Commissioners update CIP: library design, feasibility work for animal shelter and Charlotte Hall market added; FY17 CIP modeled at ~$39 million

St. Mary's County commissioners reviewed an updated capital-improvement program (CIP) that reflects direction given at a prior work session and that retains roughly $39 million of capital project activity modeled for FY17.

Jeanette Cudmore, county finance staff, walked commissioners through line-item changes the board had discussed previously and noted several project‑specific adjustments: a $50,000 feasibility study for the Tri‑County Regional Animal Shelter was added to FY17 to assess needs; the Leonardtown armory renovation schedule was moved to begin in FY2021; the Northern Senior Activity Center addition was corrected in cost; and commissioners directed staff to consider accelerating the Charlotte Hall Farmers Market relocation into FY17 if property and timing permitted.

Why it matters: the CIP shapes the county’s borrowing needs and operating impacts. Staff emphasized the COP (pay‑as‑you‑go) and bond timing interplay, noting projects should be ready before selling bonds to avoid paying debt service on unspent proceeds. Cudmore said updated revenue assumptions and project timing would be used to refine the plan before any bond issuance.

Projects and highlights noted by staff and commissioners: • Leonardtown library: design expected within 12 months and construction estimated at 12–18 months; construction funding is allocated in FY18 so occupancy could be around 2019, with renovation of the old library deferred until 2022. • Charlotte Hall Farmers Market: commissioners signaled a preference to move the project into FY17 if the county can move quickly and if funding in the current financial plan is available; staff said additional research and price-comparable checks were needed. • Patuxent Park neighborhood preservation and soft storage replacement: timing moved to later years based on project schedules. • Impact and funding: transfer tax, impact fees and recordation revenues were summarized; Cudmore provided an updated constant-yield rate and updated net assessable base that will be used for revenue projections.

Next steps: staff will incorporate the board’s FY17 directions into a revised CIP book and return with a final package for the planning commission and subsequent public hearings. No formal capital‑finance action or bond authorization was taken at the work session.