St. Mary’s County holds third public hearing on adopting code home rule

St. Mary’s County commissioners held the third of seven scheduled public hearings on Nov. 10, 2015 at the 7th District Volunteer Fire Department in Leonardtown to explain a proposal to adopt “code” home rule and to solicit public comment.

The hearing covered how code home rule would change where and how purely local laws are made, the limits of local authority under the proposal, a recent local example of the difference in timelines under the current system, and public questions and concerns. Commissioners said no final decision to place a resolution on the ballot will be made until after the hearing series and that the voters would make the ultimate decision in a referendum if the board moves forward.

Commission President Randy Guy opened the meeting and told attendees, “We’re here to answer what we know. And if we don’t know the answer to your questions, we’ll find out and get you the answers.” Commissioner Mike Hewitt summarized the meeting’s purpose: “The purpose of this open house is to hear what the public has to say.” Commissioner John O’Connor thanked residents for attending and said the board would weigh public input heavily before deciding whether to place a question on the ballot.

Presenters and staff described the mechanics of code home rule as explained in the county’s handouts and a video shown at the meeting. Under the version presented, St. Mary’s would retain its…