St. Mary’s commissioners back local living‑shoreline control, weigh jail upgrades and gaming permit changes
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Summary
At their Feb. 3 meeting commissioners discussed FY27 congressional directed spending priorities (consolidating two ADRC projects into a single $626,000 request), voted to support local control for living‑shoreline waivers, agreed to back a narrowed gaming-permit bill, and voted to oppose HB565 (in‑district voting for school boards).
Commissioners discussed priorities for FY27 congressionally directed spending, reviewed multiple state bills that affect county governance, and took formal positions on several measures.
DPW&T recommended consolidating two projects at the Adult Detention and Rehabilitation Center — an electronic plumbing control (central shutoff capability) and physical security/entry modernization — into a single project to improve the chances of federal earmark approval. Staff estimated the consolidated project at approximately $501,000 (presentation figures included preliminary estimates and compliance caveats). Commissioners approved a motion to create a FY27 capital project combining these scopes for submission to congressional liaison channels.
In the County Attorney’s legislative update, Deputy County Attorney John Sterlinghauser reviewed a set of bills where the county may take positions. The commissioners voted to oppose HB565, a measure that would require in‑district voting for boards of education (the motion authorized the commission president to send a letter of opposition). The board voted to support HB613/SB368, which would shift some living‑shoreline waiver authority to local soil conservation districts for Calvert and St. Mary's counties (staff prepared a draft letter of support). County attorneys cautioned commissioners about tradeoffs — local control versus potential state involvement — and noted political and procedural risks when a bill attracts broader sponsorship.
Commissioners also reviewed HB610/SB357 (a state lottery/gaming permit bill). Staff said sponsor offices and the State Lottery Commission indicated willingness to narrow the bill: initial language would have required permitting for many charitable gaming events, but amendments were expected to confine permitting to static gaming devices (machines) and not one‑off raffles or bazaars. The county approved supporting the bill with amendments that preserve nonprofit activity while giving the county authority to define permit terms, reporting and duration.
Why it matters: The earmark discussion sets local priorities for a competitive federal process that includes compliance requirements (Davis‑Bacon wages, Build America Buy America rules) and potential audit/oversight obligations. The county’s positions on state bills affect local authority over shoreline management, gaming oversight for fraternal and nonprofit organizations, and future school board election rules.
Next steps: Staff will coordinate with congressional offices on the ADRC submission and prepare letters of opposition/support for the legislature reflecting the commissioners’ votes and suggested amendments.