maryland Senate has focused on expanding equity through healthcare, education, and transportation. Within Congress, I aim to leverage my experience as Deputy Minority Leader to navigate federal policy, focusing on healthcare access, environmental protection, and economic opportunity for working-class families. I will work hard to build more electric generating plants in Maryland to lower the cost of electricity. I will stand up to the policies hurting Maryland families that emanates from President Trump.”

Website: www.elldwniaforcongress.org
Full Statement
“The issues that matter most to voters in CD5 are not abstract policy debates. They are kitchen-table realities. I will fight for policies that lower the cost of living, expand access to affordable housing, and ensure working families can build wealth. I will champion small business access to capital, workforce development pipelines, and youth programming that gives the next generation a real shot. I will be a tireless advocate for every veteran, their family, and caregivers. I support transparent, secure, and accessible elections that every eligible voter can participate in and every citizen can verify.”

No Website on MD Elections list
No Statement Provided

Website: www.harrymd5.com
Full Statement
“I’m a small business owner and a volunteer firefighter, and I see firsthand what working people deal with: rising costs, long commutes, crumbling infrastructure, and stretched public services that just don’t work anymore…In Congress, I’ll prioritize a more fair tax code that reduces the burden on middle class families; expanding healthcare coverage so everyone can see a doctor on a regular basis without worrying about the bill; transit-oriented development policies to increase affordable housing supply while reducing gridlock; investing in infrastructure upgrades like the long-overdue Thomas Johnson bridge, and holding the Trump administration accountable for their many crimes.”

Website: www.brianjordanforcongress.com
No Statement Provided

Website: www.WalterKirklandForCongress.com
No Statement Provided

Website: www.Jerryforuscongress.com
Full Statement
“The issues that ring the alarm for Maryland’s Fifth Congressional District is the economy…Specifically we must lower groceries, gas, and utilities. We should be ensuring that this country is doing all it can to foster an environment where all citizens can prosper. Education is also an important issue. Parents should have full access and afforded all benefits of selecting any form of education they feel would be most beneficial for their children. Whether that’s public, private, charter, magnet, or home school shouldn’t be an issue…This area has lost so many jobs…due to the huge downsizing of the federal government. We must bring these jobs back.”

Website: www.HeatherLuper.com
Full Statement
“If elected, I will fight to expand access to affordable, quality healthcare; strengthen our economy with good jobs and fair wages; protect the Chesapeake Bay; champion the federal workforce and unions that keep our government running, and advocate for Veteran and military families to get the services and benefits they have earned. I will work to ensure every community—urban, suburban, and rural—has the resources it needs to thrive. And I will fight for the dignity and fair treatment of all people- including the most vulnerable among us…I believe deeply in this district and in the power of government to improve people’s lives when it is rooted in service.”

Website: facebook.com/jamesa.makle
Full Statement
“Addressing affordably and the cost of living in the 5th Congressional District will be one of my top priorities [through] age exemptions for property taxes at the age of 75; building more affordable single-family homes, reduce and eliminate Homeowner Associations, increase State and Federal first-time home buyer fund; no more data centers; reduce vehicle registration costs for all Marylanders; build new adequate schools, bring back Scared Straight to High Schools…Taking care of our Special Needs community will be a top priority for me [including] implementation of continuous federal funding for childcare, educational programs, learning equipment, IEP awareness, medication research and development.”

Website: facebook.com/LeighaForCongress
No Statement Provided

No Website Listed
No Statement Provided

Website: www.VoteAlexisSolis.com
Full Statement
“In Congress, I will work to strengthen mental health services, expand access to care, and ensure families have the support systems necessary to thrive. I will work to support small businesses, strengthen workforce development programs, and ensure federal investments create real opportunities for our local communities…By pursuing innovative federal partnerships and smart infrastructure investments, we can reduce congestion and improve mobility without placing additional tax burdens on working families. If elected, I will bring a results-driven and community-focused approach to Congress. I believe leadership should be accessible , accountable, and focused on solutions.”

Website: http://www.friendsoftracy.com/
Full Statement
“If elected, I will work to protect and strengthen the federal workforce by advancing legislation that prevents unnecessary layoffs and ensures a stable, effective civil service. I will prioritize policies that lower costs for families — targeting housing affordability, childcare access, and healthcare, including moving toward more universal coverage. I will champion smart infrastructure investments — modernizing transportation networks, expanding reliable broadband, and upgrading critical systems to support both economic growth and resilience. I will push for transparent, accountable governance by working closely with state and local leaders to ensure that development decisions reflect the needs and voices of our communities.”

Website: www.davesundberg.com
No Statement Provided

Website: www.talkington4congress.com
No Statement Provided

Website: www.nicoleawilliams.com
Full Statement
“Fundamentally, I view my role as your next Congresswoman as your partner in the work and a fighter for your shared values. It is no secret that Southern Maryland needs investments and greater focus from our Congressional members. Transit and transportation are still difficult in the region — for example, some of our bridges are in desperate need of repair. In Congress, I will fight to ensure St. Mary’s wins its fair share of federal investments. Additionally, the county has seen a positive explosion in new and innovative agriculture. As your Congresswoman, I will do everything possible to keep this growth growing while preserving critical programs, like USDA housing loans, that make living in this beautiful place possible.”

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Note: Mildred Marie Hall, Jonathan Burruss, Bryan DuVal, Harold Tolbert, Kenneth Simons, and Keith Salkowski are not included above due to a lack of publicly available information.

A proposed mixed-use development known as Tudor Hall Farms could bring significant new traffic to the Leonardtown area, according to a traffic impact study dated May 27, 2025.

The study, prepared by Lenhart Traffic Consulting for Tudor Hall Funding LLC and obtained by Informed St. Mary’s, outlines a phased development plan across several hundred acres identified in the town’s 2025 Comprehensive Plan and Downtown/Waterfront Strategic Plan.

Tudor Hall Funding LLC is managed by Pleasants Enterprises Inc., a construction company based in Montgomery County.

Phase 1 of the project is expected to include a convenience market and gas station near Clarks Rest. The study states the site would be “developed along the southeast corner of MD 5 and Clarks Rest Road,” with access provided by a planned internal spine road connecting MD 5 to Fenwick Street.

That road is expected to intersect with MD 5 across from Clarks Rest Road, where a traffic signal is recommended. According to the report, a signal warrant analysis supports installing the signal in conjunction with construction of the gas station. The study also recommends modifying Clarks Rest Road to a two-lane approach toward MD 5 to accommodate turning movements from the development. The report notes that “the intersection is close to meeting the volume thresholds to warrant signalization under existing conditions.”

Future phases of Tudor Hall Farms could include up to 350 single-family homes, 350 townhomes and as much as 50,000 square feet of retail space.

Traffic projections included in the study estimate the gas station alone could generate more than 5,000 daily trips, based on 345 trips for each of the estimated 16 fueling pumps. The residential component, totaling up to 700 homes, is projected to generate nearly 4,000 trips during the 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. period. Additional retail development could add as many as 2,000 daily trips, depending on whether a supermarket is included.

The study indicates that increased traffic would affect nearby intersections.

At MD 5 and MD 243, the level of service, or LOS — a measure of traffic flow efficiency — is projected to decline from A to B during morning peak hours. The report also notes that recent nearby development, including the redevelopment of Dash In and construction of a Splash In car wash, has already contributed to a decline in conditions at the intersection to LOS D. According to the Maryland State Highway Administration, LOS D is considered an acceptable level of service in many roadway settings.

