A critical discussion on the future of St. Mary’s County’s law enforcement facilities took center stage at the recent commissioners' meeting, highlighting the urgency of a new evidence storage building. The project is deemed essential for the St. Mary’s County Sheriff's Office and the county government, as it addresses pressing space needs for managing evidence and maintaining the integrity of the chain of custody.

Commissioner Hewitt emphasized the importance of moving quickly, especially in light of new tariffs on lumber announced by the president, which could impact project costs. “We’re going to hurry up and get this out to bid,” he stated, underscoring the need for timely action to avoid further delays. The timeline for the bidding process has been shortened from six months to five, with an additional month required for bid analysis before the commissioners can award the contract.

Concerns were raised about potential delays due to the upcoming election year, which could push the project to the next board. However, Hewitt and other commissioners expressed a strong desire to expedite the process, with hopes of starting construction as soon as possible. “We definitely need to get this done,” Hewitt remarked, referencing a new state law that could expose the county to financial liability if evidence handling is compromised.

In a related discussion, the commissioners also addressed proposed changes to the interstate fishery management plan concerning striped bass harvests. The plan includes a 12% reduction in total removals, which could significantly impact local watermen and businesses. Feedback from stakeholders indicated a preference to maintain the current regulations, with public comments due by October 3.

As the meeting concluded, the commissioners reaffirmed their commitment to advancing both the evidence storage project and the fisheries management plan, recognizing their importance to the community and local economy. The urgency of these discussions reflects the county's proactive approach to addressing critical infrastructure and environmental issues.