PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. – During their April 30, 2024, meeting, the Calvert County Board of County Commissioners made some necessary adjustments to the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) to include the new Sheriff’s Office headquarters project.
On April 9, 2024, the Calvert County Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved a strategic two-step process to direct staff to identify a new location for the Sheriff’s Office and to incorporate plans for the construction of a new facility into the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP).
According to a memo from County Administrator Julian Willis, “In order to introduce the Sheriff’s Office project into the 6-year CIP, the County Administrator, working closely
with various Department Heads, undertook an exhaustive examination of all projects proposed in the CIP. Through this comprehensive review, it has been unequivocally determined there are many desired projects that could safely be delayed.”
“As a result, the projects were not eliminated but proposed to be moved to future years. This action would provide the county with the necessary funding relief through the reduction of PAY-GO, debt, excise taxes, and grants/other.”
Wllis also made it clear that there was no requirement for funding during the meeting.
The idea right now is that the Sheriff’s Office project will be moved to FY2029. A few Commissioners stated they wish they could make it happen sooner, however, due to current budget woes, it most likely won’t be a possibility.
“The public needs to know that our budget situation is critical. I don’t like seeing the Sheriff’s Office being moved to FY29, I’d like us to have additional talks about that. I want to move it closer. I know 25-26 is where we are going to get our bearings and have some breathing room and re-evaluate. People need to know the Sheriff’s Office is in a bad situation, it probably should be condemned,” stated Commissioner Grasso.
“We just all know collectively that building is way past its time. We don’t want anybody to think they’re asking for some Taj Mahal cause they’re not. They just need a safe, adequate workspace,” said Commissioner Hart.
To watch the full meeting, click here.
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