[{"_1":2,"_87":-5,"_88":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6474158,"mediaKeyId","5742509-e48769ffd4200426fda6e12c10b0b824","parentId",5742509,"title","Queen Anne's County commissioners authorize $39 million in bonds, approve contracts and park projects, and oppose proposed striped bass cuts","audioSeconds",860,"startMs",3936000,"endMs",3076000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5742509-e48769ffd4200426fda6e12c10b0b824&start=3936&end=3076","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5742509-e48769ffd4200426fda6e12c10b0b824/thumbnail_3936000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6474158/Queen-Annes-County/Maryland/Queen-Annes-County-commissioners-authorize-39-million-in-bonds-approve-contracts-and-park-projects-and-oppose-proposed-striped-bass-cuts","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6474158-1fffed4720733d027e013c42ae748df9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771077697&Signature=XlvBCYpFaqqe4SDZC3OzSVQQs6fgK56-RfJ-6rESU-nqXPxrnYJz6SAM70lsx4z6YTVuXaL4MEHcSVMnIR4oqnQymAmwKI3q7PhOS16su8HxYr97WD3DrWRljkn8QOf68wBN-ioXHkN15AVo6ecIa24FX1exbITRAe9XulkZzR9fR8s56lSBKSmWdrsEk9CHAAZsYul6H4l5D7rkKtBsoWq9HJb03fnXp50q8JfSPNp1rm~mQeqIm8JSCBu8RTqjXaz6vBnv~EPx8I9TFi4-FeSpTGoUq02FD~jW61Rq1tr11Zssn98llgJnkLuSgQwXKEXcjXVEGlkBOtR7~6ki6g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Queen Anne's County","date","2025-09-08T20:48:25Z","article","Queen Anne's County Commissioners on Sept. 9 unanimously adopted a set of fiscal and administrative measures that included authorizing the issuance and sale of general obligation bonds and approving contracts, leases and park projects across the county.

The board adopted Resolution 25‑13 authorizing up to $39,000,000 in two series of general obligation bonds — up to $26,000,000 for new money and approximately $13,000,000 for refunding prior debt. The resolution passed on a voice vote with a recorded unanimous outcome of 5–0.

The meeting also included routine appointments, a transfer of a grant‑funded position to county administration, and several Department of Public Works and Parks and Recreation contract approvals. Commissioners additionally approved a county letter of opposition to a Maryland Department of Natural Resources fisheries management proposal that would reduce Maryland’s commercial striped bass harvest by 58 percent, and they authorized a staff follow‑up letter to raise related watershed and sedimentation concerns.

Votes at a glance

- Resolution 25‑13 (general obligation bonds, authorizing issuance/sale, max aggregate $39,000,000; new money up to $26,000,000, refunding ~$13,000,000): adopted, tally yes: 5, no: 0.

- Board appointments (Historic Stevensville Arts & Entertainment Advisory Board and others): reappointments and new appointments approved; tally yes: 5, no: 0. Reappointments: Jack Broderick and Maureen Wheatley (terms to 07/31/2028). New appointments: Thomas Brady, Ashley Holland, Patricia Katzen (terms to 07/01/2027); Julie Ranelli and Judy Tucker (terms to 07/31/2028).

- Transfer: approve transfer of the Community Care Case Manager position from the state Department of Health to the county Department of Aging and Community Services (position remains 100% grant funded): approved, tally yes: 5, no: 0.

- Department of Public Works / Contracts
- Lovepoint Park cell tower lease (Selco Partnership / Verizon service‑gap fill; new 90–95 ft macro pole): 5‑year lease at $14,400 per year; approved, tally yes: 5, no: 0.
- Wetlands mitigation construction contract (Tanner property): award to Martin’s Excavating & Hauling LLC (Centerville) for $1,115,152 — lowest responsible bidder; approved, tally yes: 5, no: 0.
- 2011 Comprehensive Water & Sewer Plan map amendment (Brennan Provencekic properties, Great Neck Road): change sewer service designation from S‑6 to S‑2L; approved, tally yes: 5, no: 0.
- Roads division equipment purchase: Caterpillar 926M wheel loader (via Sourcewell contract 011723‑CAT) for $264,844.32; approved, tally yes: 5, no: 0.