At full buildout of Tudor Hall Farms, the intersection of MD 5 and Clarks Rest Road is projected to operate at LOS C during peak hours, after initially improving with the installation of a traffic signal.

Farther south, the intersection of MD 5 and MD 245 is expected to operate at LOS D during evening peak hours following construction of the gas station, and at LOS D during morning peak hours under full buildout conditions.

The proposed development aligns with broader town planning efforts outlined in the Downtown and Waterfront Strategic Plan, which includes long-term concepts such as an entertainment amphitheater, a hotel and conference center, and additional residential development along West Fenwick Street. Those projects remain in early planning stages and would likely require public-private partnerships, particularly for larger components such as the hotel and conference center.

No public hearing on Tudor Hall Farms has been held yet. The project would require review by the Leonardtown Planning and Zoning Commission and may also require approval from the Town Council depending on the scope and phasing of development.

Recent approvals and pending reviews of other commercial projects, including a Tractor Supply store and the proposed McIntosh Professional Center, suggest continued development activity in the area tied to the long-planned buildout of Tudor Hall.

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Presidential elections generate the biggest headlines, but non-presidential election years often hold more significance for Maryland voters. At the national level, midterm elections dominate coverage because control of Congress can change. In Maryland, however, voters will decide numerous down-ballot races that determine state and local leadership.

Informed St. Mary’s will provide informational election coverage beginning with this post and continuing through the general election in November.

Resources and Important Information

The Maryland State Board of Elections website for the 2026 gubernatorial election is a one-stop resource for voters. Residents can register to vote or check their registration status, find a polling place, request and track a ballot, review the election calendar, and see a list of candidates. New this year is an app launched by the state board of elections called Go Vote MD, a more mobile-friendly version of the state’s website.

Important dates to remember include:

• June 2: Last day to register or change party affiliation to vote in the primary election.

• June 11–18: Early voting for the primary election.

• June 16: Last day to request a mail-in ballot to be mailed to you.

• June 19: Last day to request a mail-in ballot to download and print.

• June 23: Primary election day. Mail-in ballots must be postmarked by this date if mailed, or returned to a polling place or ballot drop box by 8 p.m.

• July 7: Voter registration reopens.

• Oct. 13: Last day to register or change party affiliation to vote in the general election.

• Oct. 22–29: Early voting for the general election.

• Oct. 27: Last day to request a mail-in ballot to be mailed to you.

• Oct. 30: Last day to request a mail-in ballot to download and print.

• Nov. 3: General election day.

The St. Mary’s County Board of Elections website includes information on how to become an election judge, locations of ballot drop boxes, early voting and election day polling sites, and maps of County Commissioner and Legislative districts.

Offices on the Ballot

This year’s primary election in June will have a significant impact on Southern Maryland’s representation at the federal level due to the retirement of Congressman Steny Hoyer. Thirty candidates have filed for the seat, including three unaffiliated candidates, three Republicans and 24 Democrats. Based on voter registration in Maryland’s 5th Congressional District, it is likely the contest will be decided in the Democratic primary.

State-level offices on the ballot include governor, lieutenant governor, comptroller, attorney general, state senator, state delegate and judge of the Circuit Court.

At the county level, voters will see all five County Commissioner seats on the ballot. In addition, voters will elect the county treasurer, state’s attorney, clerk of the Circuit Court, register of wills, judge of the Orphans’ Court, sheriff, members of the Democratic and Republican central committees, and two Board of Education members.

The full candidate listing is available by statewide and local offices, including contact information and website and social media links, if provided, for each candidate.

Informed St. Mary’s will publish additional election coverage leading up to the June primary election.

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The St. Mary’s County Board of Education is weighing potential cuts to student support staff as federal grant funding expires and budget pressures mount ahead of the fiscal year 2027 budget.

In January 2026, the board reviewed anticipated federal funding reductions that could affect up to 13 school social worker positions. The cuts stem from the expiration of COVID-era grants and reductions in other funding tied to policy decisions under the Trump administration. District leaders said the changes could require eliminating positions or reclassifying some roles to preserve staffing where possible.

Public response has been strong. During a Feb. 18 hearing, school social workers, staff and students urged the board to maintain the positions, highlighting the role they play in supporting students during crises.

Supporters distributed data outlining the scope of services provided: 6,179 students served, 10,197 crisis walk-ins, 1,703 risk assessments, 2,856 weekly counseling sessions and 535 students participating in group counseling.

At the board’s March 4 meeting, Superintendent Scott Smith acknowledged that feedback while reading a resolution recognizing School Social Worker Week.

“The board heard resoundingly from the community at the public hearing,” Smith said. “We will make the very best decisions for kids and those who care for kids, and you are at the center of that.”

Later in the meeting, Jeff DiRenzo, director of student services, presented an overview of staffing across the district’s student support roles.

School counselors are responsible for academic, social-emotional and career development, while pupil personnel workers focus on attendance, discipline, residency issues, homelessness and crisis support. School psychologists provide assessment, intervention and behavioral health services, and social workers deliver mental health counseling, crisis response and connections to outside resources.

St. Mary’s County is designated by the federal government as a mental health professional shortage area, meaning available providers do not meet community needs. School-based services help fill part of that gap, alongside programs such as the Health Hub and school-based health centers operated by the local health department.

Even so, staffing levels fall short of recommended standards.

from SMCPS presentation

The district has one school counselor for every 345 students — the highest ratio in the tri-county area — compared with the American School Counselor Association’s recommended 1-to-250 ratio. Meeting that benchmark would require hiring 18 additional counselors at an estimated cost of $1.8 million.

from SMCPS presentation

Pupil personnel workers are staffed at a ratio of about 1 to 1,950 students, slightly better than the state recommendation of 1 to 2,000. However, Smith noted that staffing flexibility is limited because some schools must have dedicated positions under state Blueprint funding requirements.

from SMCPS presentation

The district’s 14 school psychologists each serve about 1,184 students, more than double the 1-to-500 ratio recommended by the National Association of School Psychologists. Meeting that standard would require 18 additional hires, also estimated at $1.8 million. DiRenzo noted a nationwide shortage of school psychologists, emphasizing the importance of retaining current staff.

from SMCPS presentation

Social workers face the largest gap. National guidelines recommend one social worker per 250 students, but St. Mary’s ratio is approximately 1 to 1,184. Of the district’s 14 social worker positions, 13 are funded through grants that are set to expire. Maintaining those roles would cost about $1 million.

Smith said the funding loss is tied to state-level changes allowing school systems to bill families directly for mental health services. The board was notified of the shift in January.

Without the additional funding, Smith said the district could be forced to eliminate ten certificated positions across central office staff, coordinators, counselors and pupil personnel workers if they kept the social worker positions.

The superintendent also noted recent staffing reductions, including 17 positions cut last year and 87 positions eliminated since fiscal year 2024.

“Fifty-nine percent of the revenue of the county is spent on expenses not related to the education of children,” Smith said. “We’ve had to change with the times, and funding has not kept up.”

To maintain current staffing levels across all categories, the Board of Education would need an additional $4.6 million beyond the $8.5 million already requested to fund negotiated salary agreements. County commissioners have indicated they plan to fund only the $8.5 million request.

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The St. Mary’s County Board of Appeals will review a concept site plan Thursday for Bradley Brooke, a 223-unit residential development proposed off Willows Road. In January, the Planning Commission denied the concept plan in a 4-3 vote, citing concerns about traffic, emergency response and impacts to Naval Air Station Patuxent River. 

