The Caroline County Commissioners convened on July 22, 2025, to discuss several key issues, with a significant focus on the proposal for a newspaper of record for the county. Debbie Bowden, owner of the Caroline Review, presented a request for the commissioners to consider legislative changes that would allow them to determine what constitutes a newspaper of record for Caroline County.

Bowden explained that the current situation limits public notices to the Star Democrat, which has been the sole publication for such announcements. She proposed that the county seek authority from the Eastern Shore delegation to amend the annotated code, specifically section 1.113, to enable the commissioners to designate one or more newspapers of record. This change would foster competition among publications and enhance the dissemination of public notices, which are vital for community awareness.

The discussion highlighted that Caroline County is unique in Maryland, as it lacks a dedicated newspaper office. Bowden referenced a study from the University of Maryland's Merrill School of Journalism, which noted this absence and emphasized the importance of public notices in keeping residents informed. She clarified that her proposal does not mandate the selection of a specific publication but rather seeks to empower the county to make that determination.

Commissioners engaged in a dialogue about the implications of such a change, questioning how it would affect the current process of publishing public notices. Bowden reassured them that the county would still adhere to state guidelines in selecting publications, ensuring that any designated newspaper would meet specific criteria, such as having a minimum circulation and being distributed regularly.

The meeting concluded with Bowden expressing her willingness to step back from the process to avoid any potential conflicts of interest, should the commissioners move forward with her proposal. The commissioners acknowledged the importance of the discussion and indicated that they would consider the next steps regarding the legislative request.

Overall, the meeting underscored the need for improved communication channels within Caroline County and the potential for legislative changes to enhance local media competition and public engagement.