Charles County MD : April 10 Commissioners Meeting Update

At the meeting on Tuesday, April 10, Commissioner Ken Robinson (District 1) presented a proposal for preserving the Harry Nice Bridge and seeking its designation as a national treasure by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Governor Larry Hogan has announced that a new bridge will be constructed to replace the Harry Nice Bridge. It is one of the few remaining examples of a continuous truss bridge that currently crosses the Potomac River between Charles County, Maryland and King George County, Virginia. Commissioner Robinson proposed that a public-private partnership be pursued to maintain the bridge as the 'Potomac Skyway' park and dedicate it for use by pedestrians, bicyclists, and visitors.

County Administrator Michael D. Mallinoff, Esq., ICMA-CM, also presented his Fiscal 2019 Proposed Budget and the County Commissioners received comments at a public hearing following the budget presentation. For more information on the proposal, view the news release online. The record for public comment has been left open until Tuesday, April 24. To submit comments, email [e-mail] or mail or hand-deliver comments to Charles County Board of Commissioners, 200 Baltimore Street, La Plata, MD 20646.

Approval Items

Commissioners approved the towing regulations bill which authorizes the Charles County Sheriff's Office to maintain a towing service permit program, to charge a permit fee to those engaged in the business of towing motor vehicles, and to make it unlawful to provide towing services without a permit. The approved bill includes amendments, based on public input, that lowers the registration and renewal fees that are charged, along with some other minor revisions.

Commissioners also approved the following budget-related requests:

• A budget amendment increase of $45,000 to hire a local care team coordinator to ensure youth with intensive needs receive comprehensive care services.

• A budget transfer request for $15,430 to fund a chief of Central Services position, upgrade the Risk Management position, and increase part-time security desk staff.

• A budget transfer request to move $750,000 from the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) contingency line item to the NPDES Feasibility and Concept for future concept and design costs.

• A budget transfer request of $53,500 to fund two digital forensic examiner positions in the Sheriff's Office.

• A budget transfer request of $127,200 to pay for emergency roof repairs at the Blue Crabs stadium.

Recognitions

• Representatives from Lifestyles of Maryland, Inc. and University of Maryland Extension received a proclamation from Commissioners in recognition of April as Financial Literacy Month, which encourages individuals to take steps toward financial wellness. With the establishment of Southern Maryland CASH Coalition, Calvert, Charles and St. Mary's Counties join with others around the state who collectively support financial literacy programs. Through technical assistance from our State Partner, CASH Campaign of Maryland, this collaboration was made easy. View photo in Flickr .

• Emergency Services employees received a proclamation from Commissioners in recognition of April 8-14, 2018 as National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. This recognition honors all those who dedicate their lives to serving the public as telecommunications professionals. Use #NPSTW2018 to share your gratitude this week. View photo in Flickr .

Next Commissioners Meeting: Tuesday, April 17

For More Information:

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About Charles County Government

The mission of Charles County Government is to provide our citizens the highest quality service possible in a timely, efficient and courteous manner. To achieve this goal, our government must be operated in an open and accessible atmosphere, be based on comprehensive long- and short-term planning and have an appropriate managerial organization tempered by fiscal responsibility. We support and encourage efforts to grow a diverse workplace. Charles County is a place where all people thrive and businesses grow and prosper; where the preservation of our heritage and environment is paramount; where government services to its citizens are provided at the highest level of excellence; and where the quality of life is the best in the nation.

It is the policy of Charles County to provide equal employment opportunity to all persons regardless of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religious or political affiliation or opinion, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity or expression, or any other status protected by law.