After months of task force meetings and public hearings, the St. Mary’s County Commissioners on Tuesday voted unanimously to not put a referendum before the voters seeking a change in the style of local government.
The board had been leaning toward seeking a change to “code home rule”, which would have given the county authority to enact certain laws that now require legislative approval in Annapolis.
An appointed task force recommended on a slim majority to pursue a change to a true charter-style government, which would include more changes, including an elected county executive and more freedom from Annapolis. Both avenues would have required approval from county voters.
Commissioners on Tuesday said a lack of interest in public hearings contributed to their decision.
Voters in St. Mary’s County have already twice in the past voted down proposals to change to a charter government.