St. Mary’s Commissioners Back $38.4M Infrastructure Bond To Tackle Urgent Water, Sewer Needs

LEONARDTOWN, Md. — With aging infrastructure and state-mandated deadlines looming, St. Mary’s County leaders took a decisive step Tuesday to fund critical water and sewer upgrades, approving a multi-million-dollar bond request aimed at safeguarding public health and the environment for years to come.

Standing before the Commissioners of St. Mary’s County on April 14, officials from the St. Mary’s County Metropolitan Commission (MetCom) outlined a plan that has been months in the making — one rooted in urgency, compliance, and long-term system reliability.

Executive Director George A. Erichsen and Chief Financial Officer Shon Bethea requested formal county approval to move forward with the issuance of up to $38.4 million in infrastructure bonds, a key piece needed to unlock financing through the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development.

A Plan Years — And Deadlines — In The Making

The proposal builds on an earlier presentation in January, when commissioners gave initial concurrence for MetCom to apply for state financing. Since then, the agency has advanced the process, holding a public hearing in February that drew no public comment and formally adopting its own resolution April 9.

At the heart of the request is a series of projects tied directly to a Maryland Department of the Environment consent decree — requirements that Bethea said cannot be delayed.

Nearly 80% of the funding is dedicated to three major “immediate measures” projects, all of which must be completed within the next three-and-a-half years.

“The fact that they were either already bid, in the process of bid document preparation, are directly tied to a Maryland Department of the Environment consent decree,” Bethea said.

Construction on the projects is expected to begin as early as late spring or summer, with timelines ranging from 14 to 24 months.

Where The Money Will Go

Altogether, project costs total more than $37 million, with an additional $1.17 million in estimated issuance costs included in the overall borrowing package.

Officials noted the borrowing will be structured through the state’s infrastructure financing program, with final interest rates expected to fall somewhere in the 4% to 5% range, though exact figures will be determined during the bond sale process.

County’s Role: Backing The Bonds

As part of the process, commissioners were asked to approve a resolution providing the county’s “full faith and credit” guarantee — a standard but significant step that ensures repayment of the bonds if other funding sources fall short.

The guarantee allows MetCom to secure more favorable financing terms through the state program, while also committing the county’s taxing authority as a backstop if needed.

Addressing Past Concerns

During the discussion, Erichsen also responded to earlier concerns raised by commissioners regarding borrowing practices.

He noted that MetCom has adjusted its capital planning approach, committing to fund future vehicle replacements through pay-as-you-go budgeting from fiscal years 2027 through 2032, rather than relying on long-term loans.

“We heard what you said,” Erichsen told commissioners. “It was an easy change to make.”

Focus On Critical Infrastructure

Commissioner Mike Hewitt also used the opportunity to press for updates on specific problem areas, including aging sewer lines in Piney Point — particularly near environmentally sensitive waterways.

MetCom officials confirmed that multiple segments of the line, identified as the most vulnerable, will be prioritized in the upcoming work.

Approval Clears Path Forward

With deadlines approaching, officials emphasized the importance of timely approval. Both the county and MetCom resolutions must be submitted to the state by mid-April, with bond closing anticipated in May.

Following discussion, commissioners unanimously approved the resolution, authorizing MetCom to proceed with the bond issuance.

Investing In The County’s Future

The approval marks a significant investment in St. Mary’s County’s infrastructure — one that officials say is necessary not only to meet regulatory requirements, but to ensure reliable service for residents and protect the region’s waterways.

As construction ramps up in the coming months, the projects are expected to bring both short-term disruptions and long-term benefits — modernizing systems that serve thousands across the county.

For county leaders, the decision reflects a broader commitment to planning ahead, even when the price tag is steep.

You can watch the full Resolution Approval below at 30:19.

---