Fiscal Discipline Earns Charles County "Aaa" Bond Rating
Today Moody's Investors Service announced Charles County received a bond rating upgrade from "Aa1" to "Aaa," the highest rating issued by the agency. This is the first time in the county's history Moody's has given Charles County bonds a "Aaa" rating. According to Moody's, the county's comprehensive fiscal policies and planning were determining factors in the agency's decision to assign the upgrade. Charles County previously had received AAA ratings from Standard & Poor's and Fitch rating agencies.
Charles County also maintained a stable financial rating outlook from Moody's, which is a reflection of the county's continued tax base growth and conservative fiscal management.
"Receiving a bond rating upgrade to the highest level is good news. It is solid proof that our local economy is healthy and strong," said Commissioner President Peter F. Murphy, on behalf of the Board. "The fiscally prudent policies established by our finance team are comprehensive, which will result in money saved for the taxpayers and county."
Last week, county officials traveled to New York and met with bond rating experts who reviewed the health and stability of the county based on budget management, external audits, financial management, and economic development. Bond proceeds will be used to fund various capital projects for the Board of Education, water and sewer system, stormwater system, and road maintenance.
"Earning a bond rating upgrade is an important achievement that will have a positive ripple effect in our economic development efforts and increase the quality of life for Charles County residents. The Board of Commissioners, senior management, and staff worked together to adhere to strong fiscal practices, resulting in an outstanding rating outcome," said County Administrator Michael D. Mallinoff, Esq., ICMA-CM.
"This is great for Charles County and our taxpayers. The higher bond rating will help lower our overall borrowing costs now and in the future. I thank Moody's for their consideration of our upgrade," said David M. Eicholtz, director of the Department of Fiscal and Administrative Services.
Moody's evaluation cites the county's consistently favorable financial performance as a key consideration in determining the rating. The report states, "In four of the past five years, the county replenished fund balance appropriations through expenditure savings and revenues coming in over budget."
Household Hazardous Waste Collection Scheduled for Nov. 5
The Charles County Department of Public Works would like to remind citizens that the next household hazardous waste collection will be held on Saturday, Nov. 5. The household hazardous waste collection site is located in the parking lot of the Department of Public Works building, located at 10430 Audie Lane, off of Radio Station Road in La Plata. Collection hours are 9 a.m.—3 p.m.
Items accepted free of charge include: pesticides, herbicides, fertilizer, gasoline, oil-based paint, cleaning supplies, pool chemicals, fluorescent lights, mercury thermometers, and other poisons found in the home. Please remember to mark any container that does not have a readable, original label.
Unacceptable materials include bio-medical waste (sharps, needles, anything with bodily fluids), latex paint, prescription drugs, and ammunition. Used motor oil, anti-freeze, propane tanks, and batteries are accepted on a regular basis at various collection sites. Latex paint is not considered hazardous waste and can be placed in your household trash as long as it is solidified. This can be accomplished by adding kitty litter, shredded paper, paint hardener, or sawdust to aid in drying it out.
Household hazardous waste collection will occur on the first Saturday of each month through December. Upcoming 2016 collection dates are: Nov. 5, and Dec. 3.
For more information, call the Charles County Department of Public Works, Environmental Resources Division at 301-932-3599 or 301-870-2778, or the landfill and recycling information line at 301-932-5656. Citizens with special needs may contact the Maryland Relay Service at 711, or Relay Service TDD: 800-735-2258.
County Employees Develop Cost Savings Incentive Program
The Department of Human Resources is introducing a new Employee Cost Savings Incentive Program. The Human Resources Employee Committee, a group of employees representing all county departments, initiated the program. The program's goal is to encourage employee involvement in improving service delivery to residents while identifying cost savings measures.
"The Cost Savings Incentive Program was developed with employees in mind," said Billy Walker, a Department of Human Resources Employee Committee member and Department of Public Works employee. "I believe some of the greatest process improvements and cost-saving ideas come from employees that are performing the work every day."
