St. Mary's County holds public hearings on volunteer rescue squad tax and fee changes

In the heart of St. Mary's County, the atmosphere was charged with anticipation as community members gathered for the Budget Public Hearing on April 22, 2025. The meeting, held in the local government building, was a platform for residents to voice their concerns and suggestions regarding the county's financial plans for the upcoming fiscal year.

As the meeting progressed, several public hearings were conducted, each addressing different aspects of the county's budget. The first few hearings saw little engagement, with no speakers signed up to share their thoughts. However, the tone shifted when discussions turned to the proposed increases in tax rates for local volunteer rescue squads. The Hollywood Volunteer Rescue Squad and the Leonardtown Volunteer Rescue Squad both proposed raising their tax rates to 0.03. While the audience remained silent during these hearings, the implications of these increases were clear: funding for essential emergency services hangs in the balance.

The meeting took a more interactive turn when Troy Cowan, a resident from Lexington Park, stepped forward to address the proposed changes to the fees and charges for various county services. Cowan passionately urged the county commissioners to reconsider the extensive fee structure for parks and recreation activities, which he noted included a staggering 392 different fees. His call for a reevaluation highlighted concerns about accessibility for families, children, and seniors who may struggle with the financial burden of these charges.

Cowan's plea resonated with the audience, emphasizing the need for transparency in how these fees are structured and whether they effectively cover administrative costs. His remarks opened the door for further discussion on how the county can balance revenue generation with community accessibility.

As the public hearings concluded, the commissioners were left with a clear message: the community is eager for a budget that not only addresses financial needs but also considers the well-being of its residents. The discussions from this meeting will undoubtedly shape the county's fiscal policies as they move forward into FY2026, reflecting the voices of those who call St. Mary's County home.