Bradley Brooke is the latest in a series of residential projects denied by county boards whose members are appointed by the County Commissioners and serve on a voluntary basis. Attorney Chris Longmore, representing Gambrills-based developer K. Hovnanian Mid-Atlantic Division LLC, filed a notice of appeal with the county outlining the basis for the appeal.

According to Longmore, the Planning Commission “considered information that was not within the record,” including “the personal opinions and experiences of individual” commission members. Longmore also argued the commission “considered information…that was irrelevant to the application,” such as future “potential changes in law.”

A major point of discussion was the proximity of 23 single-family homes to the Air Installation Compatible Use Zone 65-70 decibel noise contour area, where development is not recommended by the Navy. The noise contours are based on a 2019 Navy study that the county never officially adopted into local law. NAS Patuxent River Commanding Officer Capt. Mark Zematis testified before the commission that he could not confirm the completion date of an updated AICUZ study but said it would likely be sometime this spring.

The applicant agreed to use noise-canceling construction materials and provide a real estate disclosure for the 23 homes within the AICUZ area. The Navy suggested removing those homes from the plans entirely.

In addition to the concept plan, the Board of Appeals will review a major subdivision plan to divide the property into 223 individual lots. Of the site’s 76 acres, approximately half would be developed. The remaining land would remain open space, much of it consisting of steep slopes that are difficult to build on.

The board will also consider a requested variance to reduce street frontage for each lot from the 200-foot minimum required by the zoning ordinance to 80 feet. A letter from the project’s engineering firm, Soltesz, states that the constraint of using Bradley Boulevard as the point of entry makes the project unique. Without the variance, the project would need to “abandon the townhouses altogether, creating practical difficulty and eliminating more affordable units from the development.”

Nearly 900 pages of meeting documents are available online, including more than a dozen pages of questions submitted across four separate documents. The questions address traffic, water and sewer service, economic development, school capacity and upcoming developments, and include inquiries directed to county departments, the school system, the Navy and the developer.

The Board of Appeals will meet on Thursday, March 26 at 6:30PM in the Chesapeake Building at 41770 Baldridge Street in Leonardtown. If you have comments about the development, attend the meeting or send an email to sherrie.young@stmaryscountymd.gov

Over the course of two meetings on March 4 and March 18, the St. Mary’s County Board of Education finalized plans for redistricting across St. Mary’s County Public Schools.

The process began in fall 2025, when Cannon Design, a consulting firm hired to review data and conduct public engagement, held community work sessions. Since then, the consultant has presented several proposals based on collected data, community input and goals established by the board at the outset of the process.

Those priorities included effective and efficient use of resources in a fiscally responsible manner, optimized use of facilities, maximizing opportunities for student achievement and delivering the best instructional program within available resources, and relieving overcrowding.

Using Cannon Design’s proposals, Superintendent Scott Smith developed recommendations that were later refined with input from board members. Under the elementary and middle school redistricting plan, closing White Marsh would trigger a realignment of many elementary school districts and all middle school districts to adjust feeder patterns. Smith initially proposed assessing enrollment over the next two years before deciding whether to close White Marsh Elementary School.

The Board of Education generally supported most recommendations, however, Dorothy Andrews voted against the redistricting map changes in Recommendation 1, listed above. All board members voted against Recommendation 2. Board of Education Chair Karin Bailey emphasized that no changes to elementary or middle school boundaries will take effect at this time.

A major factor in potentially keeping White Marsh open is the cost of capital improvements tied to the building’s age. State funding is largely based on a school site’s capacity, and White Marsh has limited expansion potential. As a result, the county would need to fund nearly $9 million in improvements locally.

“Otherwise, that school will close and affect all elementary and middle school students in two years,” Bailey said.

Changes at the high school level will begin next school year.

The superintendent’s plan shifts portions of Hollywood from the Leonardtown High School district to Chopticon High School. Students along Indian Bridge Road, and a small group from Woodland Acres near the intersection of Routes 235 and 4, were initially slated to move from Leonardtown High to Great Mills High School.

However, during a public hearing, residents along Indian Bridge Road strongly opposed reassignment to Great Mills, citing differences in course offerings and potential effects on property values. Several residents said they purchased homes based on the existing school district.

During its March 4 work session, the board incorporated that feedback. Bailey suggested keeping Indian Bridge Road students in the Leonardtown High district.

Under the revised plan, areas of Hollywood — including Mervell Dean Road to South Sandgates Road along northbound Route 235, and Clover Hill Road to Hollywood Road along southbound Route 235 — will move to Chopticon High. A small portion of Woodland Acres near the Route 235/4 intersection will shift to Great Mills.

Several board members said keeping Indian Bridge Road students at Leonardtown would preserve capacity at Great Mills in anticipation of planned developments that could add about 100 students in coming years.

Even with the adjustments, all three high schools are projected to exceed 100% capacity. State regulations allow slight overcapacity, while county regulations permit up to 116%.

In total, the plan will reassign 352 students from Leonardtown High School, with 285 moving to Chopticon and 51 to Great Mills under a phased, four-year plan affecting incoming ninth graders. Parents and guardians of affected students will be notified by April 30, including details on transportation changes.

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The project, known as Riverside Townhomes, was proposed by LAHACO Investments LLC for property just north of the Route 235 and Route 4 intersection in California.

In November 2024, the St. Mary’s County Planning Commission denied the project’s concept site plan after several postponements that allowed the applicant time to address concerns raised by commissioners. Those concerns included parking, school bus stops and traffic safety.

Around the same time, the commission also denied a separate proposal for a Tidal Wave Auto Spa at the corner of the same intersection.

LAHACO Investments appealed the Riverside Townhomes denial to the St. Mary’s County Board of Appeals in early 2025. During those proceedings, board members echoed many of the Planning Commission’s concerns, particularly related to traffic and pedestrian safety near the Route 235/4 intersection.

Testimony indicated that school buses serving the development would need to pick up or drop off students in the northbound merge lane along Route 235. That location raised safety concerns because drivers exiting Route 4 often merge into northbound Route 235 traffic at the same point. The area also narrows from three travel lanes to two, creating additional congestion.

Throughout the hearings, officials also noted that the project’s traffic study relied on data collected before the return-to-office order issued by President Trump, which increased traffic in the area.

According to county officials, the Route 235/4 intersection currently operates at a “Level of Service F,” the lowest rating for traffic performance. Because the roadway is state-owned, any major improvements would need to be made by the Maryland Department of Transportation.

Board members also questioned whether the project’s proposed $3,500 traffic mitigation payment toward a planned traffic signal at the FDR Boulevard/Route 235/By the Mill Way intersection would adequately offset the project’s impact.

After the Board of Appeals denied the project, LAHACO filed suit in St. Mary’s County Circuit Court challenging the ruling.

In court filings, the company argued the board failed to follow local zoning ordinances “by unlawfully requiring traffic improvements beyond those necessary to mitigate the project’s impacts.” The developer also argued that the board had previously approved a nearby project without imposing similar conditions.

Read Judge Hill’s written opinion

In a written opinion, Circuit Court Judge Kevin Hill rejected those arguments and affirmed the Board of Appeals’ decision.

Hill wrote that during testimony before the board, the developer’s traffic consultant acknowledged the nearby Route 4 intersection was already failing. The project’s engineer also conceded it would be possible to redesign internal roads within the development to accommodate county school buses but did not propose that modification for consideration.

