Commissioners hire Human Services director, approve budget amendment; one commissioner records dissent

St. Mary's County commissioners on May 20 voted to approve an employment contract for Bennett Connolly as the county’s new Human Services Director and a related budget amendment that would allow the director and a mental health coordinator to begin work June 2.

County leadership told the board the timing responds to the imminent closing of the county mental health authority at the end of June. The county administrator said starting the new positions in early June would give the incoming director and coordinator a chance to ensure a smooth transition for services effective July 1. The administrator also said the county received 24 applications for the director role and convened a review panel that included outside representatives.

Commissioner Raymond Bailey moved the contract and budget amendment; Commissioner Thomas A. Mattingly Sr. seconded. The motion passed by voice vote with one recorded nay. The motion authorizes the commission president to sign the employment contract and directs staff to implement the budget amendment to fund the director and grade‑8 mental health coordinator positions effective June 2.

County officials said the mental health authority’s closure requires immediate coordination of grants and service continuity; the board’s action funds the staffing to manage that work. Commissioners did not change the compensation or contract language on the floor beyond the standard employment approval; staff will complete final paperwork and onboarding steps with the new hires.