The St. Mary’s Board of County Commissioners approved the re-alignment of funds from frozen positions and health premium holiday savings to the Revenue Stabilization Reserve Tuesday, Feb. 2. Chief Financial Officer Elaine Kramer estimated the fund at $1.7 million.
County Administrator John Savich said to better understand how actions in response to state cuts are working, “we’re trying to do things in real-time throughout the year.” In uncertain economic times, Savich said, “If resources are needed for emergencies, we know where they are.”
The board approved moving forward with the Human Service Council’s recommendation to meet the growing demand for services, making $50,000 in funding available to the Dept. of Social Services and $50,000 available in mini-grants to non-county agencies. A similar action was taken last year, which Human Services Director Bennett Connelly said helped over 600 people in need of assistance. He explained how two positions at Marcey House being cut to part-time and using funding adaptively is helping deal with cuts to alcohol and drug abuse programs.
Savich reminded the board that while funding is being cut, the workload is not and said these types of reactionary measures, “let us put people where there is work.”
The board reluctantly approved a 60-day extension request for Land Use and Growth Management to update the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance, for compliance with new forest conservation requirements. LUGM Director Derick Berlage said the changes are intended to comply with minimum state requirements, while providing flexibility to our citizens.
Recreation and Parks Director Phil Rollins got the board’s approval for bow-hunting on an 85-acre parcel of Elm’s Beach Park, allowing six hunters to use the area at a time. Volunteers from the Mattapany Bow and Hunt Club will help Recreation and Parks manage the site for a one-year trial period and the SMC Sherriff’s Office offered to support enforcement of the county’s hunting regulations.
The board approved Rollins’ request for the renewal of Wicomico Shore Golf Course’s alcohol beverage license, but urged the exploration of options for the food service part of the facility. Commissioner Mattingly commented that the golf spot is a profitable recreation program and said he doesn’t think the community wants a full-blown bar at the location.
The commissioners approved College of Southern Md.’s petition to the state for funds to address the need for more more parking at the campus. Dean Talley of the Leonardtown campus said he is amazed by how well the Wellness project is going and said enrollment is growing at the community college.
The BOCC gave a commendation to Md. State Champion 80-pound White Braves football team from the Mechanicsville area. In addition to acknowledging the 12-0 team, the commissioners also recognized the coaches, local business sponsor and parents for their dedication in supporting the youth footballers.
The board visited Angel’s Watch in Hughesville later in the afternoon. They will meet again and hold a budget work session Feb. 9.
