Planning Commission forwards FY27 capital improvement request, flags $64M bond authority and school costs

St. Mary's County Planning Commission members voted March 9 to forward the fiscal year 2027 capital improvement program request and the county—Y28 nd—Y29—ive-year plan to the Board of County Commissioners for action.

The commission's review was led by county Chief Financial Officer Vanetta Vancle, who said the FY27 proposed CIP totals $76.5 million and reflects a new phased approach to requesting funds that separates project definition, feasibility and design from later construction funding. "The CIP 5-year plan looks considerably different than it did last year," Vancle said, adding the change is intended to give the county a clearer scope and timeline before budget requests reach later years.

Why it matters: The FY27 proposal includes roughly $37 million for public schools (about $26 million tied to Chopicon High School), a flagged $64 million bond authority request in FY27 and a projected increase to about $96 million in FY28 driven largely by public facilities. Vancle noted the county's debt metrics remain within limits: outstanding debt as a percentage of assessed base is projected at about 1.39% in FY27, rising to roughly 1.7% by FY32, under the statutory ceiling cited by staff of 1.89%. Debt service as a percentage of revenues is projected to rise from about 5.8% to about 7.92% and remains below the county policy ceiling of 10%.

School funding and grants: Kim How, director of capital planning for the St. Mary's County public schools, told commissioners the district relies on a $5 million annual traditional CIP allocation from the state as a base and supplements that with competitive grants and other one-time allocations. "For St. Mary's County, that's $5 million. That's our base amount," How said, describing multiple grant programs that can increase state participation. She said state construction participation can cover roughly 58% of eligible construction costs when a project is made state-eligible.

Transportation and public works: John Norris, director of public works and transportation, updated the commission on several projects, including a Route 4 roundabout near Wildwood Boulevard where staff are negotiating a land donation to avoid property purchase; ongoing discussions with the State Highway Administration on lighting at FDR Boulevard and Three Notch Trail; and a planned request to return $150,000 of airport entitlements to a neighboring airport to fund fencing replacements. Norris said follow-up meetings with property owners and the state are expected in the coming weeks.

Parks and energy grants: Recreation and parks director Ray Bivvens said grants can account for 30%–35% of parks capital in some years and cited a pending energy grant of about $1 million that could fund energy audits, a solar array and LED upgrades across county facilities. He reported the Army Corps has issued the permit for the Snow Hill Park boat launch and that bidding is expected in May, with construction likely after the season due to dredging and environmental timing constraints. "The permit was the big key," Bivvens said. "Now is the... hard part's done."

Procedure and vote: After questions and brief departmental exchanges, a commissioner moved and a second was made to forward the FY27 CIP request and the FY28 nd—Y32 plan to the county commissioners with the commission's recommendations. A procedural clarification during the meeting stressed the Planning Commission's role is to recommend projects to the county commissioners rather than to approve them. The motion to forward the plan carried on a voice vote.

What's next: The Planning Commission's recommendation will be considered by the Board of County Commissioners during the county budget process; staff said the flagged bond authority request will be revisited as department needs and timing are weighed during that cycle.