Commissioners renew St. Mary's County Chamber of Commerce lease at county airport for three years

The Commissioners of St. Mary's County voted April 28 to renew the lease for the St. Mary’s County Chamber of Commerce to occupy space in the main terminal of the St. Mary’s County Regional Airport for a three‑year term beginning Sept. 1, 2015.

County Attorney George Farling summarized the lease mechanics and noted the document includes a 120‑day early‑termination provision for either party. Department of Public Works and Transportation Director George Erickson described the office arrangement: the chamber occupies central lobby space, manages the conference room scheduling and, by hosting a reception and visitor services in the terminal, provides the county with building management without county staff onsite. The chamber pays a base rent that the county said equates to roughly $14.50 per square foot and currently amounts to about $845 per month; the lease has a 4.5 percent annual increase provision.

Commissioners discussed whether the airport terminal is the best long‑term location for the chamber. Some commissioners said the terminal supports the chamber’s function as a visitor and business resource, noted the chamber’s role in emergency recovery operations and airport incident management, and praised the partnership. Others said that as the airport develops, aviation uses may displace non‑aviation tenants and said the 120‑day termination clause provides necessary flexibility.

Chamber Executive Director Gil Scarfia explained the historical arrangement: the Chamber built out office space in the terminal after the county’s welcome center move, and in return agreed to help manage and program the facility for community use. Scarfia and commissioners also noted the terminal has been used as a recovery center after hurricanes and for emergency‑response drills.

After limited discussion and a motion to direct the county attorney to notify the Chamber that the lease is renewed for three years beginning Sept. 1, 2015, the board approved the renewal by voice vote. The lease contains the 120‑day early‑termination clause and an annual rent escalation; the county attorney will send formal notice of renewal.