County Administrator Michael D. Mallinoff, Esq., ICMA-SM said, "This program is an example of County Government Employees thinking outside the box to provide services to county residents at a lower cost. I am excited to see what we come up with."
Individuals or groups of employees may submit cost-saving suggestions and ideas to the Department of Human Resources Employee Committee. Each suggestion will be reviewed for feasibility and cost-saving analysis. If an employee's cost-saving idea is approved for use, employee(s) will receive a monetary award of five percent of the projected cost savings, up to $5,000.
Training Held for 9-1-1 Communications Emergency Professionals
On Thursday, Oct. 6, the Charles County 9-1-1 Communications staff held an emergency education training for public safety professionals and law enforcement officers throughout the region entitled, "A Victim's Plea: Meeting Expectations Denise Amber Lee." 9-1-1 communications personnel were educated on providing continued quality, and timely emergency service to residents, as well as sharing information between jurisdictions.
The presenter, Nathan Lee, founded the Denise Amber Lee Foundation in loving memory of his wife. Lee's wife called 9-1-1 when she was kidnapped in Florida, but due to lack of information shared amongst communication centers, no help was dispatched. Lee seeks to help 9-1-1 centers avoid similar occurrences and build stronger 9-1-1 communications.
Preservation Matters Newsletter Now Available
The Department of Planning and Growth Management's annual online publication, "Preservation Matters: Celebrating Charles County's Historic Places," is now available for viewing online. To view the newsletter, visit www.charlescountymd.gov/sites/default/files/pgm/planning/PreservationMattersNewsletter_2016_web.pdf.
This edition features "Documenting a Community's Recent Past." Read about the tight knit community of Pomonkey and its coming together to highlight its significance to Charles County's past and future. Learn about the stories, structures, and people of this area, as well as the documentation efforts to help preserve the community's heritage.
Also featured are articles on private cemeteries, recovered artifacts near Benedict, restoration of Rich Hill, 2016 preservation awards, and news from the county Archaeologist, Ester Doyle Read.
A limited number of printed copies of the newsletter are available upon request. To obtain a printed copy of the newsletter, or for more information about the "Preservation Matters" publication, contact Ms. Beth Groth at GrothB@CharlesCountyMD.gov or 301-645-0684.
Shanks Participates in Family, Health, and Home Expo on Oct. 29
Physical fitness coordinator Debi Shanks and various senior citizens around the county will be encouraging residents to stay fit at the Family, Health, and Home Expo. This expo will be held on Saturday, Oct. 29 and Sunday, Oct. 30 at the Charles County Fairgrounds (8440 Fairground Road, La Plata), beginning at 10 a.m. Shanks will lead the older adult fitness demo on Saturday, Oct. 29 at 11 a.m. on the Autumn stage and 1 p.m. on the Pink Experience stage with several local seniors supporting Shanks. Come and support our local senior citizens as they demonstrate their fitness exercises.
"There are many ways senior citizens can continue to exercise and stay fit. I am excited to be able to showcase these exercises with the assistance of our local seniors," Shanks said.
The goal of this event is to encourage the families in our local communities to take control of their health and to learn the facts they need to make smart health choices, and to make time for regular physical activity. This is an opportunity to pick up healthy-living tips, and meet with healthcare professionals.
For more information on the Family, Health, and Home Expo, visit www.familyhealthandhomeexpo.com, or call Debi Shanks at 301-609-5711.
Commissioners Proclaim Day of Achieving Together
On Tuesday, Oct. 25, the Charles County Commissioners proclaimed Sunday, Oct. 30 as Day of Achieving Together with The Arc Southern Maryland. The Commissioners recognize The Arc Southern Maryland for successfully supporting children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families for over 40 years.
The Commissioners encourage residents to join in this special day by supporting the efforts and activities of The Arc Southern Maryland, and that every day be dedicated to acceptance and inclusion of those with intellectual and developmental disabilities in our communities. Visit www.arcsomd.org for more information about The Arc Southern Maryland.
