[{"_1":2,"_87":-5,"_88":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6265006,"mediaKeyId","3095424-60e8b6a9cfe877cd0848b48ec3fea4a5","parentId",3095424,"title","METCOM outlines FY26 capital improvement program, flags $2.4 million sewer increase after expected grant fell short","audioSeconds",2128,"startMs",2623000,"endMs",4751000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3095424-60e8b6a9cfe877cd0848b48ec3fea4a5&start=2623&end=4751","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3095424-60e8b6a9cfe877cd0848b48ec3fea4a5/thumbnail_2623000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6265006/St-Marys-County/Maryland/METCOM-outlines-FY26-capital-improvement-program-flags-24-million-sewer-increase-after-expected-grant-fell-short","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6265006-441dd36cac4e1570d54d2d8747f21554/orig.mp4?Expires=1775484106&Signature=YgUdl6moHxSvdET1LOlybQCm8TWrdcN8DPJxahqnlMXRmX9B~XvDgPFRM3Of-X8IwyYcXmcJnFzvNCTJfZSFVsH-jsyIcsWrj-7o1fnjuNroZTLdUYX2M-pD4iNEt5qqpc3~H6srj3JGsmH4DY5d9SH-HHzLD2sy7WedER~skHj2ne-4gDMl~kZhJQ0-TY8y7baEZ10EnywHL1suOpNYN6dAayM2PVfOMVgN3UK6ZNVQPOI5cfoccHzzsFgHxMScpvRXpljVfbgwsV4WyoKLUV4rixy4odjZATTR1hxOlItlAzxI-9X-wf~a88Z-7XgH34-LboFcje0bIXGluIb0AA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","St. Mary's County, MD","date","2025-04-23T16:10:59.097Z","article","METCOM Executive Director (name given in presentation as Mr. Erickson) and Chief Financial Officer Patty Stigman presented the Metropolitan Commission's recommended fiscal year 2026 capital improvement budget and a six‑year plan to the Commissioners of St. Mary's County on April 22, 2025. The package divides projects into water and sewer categories and includes project detail sheets, anticipated funding sources, and a schedule that the commission said will proceed to a joint meeting with the county on May 20, 2025 to seek approval.

The commission described water projects for FY26 as largely on plan, about $150,000 higher than projected in last year’s program, while sewer programming increased by about $2,400,000 compared with last year. \"If you think you're gonna get grant funding, don't show it as grant funding,\" Mr. Erickson said, recounting the experience the commission had when expected Bay Restoration Fund (BRF) support did not materialize; \"so always assume worst, and if you get a grant, come back with the great news.\" Patty Stigman said, \"At the end of fiscal year 26 we have budgeted debt of $141,000,000 but in actuality we only borrow as cash flow warrants.\" The planning commission previously found the CIB consistent with the comprehensive plan on March 24; METCOM held a public hearing April 15.

Why it matters: METCOM's capital plan guides water and sewer infrastructure spending and debt levels that affect future rates, capacity for new development, and the timing of projects that can resolve longstanding service problems in portions of the county.

Key financial and program details
- Sewer vs. water: METCOM reported FY26 water projects are essentially on target while sewer project programming rose by about $2.4 million compared with last year, mainly because BRF support the commission expected did not come through for certain projects (Erickson). METCOM said it reprogrammed approximately $3.5 million after the expected BRF award failed to materialize for at least one project.
- Debt and borrowing: Stigman said the commission budgets a notional $141 million of debt for FY26 but typically borrows as cash flow warrants and historically maintains about 86% of budgeted borrowing. METCOM said it retires about $8 million of debt per year and described its 10‑year principal and interest payout ratio as roughly 67% (higher than a cited industry norm of 40%). The commission noted a statutory/charter cap in county code (chapter 113) that it described as $235,000,000.
- Rates and customer charges: METCOM said the proposed operating changes translate to a system improvement charge that averages about $33 per month for customers (an increase of roughly $1.73 per month). Proposed usage rate changes are modest: about a 2.7% increase for sewer and about 2.1% for water. METCOM reported average residential monthly usage around 5,000 gallons.
- Capital contribution charges and EDUs: METCOM noted water capital contribution charges have not been raised since 2017 and remain just over $10,000; sewer increases were minimal for FY26. Commissioners discussed EDU (equivalent dwelling unit) availability and transfer mechanisms; METCOM said there are EDUs available in Marley Taylor for large projects but cautioned that large single projects could consume remaining capacity.