- Parks & Recreation
- Churchill Park: contract with ATC Corp (national cooperative contract) to construct three pickleball courts and associated stormwater work, amount not to exceed $243,245; approved, tally yes: 5, no: 0.
- South Island Trail Phase 3: off‑site critical area mitigation plan and execution of a forest conservation protection easement for Crumpton Park; approved, tally yes: 5, no: 0.
- Playground replacement at Mowbray Park: new equipment ordered; delivery estimated about 12 weeks and demolition/installation timeline discussed (anticipated closure and construction window outlined by staff).

- Planning / Land‑use
- Citizen‑sponsored text amendment from Gunston School (25‑12) proposing non‑adjacency standards for growth allocation tied to nonprofit institutional uses: sent to the Planning Commission for investigation and recommendation, then back to the commissioners for public hearings and final action; motion carried 5‑0.

- Other
- County letter of opposition to Maryland DNR fisheries management plan (concern noting a proposed 58% reduction to the commercial striped bass harvest): approved, tally yes: 5, no: 0. Commissioners requested a follow‑up letter addressing watershed/sedimentation impacts raised during discussion.
- Letter of support for Queen Anne’s County Arts Council grant application (requesting $300,000 to complete annex renovation): approved, tally yes: 5, no: 0.

Why it matters

The bond authorization gives county officials capacity to proceed with capital and refunding financing up to the specified limits; contract awards affect local construction, parks amenities and road maintenance; land‑use referrals and plan amendments start regulatory review processes that will determine where sewer infrastructure and institutional expansions are allowed; and the fisheries opposition signals the county’s intent to press state managers for additional watershed and fisheries‑management information before accepting large harvest cuts.

What commissioners and staff said

County staff described the bond resolution as two series of general obligation bonds with the split between new money and refunding defined in the resolution materials. Public‑works staff noted the wetland mitigation bid totals and contractor identification; parks staff outlined timeline and design details for new pickleball courts and the playground replacement schedule.

Context and next steps

Most actions taken were approvals to proceed (contract awards, referrals, authorizations). Several items — including the Gunston School text amendment and the water and sewer map amendment — require additional public hearings and agency review before final implementation. The letter opposing DNR’s fisheries plan will be transmitted to the department with a requested supplementary letter on watershed impacts.

Provenance

Key transcript evidence for the actions above appears in the meeting record at multiple points (motions and votes are recorded throughout; for example: the bond resolution discussion and vote at the start of the business items, the public‑works contract motions beginning under the Department of Public Works tab, and the fisheries letter under Parks/other items).","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","County Commissioners Meeting || 09/09/2025","oneSentenceSummary","Queen Anne's County Commissioners on Sept. 9 unanimously adopted a package of fiscal and procurement measures including Resolution 25‑13 to authorize up to $39 million in general obligation bonds, approved multiple public‑works and parks contracts, and voted to send a citizen text amendment to the planning commission while formally opposing a proposed Maryland fisheries rule change.","taxTitle","Queen Anne's County, Maryland","taxId",59354,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6474153,"County detention center wins $500,000 grant for MAT expansion; staff outline reentry and inter‑jurisdictional housing arrangements",1100,1358000,2458000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5742509-e48769ffd4200426fda6e12c10b0b824&start=1358&end=2458","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5742509-e48769ffd4200426fda6e12c10b0b824/thumbnail_1358000.jpg","/articles/6474153/Queen-Annes-County/Maryland/County-detention-center-wins-500000-grant-for-MAT-expansion-staff-outline-reentry-and-interjurisdictional-housing-arrangements","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6474153-6aadb1d32838a6cee15bd255b6aa37c9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771077697&Signature=mM6xHQecF0i0clbxvjQe4MyJ2fUlklkXx3ZSeY4QEG5iPK4dEHP1VVKkkfXeh8G1a451OdOmNRZ7RDOwn4xkIhwBEF2HXh5cRnH2~X9j4HOwSwdS~8LZMZo9gwMtLUQBvKE1T8LM9yaA4GzTG4zKSMurdaZwxfbVAZj83S7ZHpU6uHQCCbZE~xqxYgd2OmqZi-hHDPnDEdfgVt-YyKBX7WadTNIE~ZMTBVdJ3D3K7QdTIqI19HTHLFD6w7TFRFtvcHxUCw6uOmHetvGNXJoW2oKYjcOU~ioWMaHAFU3dlB-KqYgNBo8iyOLy84NKaGYsofIpy4foMi2P6OO48UWdeg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Queen Anne's County detention center leaders on Sept. 9 briefed the commissioners on a new grant to expand medication‑assisted treatment (MAT) services, partnerships aimed at easing reentry, and operational changes including interjurisdictional housing agreements.

