Board approves 6-month no-fault severance for department heads after heated debate

Calvert County commissioners voted Sept. 29 to increase no-fault severance protections for department heads from three months to six months, prompting sharp exchanges among elected officials and members of the public.

Human Resources Director Melanie Woodson framed the proposal as a recruitment and retention measure that aligns the county with peer jurisdictions. "If you fired every department head or everybody that's on that list, you would end up having to pay out an additional $586,000 to go from the 3 months to the 6 months," Woodson said, citing the staff estimate of the fiscal impact. The motion — which the board approved after discussion and a second — authorizes staff to implement contract language and sign necessary paperwork.

Opponents on the board and in the audience said the change shifts greater financial risk to taxpayers and could reduce accountability. Public commenter Patty Stuckler said the move was "irresponsible to the taxpayers" and questioned whether the change required a legislative process under Chapter 86. Board members asked county attorneys and HR to confirm procedural requirements and to return with clarifying documentation.

The vote followed extended deliberations on recruitment benchmarks, comparisons to surrounding counties, and whether the timing — immediately before an election and a board transition — was appropriate. Supporters said the county must remain competitive to attract and retain senior staff; critics urged caution and called for fuller public notice on personnel-policy changes.

The board instructed staff to proceed with contract amendments already discussed in earlier briefings and to provide any additional legal or budgetary analysis requested by commissioners.