St. Mary's County Metropolitan Commission

The public hearing was held to present the proposed fiscal year 2027 operating and capital improvement budgets, the capital improvement plan for fiscal years 2028 through 2032, and proposed rate and fee changes for water and sewer services. Key topics included an overview of the organization's infrastructure operations, the introduction of a new intermediate water rate tier, updates on construction projects, debt management strategies, and the allocation of expenses across departments.

The meeting included length of service awards for employees and the reading of a proclamation for Drinking Water Week. The agenda featured discussions on the 2026 county tax sales update, a review of 2025 fourth-quarter financial performance for the Maryland Local Government Investment Pool and other postemployment benefits, and approval for a change order related to a rate study contract. Additionally, the commission discussed a joint construction project for the water and sewer rehabilitation in the Southampton subdivision.

The meeting featured a presentation on the results of the 2025 employee satisfaction survey, which indicated generally positive trends in workplace satisfaction, compensation, and support from leadership, alongside discussions regarding the implementation of a fleet telemetry program and the necessity of balancing employee privacy with safety and risk management. Additionally, the commission reviewed a request for a water billing adjustment due to a significant leak caused by a faulty toilet at a residential property, ultimately discussing the equity of the requested relief in light of specific extenuating circumstances surrounding the property owner.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda and recognition of an employee's five years of service. Key discussions focused on the designation of the corporate treasurer, involving the review and approval of a motion to appoint a new treasurer and forward the official bond to the county attorney. Furthermore, the commission addressed capital improvement items, including the rehabilitation of the Wakamo Shores number two wastewater pump station, which involves installing new equipment and improving site drainage. The purchase of a new inflow and infiltration (INI) inspection van was also discussed, alongside an update on the capital budget work session, which confirmed positive trends in reducing INI flows, resulting in additional capacity for development districts like Marley Taylor. Other agenda items included reviewing the status of the AMI metering technology deployment and discussing the necessity of borrowing for consent decree projects.

The meeting addressed several key items, beginning with the approval of the agenda and the minutes from the March 27, 2025 meeting. The consent agenda items, including the fiscal, engineering, and operations standard reports, as well as legal services invoices, were approved. New business included an informational update on the final 2025 county tax sale results, detailing that 10 residential properties went to sale, generating over $1.4 million in bids against a balance due of approximately $27,600. An informational update was also provided on the OPED (Other Postemployment Benefits) fund status as of December 31, 2024, noting a balance of over $9.4 million in the Mako Maryland Association of Counties Pooled Trust. The commission approved the second amendment to the memorandum of agreement with the St. Mary's County Board of Education concerning the operation and maintenance of the Choptown High School wastewater treatment facility, primarily updating signatories. Furthermore, approval was granted for contract 25-12-F to Lens Incorporated for right-of-way clearing, maintenance, and pesticide application services. Finally, the commission supported and authorized appreciation letters regarding the successful passage of House Bill 491, which amends Chapter 113 of the St. Mary's County Code, notably granting flexibility to turn off water for reasons other than non-payment and allowing assessment of damages exceeding $1,000 caused by third parties to utilities. The capital budget presentation summary was also mentioned as a public discussion point.