Calvert County commissioner discusses funding for prosecutors and judges amid rising criminal trials

The St. Mary's County Board of Commissioners convened on May 13, 2025, for a budget work session focused on the allocation of resources for the upcoming fiscal year. The meeting highlighted critical discussions regarding the staffing needs of the state's attorney's office and the judicial system.

The session began with a presentation from the state's attorney, who emphasized the necessity for additional prosecutors to manage an increasing caseload. The attorney compared the staffing levels in St. Mary's County to those in neighboring Calvert County, questioning whether it was fair to provide equal resources despite the growing demands in St. Mary's. The attorney urged the commissioners to prioritize funding for the office, noting that the request for three additional prosecutors was modest compared to the significant increase in criminal trials, which had risen by 261%.

The attorney acknowledged the challenges faced by the commissioners in budget allocation, stating, "Your job is a little harder because you have to figure out how are you gonna prioritize the money that you're spending." This statement underscored the balancing act required in managing the county's budget while addressing the pressing needs of the judicial system.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the urgent need for additional resources in the state's attorney's office to effectively handle the increased workload. The commissioners were tasked with considering these requests as they move forward with the budget planning process, highlighting the ongoing dialogue about resource allocation within the county's legal framework.