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Calvert County leaves record open for driving-range safety-netting funding at Chesapeake Hills
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Summary
After a public hearing and questions about incidents and funding sources, commissioners voted to leave the public record open for 10 days on two budget amendments that would provide $390,000 to install safety netting at Chesapeake Hills Golf Course driving range.
The Board of County Commissioners held a public hearing March 17 on budget amendments to fund driving-range safety netting at Chesapeake Hills Golf Course and voted to leave the record open for 10 days under Local Government Article §9-105.
Parks and Recreation Director Bob Branham and special facilities division chief Kirsten Perry described the safety netting project and the funding plan: a total estimated project cost of $390,000 based on a contract bid, with staff proposing two budget amendments — BA2026-00730 to move $150,000 from a closing CIP and BA2026-00732 to move $240,000 from the operating budget — and describing the funding as general-fund PAYGO rather than bond financing.
Melena Brookshire, the county’s chief financial officer, said staff identified capital funds that could be reallocated and noted the fiscal impact of closing out an unrelated CIP to free funds for the safety improvement.
Residents were divided at the hearing. Barbara Warner, a longtime District 1 resident, urged the board to approve the netting, calling the improvement ‘‘absolutely necessary’’ and saying it could be ‘‘a lifesaver’’ that would prevent bodily harm from errant balls. "I cannot tell you how many times I have nearly been injured or killed by a whizzing golf ball from the driving range," Warner said.
Joe Cormier of Owings argued the request appeared to be a ‘‘want and not a need’’ and urged the board to table the amendments for the normal budget cycle, saying the golf operation was intended to be self-sustaining.
Parks staff reported six documented incidents last season in which someone was struck by an errant ball and said containing range balls would reduce equipment damage and operating costs. Commissioners discussed liability exposure, the driving range’s relationship to the clubhouse and whether the project should be treated as a capital improvement paid from CIP or operating funds. Staff said the course’s expanded programming and clubhouse rentals have increased revenue.
Following public comment and staff discussion, a commissioner moved to leave the record open for 10 days for the two identified budget amendments (BA2026-00730 and BA2026-00732); the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote.
The board will consider a final decision after the 10-day period required by the Local Government Article.