The judge found the Board of Appeals did not require mitigation beyond what the developer had already proposed in its application.

“The Board heard extensive testimony and evidence concerning the safety of a failing intersection in close proximity to the proposed development,” Hill wrote.

Hill concluded the board’s decision “reflects a reasoned application of the governing ordinance to the evidence presented,” and upheld the denial of the Riverside Townhomes project.

Judge Kevin Hill served as Magistrate of family law prior to being appointed Associate Circuit Court Judge by Governor Wes Moore in 2025. Judge Hill is running this year to continue serving St. Mary’s County as Circuit Court Judge.

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Leonardtown’s Planning and Zoning Board will meet Monday, April 6, at 4 p.m. to review concept plans for a professional center along Route 5 and a quadruplex residential development on Miss Bessie Drive.

The proposed McIntosh Professional Center includes two 12,000-square-foot flex space buildings on a three-acre lot adjacent to Guy Distributing and behind Domino’s. The neighboring parcel, formerly the site of Pennie’s Bar, was recently approved for a Tractor Supply Company store. W.M. Davis Development is listed as the owner and developer for both projects.

According to a town staff report, plans for the McIntosh site have been under consideration for more than 20 years. A previous set of development plans was approved in 2005 and later renewed in 2008 and 2012. That proposal included a three-story, 47,000-square-foot hotel, more than 31,000 square feet of retail space, 11,000 square feet of office space, as well as a restaurant and a bank.

The current concept plan calls for two buildings divided into four 60-by-50-foot units each, which could accommodate retail, office or similar uses. The development would include 98 parking spaces and landscaping that exceeds town requirements, according to the staff report. Access to the site would be provided by a shared entrance and exit on Route 5, using a common road with the planned Tractor Supply store.

The three-acre parcel is currently largely forested. Plans show about 2.6 acres of disturbance during construction, with roughly 1.5 acres covered by impervious surfaces when completed.

“The proposed development has been designed to minimize impervious areas as much as possible while meeting the requirements of the Town of Leonardtown,” according to notes on the concept plan.

The board will also review plans for a quadruplex on about 0.44 acres on Miss Bessie Drive. The two-story building would include four residential units and face the road, with a driveway leading to 10 parking spaces behind the structure.

Site plans show portions of the driveway and parking area extending beyond a 10-foot side buffer and 30-foot rear buffer shown on the Singletree Phase 8 record plat. However, the Singletree property is zoned Planned Urban Development–Mixed Use, which waives buffer requirements under Chapter 155 of the town’s zoning ordinance. The mayor and Town Council retain authority to enforce those buffer requirements if they determine it is necessary.

W.M. Davis Development is also listed as the developer for the Miss Bessie Drive project. The company is planning another project in Leonardtown, G&H Residences, a three-story apartment building on Washington Street that recently received concept plan approval from the Planning and Zoning Board.

The Planning and Zoning Board meeting will be held at the Town Council building at 22670 Washington St. in Leonardtown. Meeting documents can be found here.

Maryland’s Department of Transportation and the State Highway Administration will hold a public information session at Great Mills High School for review of their proposal to alter the southbound right turn lane along Route 235, starting at Chancellor’s Run Road.

The project is part of the Pedestrian Safety Action Plan (PSAP), “which identifies areas of need and prioritizes corridors for pedestrian and bicycle safety projects” according to the project’s website. PSAP uses a “context driven” approach “based on the concept that our streets should be designed for safety in a way that supports the land uses that surround them.” 

Across the state, MDOT has identified urban and suburban activity centers, or “contexts.” Data was collected regarding traffic safety, accidents, pedestrian and bicycle access, then mapped to find problem areas. The area of MD 235 from Chancellors Run to Great Mills Road is a Suburban Activity Center with a surrounding land use of low and medium density mixed uses according to MDOT’s report.

More than 550 vehicle accidents occurred in the project area between 2018 and 2023. Of those accidents, seven involved pedestrians and another seven involved bicyclists. MDOT has collected feedback expressing concerns about drivers speeding, running red lights, and pedestrians/cyclists feeling unsafe. A lack of pedestrian signals at certain crossings, and the need to cross six lanes of traffic, have contributed to challenges. There is also concern that narrowing traffic lanes and eliminating the turn lane could add to traffic congestion.

Currently, the southbound right turn lane stretches from Chancellor’s Run Road to Pegg Road. From Pegg to Great Mills Road, drivers already make right turns from the right travel lane.

Maps provided by MDOT, which will also be available at the public information session, display project plans. The proposal shows areas where the turn lane could be adapted into a pedestrian/bicycle friendly travel lane with a dedicated path. A grass strip would buffer the path from the vehicle traffic lanes.

A shortened right turn lane will still remain at strategic intersections according to the proposal. Beginning at Chancellors Run, a slightly shorter deceleration lane will permit drivers to pull out of travel lanes and turn into Sheetz. Further down, a shortened turn lane at MacArthur Boulevard will provide access to the Patuxent Crossing Shopping Center. Right turn lanes will also still be available at Buck Hewitt Road, Lexington Village Way, Exploration Drive, and Pegg Road. 

From Pegg Road to Great Mills Road, the sidewalk will be redone to fit the proposal, but the third travel lane will remain, as will the street parking along 235 between Shangri-La Drive and Great Mills Road.

Sidewalk and crosswalk improvements will be made along the northbound stretch of 235 as well.

Local residents are encouraged to attend the information session at Great Mills High School on March 12th, from 5-7pm, and view the plans, ask questions, and generally provide input.

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Four of the five St. Mary’s County Commissioners voted Feb. 10 to advance a public hearing on proposed amendments to the county’s excise tax ordinance — a move that could determine whether development inside the Town of Leonardtown must pay the county’s residential and commercial excise tax.

Commissioner Colvin cast the lone vote against. The motion, made by Commissioner Hewitt and seconded by Commissioner Ostrow, follows discussion about Leonardtown’s annexations and new housing development.

In December 2025, Hewitt (R-District 2) raised concerns that the county could lose millions in potential revenue if the excise tax does not apply to new development inside town limits. Residential and commercial construction elsewhere in the county must pay the fee. Hewitt has argued that disparity is unfair to residents outside Leonardtown and limits funding for schools, infrastructure and public safety. Some members of the Board of Education and the superintendent have echoed concerns about funding, noting the school system has not received excise tax revenue from town-based development.

The concern is tied in part to how annexation changes development potential. When farmland is annexed into Leonardtown, it is rezoned under the town’s zoning ordinance as Planned Urban Development. That designation allows for higher-density, master-planned residential communities. Neighborhoods such as Leonard’s Grant, Clark’s Rest and Meadows at Town Run were developed under those circumstances after annexation into the town.

Leonardtown officials dispute that characterization. In a Feb. 11 statement, Mayor Dan Burris said, “Leonardtown residents should not be required to pay twice for infrastructure services that the Town already provides.”

The disagreement highlights a broader policy question: whether development inside municipal boundaries should contribute to countywide infrastructure in the same way as development outside those boundaries.

Tensions between county and town officials date back to 2023, when the county repealed its long-standing impact fee and replaced it with an excise tax.

Beginning in 2000, the county charged a $4,500 impact fee per new residential dwelling unit. That fee remained unchanged until 2017, when a study found the true infrastructure cost of a new home was approximately $23,000.

