Committee holds Dorchester lease bill amid concerns about public notice and federal uses

The committee discussed Senate Bill 391, which would permit Dorchester County to lease county property for terms of five years or less and for annual rent up to $750 without complying with the usual statutory public-notice requirements.

Legislative counsel said Dorchester seeks a streamlined process to reduce administrative expense. Several members expressed concern that removing the statutory notice requirement could deny the public information about who benefits from county property leases, the rental terms and the process for objections. One member referenced recent reporting on federal purchases of buildings and asked whether the exemption could allow a lease to be used in a way that surprised local residents.

Counsel reviewed Local Government Article §10-312 and confirmed the statute requires publication of disposition or lease notices with content that identifies terms, compensation and how to file objections. Members said that even for low-dollar leases (the bill's threshold is $750 annually) the public deserves transparent notice about county property uses. The chair said he would hold the bill to speak with the sponsor and gather additional input.

Next steps: sponsor and counsel to confer with stakeholders and return to the committee with clarifications; SB391 was held.