Warden Lamont Cook said the county ‘‘secured a [grant] for $500,000’’ that will cover a peer‑support position and a certified medication technician (CMT) to support the detention center’s MAT program. He said the MAT expansion is fully grant‑funded, the grant runs for two years with a possible third‑year extension, and the positions are intended to reduce program stress on existing medical staff.

Cook and Captain Brianna Cottman also described a short‑term agreement with Kent County to house inmates: the detention center is holding up to 10 Kent County inmates under an interlocal arrangement and charging $125 per day to cover costs (Kent County provides transportation and remains responsible for extreme medical costs). Cook said there was one additional courtesy hold not being charged.

Nut graf

County officials said the grant‑funded staff additions and partnerships are intended to strengthen treatment, reentry planning and facility operations while conserving local resources; staff detailed inmate education, GED support, reentry notebooks, and community partnerships aimed at reducing recidivism.

Details and programs

- Grant and MAT expansion: the $500,000 grant will fund a peer support position and a CMT to support the MAT nurse. Captain Cottman said those two positions are ‘‘100% funded through the grant’’ and noted the grant application was submitted early and is rare for corrections agencies.

- Kent County housing arrangement: Cook said the county is holding 10 inmates from Kent County under the agreement, with an additional courtesy hold; the county charges $125 per day and Kent County provides travel. Cook said the county may increase that number if staffing allows.

- Reentry and in‑facility services: staff described a renewed library grant for reentry books and materials, a partnership with Aramark (the food vendor) for an in‑service work program and culinary certification, GED study support provided by vendor staff, and a reentry program through the health department to provide support at release. The detention center also offers community service options in partnership with the county drug court so participants can earn required hours.

- Staff morale and operations: Cook and Cottman said the facility held Correction Officer Week celebrations, provided boots to many officers, added an on‑site barber, established in‑house email to improve internal communications, and received a newer secure transport vehicle to improve offender movement for court and medical trips.

- Compliance, audits and policies: staff said they are updating policies and procedures per COMAR (Maryland Code of Regulations) and preparing audit follow‑up; an August state audit was referenced and staff expect to reach 100% compliance after follow‑up work.

- Language access and medical vendor review: the detention center said it is reviewing language‑line options for non‑English speakers and exploring other medical/behavioral‑health vendor choices within budget constraints.

On immigration enforcement and 287(g)

Commissioners asked about ICE and 287(g) (the federal program that can delegate immigration‑related authorities to local law enforcement). Captain Cottman explained current practice: officers perform an initial limited background and, if immigration‑related indicators are present (for example, the person is not a U.S. citizen), staff notify ICE; ICE checks its databases and may issue a detainer. She said that under a 287(g) agreement select local officers could perform the same initial identification work and forward details to ICE directly, but that in practice the county already communicates quickly with ICE and that 287(g) ‘‘isn’t much different’’ from current operations in terms of outcomes.

Captain Brianna Cottman (paraphrasing from meeting): \"The only difference with the 287(g) ... would be that instead of ICE actually coming and talking to the person, we can actually do the initial talk and then forward it to ICE. Honestly, it's not much different.\"

Why it matters

County leaders framed the grant and partnerships as measures to strengthen in‑custody treatment, improve reentry supports and reduce unnecessary pretrial detention. The Kent County housing arrangement provides short‑term revenue and capacity flexibility for a neighboring county while county officials said they will continue to ensure medical responsibility and reporting requirements are met.

Provenance

Transcript passages describing the $500,000 grant and the Kent County housing arrangement appear in the public meeting record under the detention center presentation (discussion beginning in the record at approximately 00:22:38). Captain Cottman and Warden Cook provided the program and operational details during that presentation.

Next steps

Staff said the grant‑funded positions will be onboarded per grant requirements and that medical/vendor research and audit follow‑up will continue. The county will coordinate any operational changes with the state and partner counties as required.","Warden Lamont Cook and Captain Brianna Cottman told commissioners the detention center secured a roughly $500,000 grant to fund peer support and a certified medication technician for a medication‑assisted treatment (MAT) program, and described an arrangement to house up to 10 Kent County inmates for $125 per day.","actionData","errors"]

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Queen Anne's County commissioners authorize $39 million in bonds, approve contracts and park projects, and oppose proposed striped bass cuts

County detention center wins $500,000 grant for MAT expansion; staff outline reentry and inter‑jurisdictional housing arrangements