The fee rose to $5,500 in 2018. But between 2018 and 2023, adjustments to the calculation formula reduced the effective amount charged. By 2023, commissioners had lowered the impact fee to about $2,000 per home. Those reductions contributed to insufficient funding for infrastructure, prompting adoption of the excise tax at $6,700 per new home.

By comparison, Calvert County charges nearly $13,000 per new home while Charles County charges just over $21,000.

Unlike the previous impact fee, the excise tax allows revenue for schools to be used more broadly for capital projects rather than strictly for capacity expansion. Public safety was also added as an eligible funding category. The tax also applies to commercial development, generating additional revenue.

Leonardtown charges its own impact fee for water and sewer infrastructure — roughly $24,000 per equivalent dwelling unit, according to a town release. Most of that fee funds upgrades to the town’s wastewater treatment plant, which expanded growth capacity in 2022. Both residential and commercial development pay that fee.

The town previously had a School Impact Fee ordinance requiring building permits for dwelling units to include a fee collected by the town and forwarded to the county upon issuance of an occupancy permit. When the county enacted the excise tax in 2023, the Leonardtown Town Council repealed its school impact fee ordinance.

Leonardtown residents pay property taxes to both the town and county, income taxes to the county, Fire/EMS taxes to support emergency services, and county support services and solid waste taxes.

Town property taxes fund roads, parks, public works and supplemental public safety services. Major roads within town limits — Routes 5 and 245 — are maintained by the Maryland State Highway Administration, while the town maintains neighborhood streets and roads around the square.

Town officials have warned that applying the county excise tax to commercial projects within Leonardtown would “significantly increase costs for small businesses, downtown redevelopment and infill projects.”

A memo from the County Attorney’s Office states the proposed amendments “promote clarity, uniformity and administrability” and “do not alter tax rates or policy goals.” The changes would explicitly state that the ordinance applies within municipal boundaries and establish a collection and remittance framework.

During the Feb. 10 discussion, Colvin (R-District 1) urged caution.

“This is a mistake,” he said. “The driving push behind this is a resentment toward any group that is showing success not under our control.” Colvin also said members of the state delegation, who authorized the county’s excise tax authority, did not intend for it to apply to Leonardtown.

Hewitt disagreed, calling Leonardtown a “boomtown” that is “annexing county property with limited building rights and developing them into large neighborhoods.”

Ostrow (R-District 4) said he could not justify telling residents in his district they must pay the excise tax while Leonardtown residents do not. “This is about making it fair and equitable,” he said.

Colvin made a motion to hold an evening public hearing and proposed cutting the excise tax in half. That motion failed, with Commissioner Alderson (R-District 3) voting in favor and Commissioners Guy (R-At Large), Hewitt and Ostrow voting against. A second motion was made to hold a public hearing based on the ordinance as presented. That motion passed, with Colvin voting against.

Colvin argued the excise tax contributes to housing affordability challenges. Hewitt countered that home prices in Leonardtown are not lower than elsewhere in the county, suggesting developers are “pocketing” the difference.

The March 10 public hearing will determine whether the commissioners move forward with clarifying language — a decision that could shape how future growth inside Leonardtown contributes to countywide infrastructure funding.

Public Hearing: 41770 Baldridge St. Leonardtown, MD 20650; 6:30PM, March 10, 2026

You can also email the Commissioners at csmc@stmaryscountymd.gov.

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The Leonardtown Planning and Zoning Board, on February 17, approved a concept plan for G&H Residences, a three-story apartment building on Washington Street. During a 45-minute review, board members questioned whether the proposal fits the town’s character, and several members of the public voiced concerns.

The former Abell house at 22809 Washington St. was purchased along with the adjacent 0.71-acre parcel, where a sign for the owner’s other business, G&H Jewelers, now stands. That parcel is the proposed site of G&H Residences, a 16-unit apartment building. According to the town’s planning staff report, the proposal meets zoning requirements for the Commercial Business District. Multifamily dwellings are permitted in the zoning area, “conditioned upon demonstration of strict compliance with off-street parking requirements.”

Regulations require the building to front Washington Street, with parking along the side or rear. Plans show entrances and exits on Washington Street at the front, and Pope Street at the rear of the property. The building’s entrance faces north toward Church Street, with 11 parking spaces at the front door. A majority of the 32 total parking spaces would be located at the rear of the property near Pope Street.

Town Planner Mike Bailey described a 10-foot easement along Pope Street that would be donated to the town by the property owner, saying it would give the town room to address traffic needs. Approximately 26 feet would separate the side of the building from the sidewalk along Washington Street. A landscaped stormwater management area with trees would fill that space, providing a buffer.

Developer Wayne Davis said the units would include one- and two-bedroom apartments renting for $1,800 to $2,000 per month. “It’s very important for the town of Leonardtown” to have affordable options for young people to live near where they work, Davis said.

Board members expressed concerns about the height of the structure, saying it could appear out of place between two-story residential homes. Board Chair Jean Moulds asked Davis about reducing the building’s size, but he said the current plan represented the best use of the property that was “financially feasible.” Washington Street Apartments, located next to Dairy Queen, is of comparable height, Bailey said. He added that the zoning ordinance allows building heights up to 45 feet.

Several residents spoke during public comment, with many saying the proposal does not fit the town’s character. One speaker said two parking spaces per unit would be insufficient and that visitors could worsen existing parking issues. Another resident expressed support for the project and offered suggestions, including adding speed bumps in the parking lot pass-through area to slow drivers using it as a cut-through.

No traffic study is required under the town’s ordinance because the property already has development rights, Bailey said. However, commission member Sean Lawson noted that traffic at the intersection of Routes 5 and 245 already backs up significantly along Washington Street. Residents of the proposed building would have to turn right onto Washington Street and then make a U-turn to pass through the traffic light. Lawson questioned how additional traffic could affect town events and residents’ ability to access their homes.

The developer agreed to return to the board with a progress update on design development, potentially addressing concerns about the building’s facade and overall compatibility with the town’s environment. The plans will return for final approval at a later date.

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A draft ordinance was presented to the County Commissioners on Feb. 10 outlining proposed regulations to govern the use of money from the Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund (CRRF). Distributions of state cannabis tax revenue are intended, under state law, to support community programs serving low-income residents and disproportionately impacted areas.

In St. Mary’s County, only the 20653 ZIP code — Lexington Park — qualifies as a disproportionately impacted area because of the high number of cannabis possession charges over the past 20 years, according to state data. Funding should be used for community initiatives focused on education, employment, health, homelessness services and transportation in low-income areas. Additional guidance from the state Office of Social Equity is overdue and could further clarify how the funding may be used.

Deputy County Attorney John Houser presented the draft ordinance, emphasizing that it is not final. He said he intends to incorporate commissioners’ input before scheduling a public hearing in the coming weeks.

The draft states that CRRF revenues will be held separately from other county funds and may include county appropriations, accepted donations and returned grant funds. It follows state law for eligible uses but defines a “low-income community” as a U.S. Census tract with a poverty rate of at least 20% or a median household income at or below 80% of the countywide median.

Houser said the county’s median household income is $119,446, according to census data, placing the 80% threshold at $95,556. Lowering the threshold to 60% would disqualify all census tracts in the county, while raising it to 100% would double the number that qualify. “Looking at this strikes just how well off we are compared to other parts of this state,” Houser said. 

