Leonardtown, MD — Every year it is one of the most contentious budget decision issues for the Commissioners of St. Mary’s County. Historically the commissioners have provided some funding to non-profit agencies. That list grew over time. But for the past few years the commissioners have level-funded the agencies and not added any new ones.

In the current fiscal year the new commissioner board funded $1.3 million to 22 agencies. Those non-profits fall into the following categories: social services, primary and secondary education, post-secondary education, parks, recreation and culture, conservation of natural resources, and economic development.

Several years ago, with threats of cuts to the agencies, a group called Vital Community Connectors (VCC) was formed to lobby on behalf of the funded groups.

Most of the agencies receiving funding from the county joined.

There is now a movement afoot to change the process, but exactly what change is now up for discussion. County Administrator Dr. Rebecca Bridgett (shown above) presented the commissioners with several options at their Oct. 20 meeting. In turn the commissioners have scheduled two public hearings Oct. 27, at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. to get public input on the way to go.

The options were developed in meetings involving Dr. Bridgett, the chief and deputy chief financial officers, and members of VCC and the Non-Profit Institute at the College of Southern Maryland. One factor leading to the discussion of changes has been the county getting new software from the Governor’s Office for Crime Control and Prevention which can be used by the non-profits to support their funding requests.

Five options have been proposed:
• Keep the current system
• Use the vision statement in the St. Mary’s County Comprehensive Plan as a guide. That statement says county government should be: responsible and accountable to the county citizens; provide high quality, cost effective and efficient services; preserve the county environment, heritage, and rural; character; and foster opportunities for present and future generations.
• Use various planning documents to prioritize efforts.
• Use identified, targeted Priority Funding Areas, such as Substance Abuse Treatment and Prevention
• Some other option not yet identified.

As for funding, the proposals are:
• Establish a grants panel similar to what is done in Charles County.
• Have the specific county department involved in the non-profits content review and rank the proposal,
• Run the proposals by the appropriate existing advisory board within county government.
• Use a hybrid model similar to what is done in Calvert County.

The information supplied by Bridgett to the commissioners included comments from a six-member VCC steering committee. They provided comments on some of the options and said, “We are happy that there is serious dialog and gratified that there seems to be recognition that non-profits can cost effectively assist government meet its responsibilities to the citizens of St. Mary’s County.”

The steering VCC committee called for a “data-driven government, where hard data informs planning and execution based upon documented need.”

The proposals drew comments from some of the commissioners. Commissioner Todd Morgan [R – 4th District] said he had heard concerns from some non-profits about the new software. “Some think it is unfriendly and takes time away from what they are there to do,” he said.

But Commissioner John O’Connor [R – 3rd District] disagreed. “It’s actually quite simple,” he said of the program which he believes anyone could learn in 20 to 30 minutes. “You are receiving taxpayer money,” he told the non-profits. “There has to be some level of accountability.”

Commissioner Tom Jarboe (R – 1st District] noted declining grant funding. He said government may have to pick up some of that funding slack.

Commissioner Mike Hewitt [R – 2nd District} said the government agency review process made sense. “These are the experts,” he said of those agencies.

But Hewitt also pressed for a system that would allow new non-profits to join the mix. “We need to keep a small portion to encourage those with good ideas and intentions to qualify for grants,” he said.

Commissioner President Randy Guy [R] said he agreed with Hewitt about the government agency model. He said those departments could have “a check before it gets to our table.”

In the current fiscal year, by far the largest amount of funding goes to agencies in the social services category. Those receiving the largest amounts are:
• Walden-Sierra — $340,447
• Center for Life Enrichment — $150,000
• SRC of Southern Maryland — $130,000
• Three Oaks Center — $125,000
• Tri-County Youth Services — $110,000
• Southern Maryland Center for Family Advocacy — $100,000

The Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland received $104,200 of which $10,000 was used for the one-time Joint Land Use Study.

The smallest recipients, at $3,000 each, were the Lexington Park Rotary Club for the Oyster Festival and St. Mary’s Caring.

Both hearings will be in the commissioners’ hearing room in the Chesapeake Building. In addition to testimony at the two hearings, written comments received by Nov. 1 may be considered. These should be mailed to: Commissioners of St. Mary’s County, 41770 Baldridge Street, Chesapeake Building, P.O. Box 653 Leonardtown, MD 20650

The models can be found on the county’s website at www.stmarysmd.com/boarddocs or can be requested through the County Administrator’s Office.

The policy may, as a result of the public hearing or staff comment, be modified in whole, or in part, either substantively or procedurally. Reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities should be requested by contacting the St. Mary’s County Public Information Office at 301-475-4200, ext. 1342.

Contact Dick Myers at dick.myers@thebaynet.com