Charles County Commissioners November Town Hall Meeting Schedule
The Charles County Commissioners invite the public to attend the November town hall meetings as scheduled below. The purpose of Commissioner town hall meetings is to take questions from those in attendance and to discuss items of importance to the citizens and the community.
Board of County Commissioners Quarterly Town Hall Meeting (District 4)
Tuesday, Nov. 29 at 6 p.m.
County Government Building in the Commissioners Meeting Room (200 Baltimore Street, La Plata)
Future town hall meeting dates are available at www.CharlesCountyMD.gov.
For more information or to email questions to be discussed at the town hall meeting, contact the Citizen Response Office at 301-645-0550 or CitizenResponse@CharlesCountyMD.gov. Citizens with special needs may contact the Maryland Relay Service at 711, or Relay Service TDD: 866-269-9006.
Charles County Government November Holiday Schedule
The Charles County Commissioners wish to remind residents of changes to normal operating schedules for the month of November. All offices, facilities, and services not listed will be operating their normal hours.
Tuesday, Nov. 8 (Election Day)
• All Charles County Government offices and the Tri-County Animal Shelter in Hughesville will be closed
• The Nanjemoy Community Center, senior centers, and all school based community centers are closed
• All indoor pools will be open 1 p.m.—9 p.m. for open swim (Lackey, Donald M. Wade Aquatic Center, and North Point).
• Charles County Public Library (All branches)
Friday, Nov. 11 (Veterans' Day)
• All Charles County Government offices and the Tri-County Animal Shelter in Hughesville will be closed
• The Nanjemoy Community Center, senior centers, Port Tobacco Recreation Center, and all school based community centers are closed
• All indoor pools will be open 1 p.m.—9 p.m. for open swim (Lackey, Donald M. Wade Aquatic Center, and North Point)
• VanGO Brandwine Connector will not operate.
• VanGO last departures from the Waldorf transfer point will be at 5:30 p.m. on the 301 Connector, Business A, Business B, and Charlotte Hall routes. Last departures from the Waldorf transfer point will be at 6 p.m. on the Berry Road, Indian Head, Pinefield, St. Charles A, St. Charles B, and St. Charles C routes. Last departures from the La Plata transfer point will be at 5:30 p.m. on the 301 Connector, Bryans Road, and Nanjemoy routes. Last departures from the La Plata transfer point for Newburg will be at 4:30 p.m., and for La Plata will be at 6 p.m.
• Charles County Health Department is closed.
• Charles County Public Library (All branches)
Thursday, Nov. 24 (Thanksgiving Day)
• All Charles County Government offices and the Tri-County Animal Shelter in Hughesville will be closed
• The Nanjemoy Community Center, senior centers, Port Tobacco Recreation Center, Elite Gymnastics, indoor pools, and all school based community centers are closed
• VanGO services will not be operating
• The Charles County Landfill and Recycling Center on Billingsley Road in Waldorf, and the Pisgah Recycling Center on Route 425 in Pisgah will be closed
• Curbside recycling will be delayed one day, Thursday pickups will take place on Friday and Friday pickups on Saturday
• The Crain Memorial Welcome Center will be closed
• Charles County Skate Park will be closed
• Charles County Health Department is closed
• Charles County Public Library (All branches)
Friday, Nov. 25 (Day after Thanksgiving)
• All Charles County Government offices and the Tri-County Animal Shelter in Hughesville will be closed
• The Nanjemoy Community Center, senior centers, Port Tobacco Recreation Center, and all school based community centers are closed
• All indoor pools will be open 1 p.m.—8 p.m. for open swim (Lackey, Donald M. Wade Aquatic Center, and North Point)
• Curbside recycling will be delayed one day. Thursday pickups will take place on Friday and Friday pickups on Saturday
• Charles County Health Department is closed
• Charles County Public Library (All branches)
For questions about County Government holiday closures, contact the Public Information Office at 301-885-2779 or PressRoom@CharlesCountyMD.gov. Citizens with special needs may contact the Maryland Relay Service at 711, or Relay Service TDD: 800-735-2258.