On Tuesday, Oct. 6, the St. Mary's Board of County Commissioners received an update concerning state cuts to SMC's Human Services Department. Director Bennett Connelly stated his department lost about $1.8 million and is prepared for additional cuts.

Social Services Director Ella May Russell told the board, "All of the cuts have a dramatic impact on the people that are coming to us for help." Russell said the case load has increased 247 percent, programs are overwhelmed with applications and furloughs and hiring freezes have left the department short-staffed.  "We're stretching the dollars as far as they'll possibly go," she said.

Director of Community Services Cynthia Brown informed the board of a 10 percent reduction in grant funds that support the Homeless Women Crises Shelter program at the Three Oaks Center. Brown explained that this program is one that answers to the approximately 1800 homeless people in the county.

The commissioners sat as the Board of Health and heard from County Health Officer Dr. William B. Icenhower and other key Health Dept. staff. Icenhower said, "The loss of staff has resulted in difficulty operating programs. If we experience further cuts we will be down to bare bones."

Icenhower briefed the board on the status and control of the seasonal and H1N1 Flus and said, "I think we are one of the best prepared counties in the state." After hearing concerns about reductions to staff and funding depart-wide, County Administrator John Savich said, "We're in an era now where we have to decide what's important."

County CFO Elaine Kramer came before the board seeking approval on 17 budget amendments that deal with almost $3.8 million in state cuts. Kramer said departmental savings helped overachieve the target. She also sought authorization for bond sale and refunding that she said, "will offer restructuring … and savings for the future." The commissioners approved four to one.

Commissioner Raley read a proclamation celebrating Leonard Hall Junior Naval Academy on its 100th Anniversary, praising, "it's significant contribution to our community." The academy's leaders and cadets were on hand, as were several notable alumni. Commissioner President Russell told the cadets, "The relationships you form at this school will sustain you for a lifetime."

The board proclaimed Tuesday World Habitat Day and acknowledged the efforts of the Patuxent Habitat for Humanity program that is currently constructing two homes in Fenwick Ridge. President Dan Doherty said he is grateful for a giving community and a great partnership with the local government.  He reminded the audience that volunteers, donations and the ReStore help bridge the gap in affordable housing.

The board proclaimed October to be Domestic Violence Awareness Month, praising the efforts of programs that support one in four American women that will experience domestic violence in their lifetime.

The commissioners and the public received an invitation to the twelfth and final Southern Md. Farm Life Festival Oct. 10 and 11. John Parlett Jr. said he was expecting a record crowd this year and reminded that the festival is 100 percent for the benefit of SMC's Christmas in April program.

The commissioners will meet again Oct. 20.