Project highlights and schedule
- Saint Clement Shores wastewater work: METCOM said the Saint Clement Shores project should be bid in May, with bids on the street for roughly eight weeks and MDE approvals to follow. The presentation referenced added funding (figures ranged in discussion from roughly $3.0 million to $3.7 million) to extend sewers and upgrade lines in the area to reduce per‑customer connection costs for special taxing districts.
- Piney Point pump station and force main: METCOM discussed Piney Point force main eligibility for BRF and a decision to reprogram budgeted funds when BRF points did not secure the grant. The Piney Point wastewater pump station project remained on the CIB and was described as one of the last projects to retire older budget authorizations.
- AMR to AMI metering pilot: The commission proposed piloting gateway devices on existing water towers (Hickory Hills and Wildwood) to move from drive‑by reads (AMR) to real‑time automatic meter infrastructure (AMI). METCOM said existing meters and registers can transmit digital signals and gateways would allow earlier leak detection and faster billing cycles; commissioners were told per‑gateway costs including installation are roughly $20,000 each and full installation cost per tower about $50,000.
- Spring Valley Drive sewer replacement: METCOM removed a previously listed project after televising the line and finding no deterioration; the line was judged to have about 30 years of useful life.

Capacity, equity and rural service tradeoffs
Commissioners pressed METCOM on affordability and geographic equity. METCOM representatives said a large share of customers — estimated at 75–80% — are concentrated in central Lexington Park/California areas (the county's more urbanized center), while rural service is more expensive to provide per customer. METCOM said it considers affordability impacts both countywide and at a more localized Lexington Park level when setting contribution charges.

Follow‑up and next steps
METCOM invited commissioners to tour major facilities, including the Hickory Hills water tower, Marley Taylor wastewater treatment plant and the Great Mills pump station. METCOM indicated the joint meeting to seek formal commissioner approval of the CIB is tentatively scheduled for May 20, 2025. Staff also said they will update project tabs and cost estimates and return with additional information on specific projects and debt timing.

Ending: Commissioners did not take a formal vote on the CIB during the April 22 presentation; METCOM will return for formal action at a future joint meeting. METCOM asked commissioners to email or call with follow‑up questions and offered to brief them on specific project sheets in the tabbed package provided to the board.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","4/22/25 Commissioners of St. Mary's County","oneSentenceSummary","METCOM Executive Director (name given in presentation as Mr. Erickson) and Chief Financial Officer Patty Stigman presented the Metropolitan Commission's recommended FY26 capital improvement budget and six‑year plan to the Commissioners of St. Mary's County on April 22, 2025, noting a $2.4 million increase in sewer programming after expected Bay Restoration Fund support did not materialize.","taxTitle","St. Mary's County, Maryland","taxId",51086,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6265001,"Commissioners approve disposal of 41 surplus parcels, child‑support grant and staffing changes; authorize golf‑course contract renewal",226,4767000,4993000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3095424-60e8b6a9cfe877cd0848b48ec3fea4a5&start=4767&end=4993","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3095424-60e8b6a9cfe877cd0848b48ec3fea4a5/thumbnail_4767000.jpg","/articles/6265001/St-Marys-County/Maryland/Commissioners-approve-disposal-of-41-surplus-parcels-childsupport-grant-and-staffing-changes-authorize-golfcourse-contract-renewal","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6265001-8b8e240fd01b3f3acf8ef3c246ddc332/orig.mp4?Expires=1775484106&Signature=dNaFuXdAlHWcKdh7dMI9psLC721NXf4L1ew6WzwC5DsubEWYpl0RxYFOMNQcDKfJOtowW-ZGMUtMCidSCmjFODxqSaFan8NJZRfyLAI18sXeNfeoCK9-PVnKO-BsTBOKk500lv1WdI0-vclHxJ99PLCCnikADvPBge-1M80fJ1nOU0KksJFEtp3Bz-GtvtEunYHpvZoUcPbPFZJBPcV3Gd8Oeq3QzwbNDOLvW7Srh~AYu~3wDhR9Q1QadtSGdCjdS66h90ZfmFuigXIlRKde6p5g5aXyAt7PRqXRZkuJPcy4Gv365IcKiED2ryHyzlb6hoAiHMLjwIsFPdjLyVMJEQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Commissioners of St. Mary's County took several formal actions at the April 22, 2025 meeting: they approved the disposition and sale of 41 surplus real‑property parcels, authorized a cooperative reimbursement agreement to support the Sheriff's Office child‑support unit, approved an internal reorganization in the State's Attorney's Office, and authorized a one‑year renewal employment contract for the county golf‑course manager. Commissioners also voted to enter a closed session for discussion of real property and legal advice.

