8/18/26 Commissioners of St. Mary's County

The St. Mary's County Commissioners held a meeting on August 18, 2026, covering a broad range of topics including proclamations, planning updates, grant approvals, and contract renewals. Key procurement-related actions included the approval of a $5,000 grant from the commissioners' reserve fund to St. Mary's College of Maryland Foundation for an archaeological project to locate the historic Cross Manor site. The commissioners also approved the renewal of a lease agreement with Ready Nine Aviation Academy LLC for office space at the county airport, and a ten-year renewal of a wildlife management agreement with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Several federal and state grant awards were accepted, including a $94,100 Homeland Security grant for critical infrastructure and cybersecurity projects, an $83,396 Emergency Management Performance Grant to fund an emergency planner position, and a $1,767,950 Maryland 911 Board Trust Fund grant for upgrading emergency communications infrastructure. The county also approved a $290,106 SOAR grant to support older adults and a four-year area plan application for aging services with a budget of $871,141. Additionally, the commissioners authorized the county administrator to accept a bond sale award with a low interest rate of 3.97% for previously budgeted capital projects. The meeting included discussions on the comprehensive plan update with scheduled work sessions and public hearings, emphasizing community engagement and planning timelines. The meeting concluded with the approval of an employment contract for a full-time county veterinarian and a motion to enter closed session to discuss real property matters.