Public Hearings

Commissioners held a public hearing on Proposed Bill 2026-04: Collective Bargaining Legislation. This draft legislation would establish a formal collective bargaining process for most full-time Charles County government employees by creating a new Article V in Chapter 197 of the County Code.

It grants eligible employees the right to organize, select an exclusive bargaining representative, and negotiate with the County over wages, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment. The legislation excludes EMS employees already covered under a separate collective bargaining article, as well as supervisors, confidential employees, appointed officials, part-time, temporary, seasonal, and contractual employees.

Commissioners voted unanimously to hold the record open for an additional 14 days, and afterwards the Board will schedule a work session to review input and discuss next steps.

Annual Update

Commissioners received updates from the following county boards and commissions:

• Board of Electrical Examiners
• Library Board of Trustees
• Interfaith Commission

Approval Items

Commissioners approved:

• A Budget Amendment Increase of $430,000 to support immediate and long-term school safety and security initiatives.
• A request to reallocate the remaining funds from the FY2026 Beginner Farmer Equipment Rental Program to purchase additional equipment that supports the Soil Conservation District’s programs and services.
• A letter of support for the Greenwell Foundation’s application to the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program. The program provides funding to community-based organizations that deliver services designed to reduce and prevent veteran suicide, improve mental health outcomes, and connect veterans and their families with critical resources and support systems.
• A proposed resolution authorizing the submission of an application to the Maryland Affordable Housing Trust’s Safe and Secure Water Access in Homes Grant Program. The program provides funding to help address water access challenges that impact the health, safety, and quality of life of Charles County residents.

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