La Plata, MD – On Tuesday, March 31, 2020, the Board of Commissioners received an update from the Charles County Health Department on the latest efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus). Dr. Suzan Lowry, MD FAAP, the Charles County Health Officer, shared information on the testing, treatment, and prevention efforts for COVID-19 locally. Residents are reminded to call the Department of Health’s call center at 301-609-6717 for urgent questions and concerns; starting Wednesday, April 1, the call center hours have expanded to 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Mondays through Sundays. Department of Emergency Services Director Michelle Lilly provided an overview of the Emergency Operation Center’s work, including continued daily coordination with local and state affiliated agencies.

Budget Work Session

The Board of County Commissioners held a budget work session to review the fiscal 2021 General Fund Revenue Outlook and fiscal 2021-2025 Capital Improvement Program, as well as fiscal 2021 Fees and Charges. Department of Fiscal and Administrative Services staff provided an update on the request for a relief fund in response to COVID-19.

Briefings

The Department of Fiscal and Administrative Services provided an update on the requested Relief Fund for COVID-19, including the potential for Charitable Trust’s involvement regarding nonprofit organizations and Economic Development Department’s involvement which would include temporary modification to the Target Industry Incentives Loan Fund and Business Development Loan Fund to address COVID-19 as it relates to local businesses. The County Commissioners approved a motion to move $200,000 into a relief fund for local businesses and $100,000 for a relief fund for nonprofit allocation by Charitable Trust. Economic Development Department also reminded residents to visit their website at www.MeetCharlesCounty.com for business resources in relation to COVID-19.

Approval Items
Commissioners approved the following items:

• Resolution 2020-05 to extend the Charles County State of Emergency declaration until April 30.

• A fiscal 2020 budget transfer request to support the cost of installing a temporary filtration system to meet contractual obligations with Competitive Power Ventures. 

• A fiscal 2020 budget transfer request to fund contract management services which will assist with timely completion of projects.

• A fiscal 2020 contingency transfer request in order to install a permanent pump-around connection at the Mattawoman Wastewater Treatment Plant’s Reclaimed Water Pump Station which allows for needed repairs.

• A fiscal 2020 budget amendment increase to match funds awarded by the county for the USDA Rural Housing Preservation Grant. 

• Charles County’s participation in the Joint Statement on Regional Cooperation Agreement among Maryland Capital Region Local Economic Development Organizations.

Next Commissioners Session: April 7, 2020; Additional details to be provided on BoardDocs by April 2.

Citizens with special needs may contact the Maryland Relay Service at 711, or Relay Service TDD: 800-735-2258.