Surplus real property — final disposition
The county attorney's office asked the board to approve final disposal of 41 surplus parcels that the county acquired through tax sale foreclosures. County Attorney Bobby Gittens and paralegal Brandy McKelvey told the board a public hearing was held April 8; five individuals either spoke or submitted written comments. The commissioners approved three related motions: (1) to declare the 41 parcels surplus and allow sale; (2) to authorize sale of 40 of those parcels for a price equal to the real‑property taxes paid at the time of tax sale plus legal fees incurred during the foreclosure process; and (3) to authorize the county attorney to list and sell the specific parcel 45095 Blackwell Court in Piney Point, which the county described as a buildable lot, using a real‑estate agent. The motions included authorization for the commissioner president to sign related sale documents.

Officials told the board there remain six leftover parcels from a 2020 surplus list that the county is addressing in addition to the 41 now before the commissioners. County staff reported they already have interest from prospective purchasers and expect to complete multiple early sales.

Child‑support grant (FFY 2026 Cooperative Reimbursement Agreement)
The board approved the FFY 2026 Cooperative Reimbursement Agreement with the Maryland Department of Human Services for child support enforcement. The agreement totals $834,968, including $519,536 in federal funds and $315,432 in county match. METCOM and Sheriff's Office staff explained the grant will reimburse approximately 63% of salary, fringe, fuel, maintenance, telephone and supply costs for the child support unit; the related 3.58 grant positions and funding were included in the FY26 recommended budget. Commissioners were told a budget amendment will follow once final FY26 compensation details are known.

State's Attorney Office reorganization (phase 1 approved)
The Commissioners approved the first phase of a three‑phase reorganization in the State's Attorney's Office proposed by Acting Chief of Staff Jessica Hall. Phase 1 converts three existing positions into 1) a Deputy State's Attorney (statutorily required), 2) a Chief of Staff, and 3) a Communications Coordinator. County staff said this phase generates an immediate projected salary savings of $63,254. Commissioners were told phases 2 and 3 would be presented later; the office projects that after all three phases the net salary savings will be $38,045, and that the reorganization will ultimately add one attorney to the office compared with the current authorized attorney count after all conversions are complete.

Golf course manager contract renewal
Commissioners authorized the commissioner president to sign a one‑year renewal employment contract for the county golf‑course manager. County administration explained the department head for Recreation and Parks requested a one‑year renewal to allow the new department director time to review operations before moving back to a longer contract term.

Closed session authorization
At the meeting's close the board voted to enter a closed session to discuss real property and legal advice; a motion, second and unanimous vote were recorded.

What commissioners voted on and actions
- Declare 41 parcels surplus and allow sale — motion approved (first/second recorded; outcome: approved).
- Authorize sale of 40 parcels at an amount equal to real property taxes paid at time of tax sale plus legal fees — motion approved (first/second recorded; outcome: approved).
- Authorize using a real‑estate agent to sell 45095 Blackwell Court (buildable lot in Piney Point) — motion approved (first/second recorded; outcome: approved).
- Approve FFY2026 Cooperative Reimbursement Agreement (child support) — motion approved (first/second recorded; outcome: approved).
- Approve State's Attorney Office position conversions (phase 1) — motion approved (first/second recorded; outcome: approved).
- Authorize one‑year renewal employment contract for golf course manager — contract award approved (first/second recorded; outcome: approved).
- Enter closed session for real property and legal advice — approved (first/second recorded; outcome: approved).

Why it matters: The surplus property sales free county holdings and may bring properties back to productive use; the child‑support grant offsets personnel and operating costs for the county's enforcement effort; the State's Attorney reorganization reallocates legal and administrative staffing with modest projected salary savings; the golf‑course contract renewal gives Recreation and Parks short‑term flexibility during a leadership transition.

Ending: County staff said they would post surplus property listings and sale application information on the County Attorney’s website and follow up with required sale documents and budget amendments where needed.","The Commissioners of St. Mary's County approved disposal of 41 surplus parcels, authorized a child‑support reimbursement agreement totaling $834,968 (federal and county funds), approved a phase‑1 reorganization in the State's Attorney's Office and renewed a one‑year golf course manager contract at the April 22, 2025 meeting.","actionData","errors"]

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METCOM outlines FY26 capital improvement program, flags $2.4 million sewer increase after expected grant fell short

Commissioners approve disposal of 41 surplus parcels, child‑support grant and staffing changes; authorize golf‑course contract renewal