St. Mary's County commissioners on May 20 approved a resolution creating a Human Services Council to advise the county on the new Department of Human Services and human‑services priorities.

Sabrina Hecht, chief of staff, presented the draft resolution. She said the council, drafted by a transition team with input from local agencies, will include a core of ex‑officio department heads (Department of Social Services, Health Department health officer, executive director of the Housing Authority, director of Aging, director of Juvenile Services), a representative designated by the Board of Education, a representative from St. Mary's Hospital, three consumer/family representatives, four representatives from local nonprofit human‑service agencies, one business‑community representative, one faith‑based representative, one law enforcement representative and one judicial‑system representative.

Commissioners asked about adding representation from Recreation & Parks, noting recreation’s overlap with community services. Staff said the resolution is written to allow the board to appoint additional members beyond the minimum 18, and that the council’s proposed bylaws will address details such as whether ex‑officio designees may vote when the named official cannot attend.

Commissioner Thomas A. Mattingly Sr. moved adoption; the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote with two recorded nays. Commissioners said they expected the council to produce bylaws and proposed membership nominations and that the membership could evolve over time.