LEONARDTOWN, Md. — The St. Mary’s County Commissioners held their first meeting of the new year on Jan. 11, where they discussed their plans for COVID-19 and a newly requested budget from the Board of Education.
To kick off the meeting, concerns were voiced towards residential street parking within the Southwood Estates development.
They were looking to overturn the commission’s decision to enforce no parking. However, they claimed the decision was based on misinformation. According to citizens in the area, the “fake survey” information came from a questionable Homeowners Association member.
Eventually, the board brought in Dr. Meena Brewster, county health officer, to give a COVID-19 brief. She mentioned the rising cases, testing, and vaccination updates. By the end of the discussion, the commissioners approved $250,000 for at-home COVID-19 testing kits.
Additionally, the Board of Education requested an increase to the St. Mary’s Public Schools’ 2022 budget by $148,314 to support the LEAP grant. This grant is supposed to provide extended academic programming at George Washington Carver Elementary.
The commissioners also accepted a supplemental award of $11,199.16 to support costs for family support services, and the board granted a requested property tax credit incentive. This allows businesses in certain industries that create 10 or more jobs to receive a tax credit for up to 10 years.
Lastly, the commissioners approved a request to apply for the Child Stabilization Fund Grant Award which supports the Department of Recreation and Parks School Age Care Centers for after-school programs for elementary-age students.
The commissioners’ next meeting will be on Jan. 25, 2022. All of the Commissioner’s decisions and public documents are on BoardDocs.
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