Commissioners remove St. George's Park, Charlotte Hall projects from Metropolitan Commission 2015–20 CIP

The St. Mary’s County Board of County Commissioners on May 27 approved the St. Mary’s County Metropolitan Commission (MetCom) fiscal 2015 Capital Improvement Budget and the 2016–2020 capital improvement plan after removing two large projects from the out‑years.

The board voted to remove $7,402,000 in St. George’s Park water and sewer projects and $5,400,000 allocated for New Market/Charlotte Hall sewer work in fiscal years 2019–2020. Commissioners said the action reflects concerns about whether county policy should underwrite public systems in areas where private development previously provided service and about outstanding questions on timing, scope and financing.

“The decision to move those projects out recognizes we need clearer policy and a plan before the county or MetCom commits to funding,” County Administrator Rebecca Bridal said during the discussion.

Commissioners and MetCom staff described the Charlotte Hall work as consistent with long‑range plans in some county documents but noted the timing and service area remain unsettled. MetCom representatives said the projects were included in the draft CIP with estimates and that rates and capital charges are sensitive to the number of new customers, bond rates and available reserves.

MetCom staff told the board that system improvement and capital contribution charges fall as the number of customers rises, while borrowing and reserve decisions also change the schedule of fees. Commissioners raised equity concerns about subsidizing specific subdivisions when other new development pays its own on‑site systems.

The board and MetCom agreed to preserve MetCom’s overall operating plan and approved the CIP with the two removals. Commissioners directed county staff to continue work with MetCom on financing, rates and service‑area policy and said any cash‑flow issues for ongoing MetCom projects could be addressed through agreed distributions.

Vote and next steps

The motion to approve the MetCom CIP with the two removals carried with an affirmative majority (vote recorded in the meeting as 3–2). Commissioners directed staff to return with more detailed policy recommendations, financing options and a clarified schedule for projects the board left in the out‑years.

MetCom said it will continue to refine cost estimates and work with the county on sequencing projects so future CIP entries reflect policy choices and available funding.