Only two census tracts have poverty rates above 20%: an area of Lexington Park between Great Mills Road and Willows Road, and an area stretching roughly from Park Hall Road south to Point Lookout. (https://censusreporter.org/profiles/14000US24037875903-census-tract-875903-st-marys-md/)

Commissioners Mike Hewitt (R-District 2) and Scott Ostrow (R-District 4) suggested defining low-income areas based on participation rates in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or the school system’s Free and Reduced Meals (FARMs) program. Commissioner President Randy Guy (R-At Large) said he preferred to keep the definition simple, while Commissioner Mike Alderson (R-District 3) suggested lowering the 80% income cap to 70%.

State law prohibits using the funds to supplant existing county spending and bars distributions to law enforcement agencies or for law enforcement activities. Commissioner Colvin (R-District 1) said he would prefer limiting grants to projects with one-time costs rather than recurring expenses. Hewitt said projects should be “shovel-ready,” adding that “the idea would be cost sharing, something to help them get across the finish line.” He also supported setting a minimum request amount to ensure projects are substantial enough to justify the county’s administrative effort.

The ordinance allows the county to reimburse administrative expenses from the fund but caps those expenses at 15% of the state CRRF funds received in the same fiscal year. About $240,000 annually is expected through 2033, limiting administrative reimbursements to approximately $36,000 per year.

As drafted, the ordinance would designate a county department to manage the application and review process. Houser suggested the Department of Economic Development. The selected department would collect and present applications at a public meeting, with the commissioners retaining final decision-making authority.

An annual report detailing funds received, grant recipients, selection methods and administrative expenses must be presented to the commissioners each September and submitted to the state Office of Social Equity by Oct. 1, as required by state law.

Informed St. Mary’s will provide updates as the final draft is scheduled for public hearing.

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Southern Maryland Weighs Data Center Growth Amid Tax Breaks, Local Opposition and Legislative Pushback

Actions in Calvert and Charles counties could pave the way for data centers in both jurisdictions, even as some residents voice concerns and opposition. The issue is complex, with local and state governments attempting to regulate the industry while remaining open to the economic activity such projects could bring. At stake are tax incentives, zoning decisions and how public input is incorporated into the process.

In 2020, then-Gov. Larry Hogan (R) signed legislation offering qualified data centers a 10-year exemption on personal property taxes. The law allows data center operators to purchase equipment — including computers, desks and other infrastructure — tax-free, potentially saving large corporations millions of dollars.

At the time, then-Commerce Secretary Kelly Schulz said the program would help Maryland compete with neighboring states for “these lucrative projects.”

To qualify for the Maryland Data Center Tax Incentive Program, a company must create at least five qualified jobs within three years of applying and invest a minimum of $2 million or $5 million, depending on the project’s location.

Schulz, now CEO of the Maryland Tech Council, appeared on a Charles County government podcast Feb. 1 and described the origins of the legislation. She said that during a 2019 trip to the West Coast to recruit data center companies, she was told Maryland’s tax structure was a barrier. “Once you look at this reduction in your tax scheme, come back and talk to us,” she recalled being told. The legislation passed the following year.

The Maryland Tech Council is a membership organization that supports technology and life sciences industries. Within it is the Data Center Alliance of Maryland, which says it works to inform and educate Marylanders about the potential contributions of the data center industry and to align public policy to advance it.

The alliance’s website highlights projected benefits of data center development, including increased state tax revenue, construction jobs and potential impacts on electricity pricing. It also states that environmental and operational concerns associated with data centers are often “misunderstood” or overstated.

Members of the alliance’s steering committee include representatives from government and industry. Southern Maryland members include Julie Oberg, director of economic development for Calvert County, who serves as co-chair, and Ralph Patterson II (D-Charles), vice president of the Charles County Board of County Commissioners.

On Feb. 2, TeraWulf Inc. announced it had acquired the Morgantown Generating Station, a grid-connected power generation facility near the Potomac River and the Governor Harry W. Nice Memorial Bridge. In a news release, the company said the purchase establishes its presence in the PJM market, the multistate electric grid serving Maryland and 12 other states.

While no specific development plans have been announced, the company cited the site’s proximity to the Washington metropolitan area and said it is suitable for “compute-intensive uses.” TeraWulf develops and operates industrial-scale data center infrastructure built for high-performance computing and bitcoin mining. The Morgantown site includes about 250 acres for potential expansion and the capacity for additional energy generation, raising the possibility that a data center could co-locate with the power plant.

Following the announcement, Charles County Commissioner B.J. Bowling (D-Charles) requested withdrawal of a proposed zoning text amendment related to data centers. The amendment is under review by the Planning Commission, which will make a recommendation to the county commissioners. A majority agreed to allow the Planning Commission process — which has included public input — to continue. The commissioners will ultimately decide whether to adopt any recommended changes.

Bowling and Commissioner Amanda Stewart (D-Charles) also expressed support for creating a task force to further study the issue and increase transparency.

In Calvert County, records obtained by Informed St. Mary’s show possible data center activity as well.

On March 11, 2025, Calvert County Commission President Earl “Buddy” Hance (R-Calvert) signed a nondisclosure agreement related to discussions about a potential project. The document, a standard NDA, has been redacted to obscure the other party’s identity.

Earlier, on March 1, 2025, the Calvert County commissioners adopted a zoning text amendment regulating where data centers are permitted. The amendment allows data centers in Light Industrial and Mixed Use districts and in the Heavy Industrial District. It outlines setback, design and noise mitigation requirements and requires applicants to hold a public meeting in the district where a project is proposed before Planning Commission review.

A December 2025 email between Calvert planning and zoning staff, with the subject line “Calvert County Data Center,” referenced a permit tracking number from the Maryland Department of the Environment. A search of that number on the agency’s website shows a pending permit application for “Minut Developers LLC – Data Center” at 1650 Calvert Cliffs Parkway in Lusby. The site, located along Johns Creek north of Southern Middle School, is in the Heavy Industrial District.

During their February 10 meeting, the Calvert County Commissioners reviewed a proposed amendment to the local zoning ordinance. Changes suggested would require closed-loop cooling, prohibit groundwater from use, and require collection of runoff for on-site cooling. It would also mandate any water, wastewater, stormwater, and roadway improvements be paid for by the data center developer. Additionally, if the data center has diesel generators they must meet U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final emission standards “where such certification is available for the applicable engine size/class.” 

Meanwhile, several bills addressing data centers are pending in the General Assembly.

House Bill 560 would repeal the tax exemptions enacted in 2020. House Bill 120, introduced by Mark Fisher (R-Calvert), would establish a moratorium on data center development. The bill would become void if the General Assembly later passes legislation requiring projects to be co-located with an energy source — a provision that could apply to projects near Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant, where state permit records indicate development may be under consideration. Kelly Schulz, CEO of the Maryland Tech Council, spoke in opposition to Fisher’s bill.

As proposals advance in Charles and Calvert counties, the debate over data centers is moving from abstract policy to on-the-ground decisions that will shape Southern Maryland’s future. The outcome will depend not only on state incentives and corporate interest, but on how local officials balance economic ambitions with community priorities — and how actively residents engage in the process.

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Proposals for redistricting St. Mary’s County Public Schools were presented to the Board of Education on Feb. 3, marking a significant step in the process. Cannon Design, the consultant hired to assist with data gathering and analysis, reviewed its findings and recommendations, which differed slightly from a proposal offered by Superintendent Scott Smith.

In summary, high school redistricting is likely to take effect next school year for rising ninth graders. While school closures are not completely off the table, closing White Marsh Elementary School is unlikely for at least two more years.

