Leonardtown, MD — The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County appear poised to begin a process that could lead to a change in the county’s form of government.
Counties in Maryland can operate three ways: under a commissioner form of government (as St. Mary’s now does), Charter form of government (like some of the larger counties) and Code Home Rule (as in Charles County).
During commissioner time at the Tuesday, April 27 meeting all five of the commissioners indicated interest in the idea of switching to Code Home Rule. Under Code Home Rule, the commissioners operate pretty much as they now do except periodically they would convene as a legislative body and enact laws that now have to go to the Maryland General Assembly for approval.
Commissioner Mike Hewitt [R – 2nd District] began the discussion by saying he supported putting the issue on the 2016 ballot. Hewitt (shown above) noted that two of the county’s four legislators live in Calvert County. “It seems like we could have more control over what we do,” he said in support of Code Home Rule.
Commissioner Tom Jarboe [R – 1st District] said that the county’s legislators are concerned about St. Mary’s and what the commissioners feel. “The delegates we have elected are in concert with the commissioners in trying to do what is best for St. Mary’s County,” he said.
Jarboe pointed out that the commissioners had supported the delegation’s efforts to phase out the business personal property tax, yet that strictly local bill was killed in committee. “They wouldn’t even put it up for a vote,” he added.
Commissioner John O’Connor [R – 3rd District] also supported the idea. He praised the delegation but said the problem was with the delegations from other counties, such as Prince George’s and Montgomery.
Commissioner Todd Morgan [R – 4th District] reminded the commissioners that if they supported the idea they needed to begin the process that includes appointing a committee to draft the change in government and holding public hearings.
”Hopefully we will agree [on the idea] as a community,” said Commissioner President Randy Guy [R] in conclusion.
The voters of St. Mary’s County have previously rejected Charter government. Under that form of government there is an elected county council and an executive who runs the day-to-day operations of the county.
Contact Dick Myers at dick.myers@thebaynet.com