Commissioners approve extra holiday leave, hire public works and economic development directors

Director of Human Resources Katherine Pratzen asked the board to grant additional holiday leave to county employees on Dec. 26, 2025 and Jan. 2, 2026 (to create a four‑day week following Thursday holidays), with floating holiday options for employees required to work; the commissioners approved a resolution implementing the additional leave and floating holiday provisions.

County Administrator David Weiskopf announced two personnel appointments: John Norris as the Director of Public Works and Transportation (start date Dec. 19) and Cindy Grama as Director of Economic Development (start date Dec. 2). Norris was described as a county native with prior St. Mary's County experience and current service as county attorney in Calvert; Grama was described as having extensive local economic development and planning experience and work at St. Mary's College of Maryland. The board approved employment contracts and authorized the Commissioner President to sign related documents.