Pictured (left to right): Commissioner Bobby Rucci (District 4); Commissioner Ken Robinson (District 1); Francis Penny, Piscataway Conoy Tribe; Commissioner Amanda M. Stewart, M.Ed. (District 3); Dianna Penny, Piscataway Conoy Tribe; Commissioner Vice President Debra M. Davis, Esq. (District 2); and Commissioner President Peter F. Murphy.Commissioners Proclaim November as Indian Heritage Month
The Charles County Commissioners proclaimed November 2016 as American Indian Heritage Month in Charles County. American Indian Heritage Month began as a day of recognition of American Indians in 1915, and is now an annual recognition, marked with educational and celebratory activities throughout the United States.
The Piscataway Indians, indigenous to southern Maryland, continue to reside and thrive in areas where first contact was made with the English colonists in the early 1600s. The Piscataway were major contributors in agriculture, housing, fishing, and hunting in the region, which was invaluable to the first Europeans in America, and helped to secure their establishment in the area. Charles County values our tribal communities, and supports their voice in our local, state, and national policy debates.
County Earns Highest Bond Ratings from All Three Major Rating Agencies
For the first time in its history, Charles County has achieved the distinction of earning a triple-A bond rating—the highest credit rating possible—from the nation's top bond rating agencies (Fitch Ratings, S&P Global Ratings, and Moody's Investor's Service). In separate announcements, Fitch and S&P affirmed the county's previously earned "AAA" ratings. This is the result of bond rating experts who reviewing the health and stability of the county based on budget management, external audits, financial management, and economic development. With these affirmations, Charles County is one of only eight out of 24 counties in Maryland to carry three triple-A bond ratings.
Commissioner President Peter F. Murphy said, "This accomplishment is no small feat. It is a testament to the vibrancy and overall health of our economy, and is the result of careful stewardship of taxpayer dollars. I am excited our residents will benefit from savings in the form of lower interest rates, which means important community projects such as capital projects for the Board of Education, water and sewer systems, stormwater systems, and road maintenance will cost less in the long-term."
In its rating report, S&P highlighted strong budget management and financial flexibility as key credit characteristics for the county. S&P described the county economy as strong and viewed the county's financial practices as "well embedded and likely sustainable."
Fitch noted in its report several key drivers for the outstanding "AAA" rating, including "the county's strong growth prospects, low long-term liability burden, healthy reserves, and broad budgetary tools." Additionally, Fitch cited other positive factors such as a sufficient reserve fund and a "high level of financial resilience."
"We could not be more pleased with the outcome of our annual bond trip. Each of the rating agencies conducted a thorough and rigorous review of our finances. Collectively, their ratings reflect a solid vote of confidence in how the county budget and resources are being managed," said County Administrator Michael D. Mallinoff, Esq., ICMA-CM.
Charles County maintained a stable financial rating outlook from all three agencies, which is a reflection of the county's continued tax base growth and conservative fiscal management. A stable outlook is an indicator, which predicts Charles County will continue to maintain a solid financial position and strong economic and financial health.
David M. Eicholtz, director of the Department of Fiscal and Administrative Services, said, "A triple-A bond rating is very difficult to earn. It has taken Charles County many decades to achieve this highest rating from all three bond rating agencies. Moody's, S&P, and Fitch do not hand these ratings out lightly without having confidence in their opinion of a jurisdiction. It confirms the county's good financial health, but even more so, our future outlook."
A bond sale is scheduled for Nov. 15.
Residents Asked to Participate in County Parks and Recreation Facilities Survey by Nov. 30
The Department of Recreation, Parks, and Tourism encourages residents to take the Charles County Land Preservation, Park, and Recreation Plan (LPPRP) survey about county parks and recreation facilities. The LPPRP is a comprehensive document used as a planning tool by local governments to protect natural resources and provide public parks and recreation facilities. To maintain eligibility for Program Open Space funding, the State of Maryland requires LPPRP be updated every six years. Charles County's last LPPRP was completed in 2012.
To participate in this online survey visit, www.surveymonkey.com/r/charlescounty2016lpprpsurvey by Wednesday, Nov. 30.
If you have any questions or comments, contact the Department of Recreation, Parks, and Tourism at ccpr@CharlesCountyMD.gov or 301-932-3470. Citizens with special needs may contact the Maryland Relay Service at 711, or Relay Service TDD: 800-735-2258.
Economic Development Held Annual Fall Meeting
On Tuesday, Nov.1, the Department of Economic Development held its annual Fall Meeting. The event entitled, "Shaping the Economic Future of Charles County" focused on the recently completed, five-year economic development strategic plan and provided an inside look of the county's economic development.
The Department of Economic Development explored the plan for growth and prosperity while members of the public and private sectors discussed their unique vision through panel discussions and presentations.
Charles County Commissioners Meeting Agendas for Nov. 8 and 9
The County Commissioners will not be holding public session. The Commissioners will be representing the county at other meetings and will conduct individual appointments as scheduled.
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.