The St. Mary's County Alcohol Beverage Board voted on Sept. 14, 2017 to propose a $250 administrative filing fee for new liquor-license applications and for license transfers, to be included in the board’s FY2019 budget submission to the county commissioners.

Tammy Hildebrand, the board administrator, told members the fee is intended to offset administrative workload and that she had reviewed fees and approaches used in other counties, including Charles County. Hildebrand said the board must submit budget figures by November and that any fee change affecting license fees or classifications would require legislative action by the county commissioners.

David Dent, representing the St. Mary's County License Beverage Association, said the association had discussed the idea and did not object to a “modest admin fee” for new applications and transfers. Board members noted the proposal is a recommendation for the commissioners to consider; the commissioners have final authority over budget and fee changes.

A motion to include a $250 admin fee for both transfers and new applications in the FY2019 budget was moved, seconded and carried. Board staff noted that, if the commissioners approve the fee, it would likely take effect July 1 of the fiscal year and that more detailed fee structures or future classifications could be discussed later.