CANNON DESIGN PROPOSAL

Community Survey 2 received more than 2,300 responses, with high participation from parents or guardians and middle and high school students. Cannon shared community feedback on each redistricting option for elementary, middle and high schools.

Elementary/Middle Option 1, which would balance utilization between 81% and 91%, received the most support and least opposition from respondents. Option 3, which proposed closing White Marsh, drew the most opposition and least support. Option 1 would affect 34% of elementary students and 17% of middle school students.

Despite its lack of public support, Cannon recommended Option 3 because it most closely aligned with criteria provided by the Board of Education and with several broad community priorities identified through survey responses. Cannon said enrollment should be monitored over the next two years to determine whether current declines continue. If so, White Marsh would close after the 2027–28 school year, with redistricting at the elementary and middle school levels occurring the following year.

All high school options generated more opposition than support, though Option 1 was the most favored overall. That option would affect 12% of students. Under the plan, each high school would operate at 103% to 106% capacity, while relieving overcrowding at Leonardtown High School. Rising ninth graders, beginning with the Class of 2030, would be redistricted through a phased approach over four years.

The proposal would add areas from Clarkes Landing Road along Route 235 north to Jones Wharf Road, and from McIntosh Road to Hollywood Road along Route 235 south, to Chopticon High School’s district. Neighborhoods along Route 4/Patuxent Beach Road, including Myrtle Point, as well as Elizabeth Hills off Indian Bridge Road, would be reassigned to Great Mills High School. Officials noted Breton Bay could also be shifted to Chopticon in future years, depending on development levels in the Leonardtown area.

SUPERINTENDENT

Smith’s recommendations to the Board of Education begin with no changes for elementary schools in the upcoming school year. He agreed with Cannon’s recommendation to monitor enrollment over the next two years, with a plan to close White Marsh if declines continue. Even with White Marsh closed, Smith said balancing utilization across elementary schools would still leave available capacity.

Middle schools would only be redistricted if elementary schools are, and no changes are proposed for next school year. If elementary redistricting occurs, Smith recommended proceeding with Cannon’s middle school alignment plan, which avoids splitting feeder patterns. Chief Operating Officer Mike Watson said Cannon’s Option 3 for middle schools would place Leonardtown Middle School, where the most growth is expected, at 82% utilization, leaving capacity available.

“We were told last year during the budget process by the county commissioners that we have to close a school,” Smith said. The school system cannot “maintain what we currently have” at current funding levels, he said, adding that this would require “taking action that is unpopular … and will affect everyone in St. Mary’s County.” White Marsh has been open for 70 years, and SMCPS has never closed a school without first building a new one, Smith said.

Under the superintendent’s proposal, high schools would see changes beginning in the 2026–27 school year. The plan would move 352 students from Leonardtown High School to Chopticon (285 students) or Great Mills (81 students) over four years, starting with the Class of 2030, which is currently in eighth grade. All high schools would remain above 100% capacity, though Leonardtown could absorb up to 352 additional students before reaching state-rated capacity. The county’s adequate public facilities ordinance allows schools to operate at up to 116% utilization.

Areas reassigned to Chopticon generally follow Cannon’s recommendations. However, the areas proposed for Great Mills differ significantly, largely due to transportation considerations. Homes along Indian Bridge Road would be reassigned to Great Mills, while Myrtle Point would remain in Leonardtown’s district. A portion of Woodland Acres would shift to Great Mills to align the neighborhood, based on bus routing. Kimberly Howe, Director of Capital Planning, said Woodland Acres previously had an exit onto Route 4 that was converted to an entrance only, placing most of the bus route within the Great Mills district.

Transportation routes have not yet been finalized, with three scenarios presented for the board’s consideration. Other issues still under review include academic offerings at each school and whether some students would be grandfathered into their current districts, depending on transportation availability.

A public hearing will be held during the Board of Education meeting on Feb. 18. The board is expected to finalize its proposal by March 18.

View the SMCPS Redistricting website here.

View the SMCPS Redistricting Proposals here.

Watch the Board of Ed meeting here.

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It is budget season in Annapolis as the General Assembly reviews Gov. Wes Moore’s proposed spending plan. Last month, Moore unveiled a $70.8 billion budget for fiscal year 2027 that closes an estimated $1.5 billion shortfall through cost shifts, fund reallocations and revisions to funding formulas. The Governor’s budget did not include any new taxes or fees.

Several issues stand out in the Department of Legislative Services’ fiscal briefing on the proposal.

First, DLS reports that spending in FY27 “exceeds ongoing revenues by $394 million.” While notable, the figure remains within the Spending Affordability Committee’s guideline of limiting the structural deficit to no more than $600 million.

Second, the budget relies on debt to cover certain expenditures typically funded with cash. For example, the Bay Restoration Fund and the Waterway Improvement Fund are slated to receive $83 million, but that amount would be financed through bonds rather than cash. The approach frees up immediate revenue but shifts costs to taxpayers through long-term debt and interest payments.

Third, the proposal includes significant reductions to behavioral health and disability services, totaling approximately $170 million and $150 million, respectively. DLS warns these cuts will reduce service availability even as demand for mental health services has surged over the past two years. Some of the behavioral health reductions are tied to federal actions, with the Trump administration not extending certain grant programs while reducing funding for others. Maryland must either pick up the tab or discontinue supported programs.

Overall, about 75% of the structural deficit reduction comes from more than $1.2 billion in spending cuts across state government.

At the same time, the budget includes substantial targeted investments. About $269 million is allocated for “discretionary enhancements,” including $10 million for the Sphere Maryland project, $20 million for IonQ’s new headquarters and $10 million for IonQ’s partnership with the University of Maryland through the Quantum Computing Initiative. There’s also $15M for AstraZeneca Facilities. The state is subsidizing these projects in an effort to retain and attract high-paying jobs. 

Moore’s proposal increases state aid to local governments by $380.8 million. The bulk of that funding — $359 million — is directed to public education. That includes $228 million from the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future Fund to hold school systems harmless from declining enrollment in the Free and Reduced Meals, or FARMs, program. Special education funding for public schools would increase by 17%, while funding for nonpublic special education programs would decrease by 16%. Funding for full-day prekindergarten would rise by 49%.

Looking ahead, Blueprint mandates continue to drive projected structural deficits in future years. Revenues dedicated to the Blueprint are expected to remain near $1.6 billion, while costs rise due to inflation, wages and increased service demand. As the Blueprint Fund balance declines, the General Fund is expected to shoulder a growing share of the cost, reaching more than $3.3 billion by 2031. Legislative action would be required to revise the Blueprint’s funding formulas to better align with local implementation realities. The General Assembly enacted the Blueprint in 2021 and adjusted its implementation timeline in 2022 and 2023.

Maryland’s economy was heavily impacted by the Trump administration’s downsizing of the federal government. DLS’s report shows a 1500% increase in federal unemployment claims from September to October 2025. Wages from federal jobs totaled $25B in 2024, but from January to November 2025 nearly 25,000 jobs were lost in Maryland. That affects the amount of income tax revenue generated as well as spending activity in the state’s economy. 

Additionally, $56 million is included in the budget  to offset federal cost shifts related to SNAP and Medicaid enacted under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act last summer.

Impacts on St. Mary’s County

Many of the budget’s cost shifts fall directly on local governments, including St. Mary’s County, through the Budget Reconciliation and Financing Act, which accompanies the spending plan. The legislation makes changes to existing law to adjust mandated funding levels and reallocate responsibilities between the state and counties.

