St. Mary’s Board of County Commissioners met Tuesday morning and gave a commendation to the Dept. of Human Resources’ Risk Management staff. The group was congratulated on receiving a prestigious training award and Commissioner Mattingly said, “Over the years we’ve seen tremendous savings in the county and enhancements to the workplace.” 

The BOCC received a report on the County’s Financial Statements for FY2009 from staff and independent auditor, Tim Murphy of Murphy and Murphy, CPA, LLC. Murphy said, “The citizens should be proud,” explaining that a $5 million shortfall was overcome by “smart spending”. Murphy stated that his staff found St. Mary’s County “outperformed peer counties” and called their investments “sound and safe”.
 
The auditor highlighted that the County’s assets exceeded liabilities by $200 million and that almost 80 percent of tax revenues was spent on education, public safety and public works. He gave them “good marks for managing citizens’ money.”
 
Elaine Kramer, the County’s CFO stated, “We couldn’t do this without the help of every department,” sharing how each has been looking carefully at expenses in the face of economic uncertainty. Murphy told the board, “I don’t envy the tasks you have,” and reminded them in the current economic climate, “to be as frugal as possible.” 
 
The board approved six Impact Waiver requests for the Southern Md. Tri-County Community Action Committee, Inc.’s Hunting Creek Self-Help Housing Project. The affordable workforce housing located off Willows Rd. in Lexington Park offers some homes built, with supervision, by the people who live there, offering homeownership to low-income families. More information is available by calling (301) 274-4474 ext. 210.
 
The commissioners approved the Dept. of Recreation and Parks budget amendment to return funds to the FY10 Capital Reserve, closing out the Parks Maintenance Building capital project, and authorized funds for the replacement of a drainage pipe in Cecil Park. The BOCC directed Dept. of Aging staff to pursue the Money Follows the Person grant from the state that would significantly increase funding for transition assistance for older adults.
 
Commissioner President Russell reminded citizens of the Health Dept. flu clinics available at Great Mills and Leonardtown High Schools Thursday Dec. 10 from 1:30 to 6 p.m. offering free H1N1 vaccines and seasonal flu vaccines for a $20 donation.
 
The commissioners met with a young leaders’ group from St. Mary’s schools after the meeting and held an executive session for boards and committees appointments and the third work session on the County’s Draft Comprehensive Plan.
 
The commissioners meet again Tuesday Dec. 15 at 9 a.m. and will host a public forum in the Chesapeake Building at 6:30 p.m.