Caroline County commissioners press for public hearing, cost analysis as regional detention center talks continue

Caroline County commissioners said they will not move forward on a proposed regional detention center until they receive a revised agreement and more detailed cost and staffing analyses.

County deputy administrator Daniel (Danny) Fox and other county officials reported that a multi‑county negotiating session with Queen Anne’s and Kent counties produced no agreement on ownership of the facility. Commissioners were told the current position from Queen Anne’s County is that it will not transfer title to the land or any part of the building. Commissioners said that, because Queen Anne’s would retain title, Caroline and Kent would not be able to secure a proportional ownership stake that matched each county’s share of construction costs.

Why it matters: Commissioners said ownership, exit rights and how capital and operating costs are apportioned are central to any decision to join a regional facility. The county would be committing to years of payments and potential renovations on a facility that, at present, would remain owned by Queen Anne’s County.

Key details and next steps - Commissioners said they are awaiting a…