Under the proposal, counties statewide would be required to contribute an additional $39 million toward educator retirement benefits. St. Mary’s County’s share of that increase is projected to exceed $600,000, adding pressure to an already constrained local budget.

The BRFA also eliminates a $2 million statewide mandate administered by the Maryland State Department of Education to fund driver’s education programs in public high schools, shifting the burden to local school systems or potentially reducing access to those programs.

In Southern Maryland, the budget reduces funding for the Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland from $1 million to $700,000. The council supports regional economic development and workforce initiatives across St. Mary’s, Calvert and Charles counties, and the reduction could limit its capacity to coordinate projects critical to the region’s continued growth.

For St. Mary’s County, these changes translate into higher local costs, fewer state-supported programs and difficult tradeoffs as county officials prepare their own budgets amid continued population growth and service demand.

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Split Vote Determines Verdict

Bradley Brooke, the proposed 223-unit residential development located off Willows Road, was denied by the Planning Commission on a 4-3 vote at their January 12th meeting. Breaking the usual 10pm cut off time, the meeting lasted over four hours as discussion focused on traffic, safety, and impacts to Naval Air Station Patuxent River. 

Questions lingered from the previous meeting, including the need for a second entrance to the neighborhood. The St. Mary’s County Subdivision Ordinance “generally” requires subdivisions with more than 75 lots to have two entrances, but Bradley Brooke has only one. Chris Longmore, the project’s attorney, and Greg Hozendorf, project engineer, pointed to other developments in the county that didn’t meet this requirement. Those subdivisions, said Brandy Glenn, deputy director of Land Use & Growth Management, were approved prior to the 2002 ordinance being enacted.

Hozendorf suggested traffic could be routed through the parking lot of the commercial businesses fronting Willows Road in the event of an emergency, but admitted he had not spoken with business owners to determine if that was acceptable. 

An updated traffic analysis was presented by Lenhart Traffic Consulting, with traffic counts conducted in December 2025 and an examination of intersections at MD 5/Willows Road and MD246/Shangri-La Drive. Data showed all intersections within the required level of service (LOS) per the county’s zoning ordinance. The ordinance requires Critical Lane Volume analysis to be a LOS D or higher for signalized intersections, while unsignalized intersections are assessed using the Highway Capacity Manual LOS numbers. That analysis showed a LOS E at the eastbound approach of Willows Rd and Hilton Drive/Abberly Crest Lane–meaning vehicles may wait longer to make turns because of increased traffic.  

Another point of contention was the proximity of 23 single family homes to the AICUZ noise contour. Those homes are in the 65-70 decibel noise area not recommended for development by the Navy. However, Longmore explained that because the county did not adopt changes from the Navy’s 2019 noise study, county law reflects that zone as the 60-65 decibel area which is permissible for development. Longmore stressed that the Navy makes recommendations about local zoning and does not outright prohibit development.

NAS PAX Commanding Officer Captain Mark Zematis could not say when the Air Installation Compatible Use Zone study would be ready, but suggested it would be sometime this spring. Planning Commissioner Joe St. Clair asked Longmore if his client would “go broke” if they had to wait a few months for the completed study. But the project had already been delayed by at least six months, said Longmore, causing his client to incur additional costs. St. Clair’s sentiment was shared by fellow Commissioners Joseph VanKirk and Patricia Robrecht, who said she didn’t believe the project promoted the “health, safety, and welfare of the public [because] there’s a home 50ft from the AICUZ.” 

“I’ve never seen a Navy Commander come before the Planning Commission twice” about the same project, St. Clair remarked. Worried about retaliatory decisions being made given the “current climate in Washington D.C.,” and the “disconnect” of county government not adopting updated noise guidelines, St. Clair was against the project in its current form. 

Three votes to approve–Howard Thompson, Gearld Cousineau, and Conor Loughran–weren’t enough with four against–Patricia Robrecht, Joe St. Clair, Joe VanKrik, and Lynn Delahay. The developer could now file with the county’s Board of Appeals seeking to overturn the Planning Commission’s decision.

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The St. Mary’s County Board of Education is expected to approve the superintendent’s proposed FY2027 budget this week following several work sessions and a public hearing at which two people testified. The finalized proposal reflects staff reductions driven by declining enrollment and decreases in federal and state funding in certain categories.

The budget funds negotiated agreements with the Education Association of St. Mary’s County and the St. Mary’s Association of Supervisors and Administrators, providing a 2% cost-of-living adjustment for employees. Contracted bus drivers and attendants will also receive wage increases, and bus drivers will receive a retention stipend. Additional major cost drivers include employee health insurance and pension expenses, which together total $8.5 million across approximately 2,300 employees. To cover those costs, the Board of Education plans to request an additional $9 million from the County Commissioners.

The proposal eliminates or reclassifies several staff positions. Twelve instructional positions are reduced due to declining enrollment, and restructuring within the building service worker team results in the elimination of two operational positions. At the same time, four special education positions—two reclassified from other roles—and one health services position are added. The net effect is a reduction of 5.51 full-time equivalent positions. State enrollment data based on a three-year rolling average shows enrollment declined by 320 students.

Reductions in grant funding will affect behavioral health and social work–related positions next school year. Funding from the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act of 2022 supported six positions through the Stronger Connections Grant. Five of those positions are slated for elimination, though “other needs that will allow for alignment of the skill set of these social workers” remain, according to Deputy Superintendent of Fiscal and Supporting Services Tammy McCourt. Maryland received more than $17 million in Stronger Connections funding as of September 2025.

Three additional social worker positions are expected to be eliminated due to reduced funding from the federal Services, Training, Officers, and Prosecutors (STOP) Violence Against Women grant. Gov. Wes Moore’s proposed FY2027 budget funds the program at roughly half of its previous level. “You will not see a proposal” to continue those positions, Superintendent Scott Smith said. “We have to protect the classroom first and make sure that instructionally we’re able to deliver.” Maryland received more than $6 million in STOP grant funding last year.

Reductions to both the Stronger Connections and STOP grants stem from federal budget decisions under the Trump administration.

Local school systems continue to face budget pressures related to mandates under the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future. State and local funding shares are determined through wealth-equalization formulas, with costs in St. Mary’s County typically split evenly. The base funding amount for K–12 students is $9,561 per pupil, with additional funds provided based on student needs. By comparison, the base funding level for prekindergarten students is $19,950 per pupil, which Smith described as a primary driver of Blueprint-related costs. Moore’s FY2027 budget increases Blueprint prekindergarten funding by nearly $85 million statewide.

The Blueprint does not fund several major cost areas, including safety and security, arts programs, extracurricular activities, technology, or transportation. While the State provides partial transportation funding, local systems must cover the majority of the cost. St. Mary’s County Public Schools required more than $16 million in local funding for transportation during the current school year. Moore’s FY2027 budget also shifts additional costs to local systems by reducing the State’s contribution to nonpublic special education placements by $22 million. Those placements include institutions such as Kennedy Krieger.

School officials said changes to the Blueprint are needed to reflect current education demands. At the same time, reductions in federal funding have increased pressure on the State budget, which faces projected structural deficits. Maryland’s revenue has also been affected by federal workforce reductions under the Trump administration.

The Board of Education is scheduled to vote on the budget Feb. 3 at 8 a.m. The agenda includes a public comment period. Comments can be emailed to boe@smcps.org at any time. Following board approval, the budget will be forwarded to the County Commissioners, who will decide whether to maintain last year’s local funding level or approve the additional $9 million requested by the school system.

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