Charles County Government

05/14/2026

The Charles County Department of Health is alerting all citizens and visitors to a rabies case identified in Waldorf, MD. One cat tested POSITIVE for rabies on May 14, 2026, in the vicinity of Dartmouth Rd, Waldorf, MD. If you or your pet recently had contact with an unknown cat from this location, please call the Charles County Department at 301-609-6768.

A current rabies vaccination for your pet is vital. Please get in touch with your local vet for an updated vaccine for your pets.

Rabies vaccines are available through your veterinarian, as well as at local businesses including Petco, Banfield, and Tractor Supply, as well as through the FREE drive-through rabies clinics hosted by the Charles County Health Department and Charles County Animal Control on Sunday, May 17th and June 7th for dogs, cats, and ferrets.

The clinics will be held at 10425 Audie Lane in La Plata, MD, from 10 a.m. until noon. Please bring your previous rabies certificate to receive a 3-year vaccine. Please contact 301-609-3425 or 301-609-6751 for questions.

RABIES ALERT: A cat in the vicinity of Dartmouth Rd., Waldorf, MD has tested positive for rabies. Keep your pets vaccinated, avoid unknown animals and wildlife, and report sick animals.

05/14/2026

Last chance to sign up for this Saturday’s Community Clean Up!

Good Neighbor Day is almost here, and it’s the perfect excuse to show a little love to your neighborhood (and finally tackle that spot you always notice).

Our annual Community Clean Up makes it easy:
Join a cleanup — your street, a park, or a shared space
We provide gloves, trash bags, grabbers, and mulch if needed
We handle the pickup of collected trash

It’s one simple way to make a big difference — and a great way to get the kids involved, meet neighbors, or just feel good about your community.

Sign up now before it’s too late: http://www.charlescountymd.gov/outreach

Department of Public Works – Environmental Resources

05/14/2026

The Charles County Board of Commissioners meeting update from May 12, 2026 is now available: https://charlescountymd.info/May12_26MeetingUpdate

05/14/2026

Let's get fiscal! Tune in to this week’s podcast episode as we celebrate the adoption of Charles County’s Fiscal Year 2027 budget.

From park improvements to a historic employee compensation study and a record-breaking investment in the Board of Education, this episode breaks down what was added, why it matters, and how community input shaped every dollar.

Host Doria Fleisher sits down with Jake Dyer, Director of Fiscal and Administrative Services, and Sam Chiriaco, Chief of Budget, to celebrate a major milesto...

05/14/2026

Meet Sassy, our Pet of the Week!

Sassy is an 11-month-old Doberman mix with endless energy, big cuddles, and an even bigger personality! She loves hiking, running, fetch, and learning new things.

Smart, goofy, and full of heart, Sassy is ready to find an active forever family to share life’s adventures with. Contact or visit the Charles County Animal Care Center for more information on how to adopt an animal.

05/14/2026

Don’t miss the next session of the 250th U.S. Anniversary Speaker Series!

Join the Charles County Historic Preservation Commission and the Society for the Restoration of Port To***co for Session #2: Remembering John Hanson.

Speaker: Peter Michael, President of John Hanson Memorial Association
Date: Sunday, May 17, 2026
Time: 2 p.m.
Location: Port To***co Courthouse (8430 Commerce St, Port To***co)

Learn more about the life and legacy of John Hanson as we commemorate America’s 250th anniversary.

05/14/2026

On Tuesday, May 12, the Board of County Commissioners unanimously adopted a balanced General Fund of $644,157,500. The approved budget does not increase the current property or income tax rate and aligns with the Commissioners’ strategic priorities.

Thank you to everyone who participated in the budget process by completing surveys, attending the public hearing, and following the work sessions. Your feedback helped shape a sustainable budget that reflects the priorities of Charles County residents!

Learn more about the adopted budget here: https://charlescountymd.info/CommissionersAdoptFY2027Budget.

05/13/2026

Batteries are small, easy to toss, and easy to get wrong — but where they end up matters.

Batteries don’t belong in recycling bins.

When batteries are put in regular recycling, they can spark fires, damage equipment, and put workers at risk. Many batteries still hold a charge, even when they seem dead.

“But isn’t recycling better than trash?”

That’s a common thought — and a good instinct. But with batteries, recycling the wrong way causes more harm than good. The goal isn’t to recycle everything; it’s to recycle correctly.

Here's the difference:

Some batteries can go in the trash; others need special care recycling.

Alkaline batteries (AA, AAA, C, D, 9V) are safe to place in household trash UNLESS they’re labeled lithium or rechargeable.

Rechargeable, lithium, button, and car batteries should be recycled at retail take-back locations, Household Hazardous Waste events (first Saturday of each month, 9 AM–3 PM), or at our Charles County Recycling Centers.

Recycling batteries the right way:
> Prevents fires
> Protects workers
> Keeps recycling clean
> Protects our environment

When in doubt: pause before tossing. A quick check with the Waste Wizard can help you get it right every time! Check it out here: https://bit.ly/4qSyQeq

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Department of Public Works – Environmental Resources

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05/13/2026

Nuisance related complaints are increasing, what is Charles County doing about it? We’re glad you asked!

Hear from our Code Compliance Inspections Supervisor as he shares how we are increasing inspections, coordinating with the appropriate departments and following up more quickly to address the growing volume of complaints.

If you see a nuisance violation, such as dumped furniture or appliances, tall grass, or overgrowing weeds, please report it using the “See, Click, Report” app: CharlesCountyMD.info/SeeClickReport

The sooner that we receive reports, the sooner we are able to investigate and respond!

05/13/2026

What should Charles County look like over the next 20–25 years?

Earlier this year, residents shared their ideas during Comprehensive Plan workshops focused on five important themes: community identity, connectivity, natural resources, affordability, and infrastructure.

If you couldn’t attend a workshop, you can still join the conversation!

Take the online theme survey and share your vision for the future of Charles County: https://charlescountymd.info/CompPlanThemeSurvey

05/12/2026

Tip Tuesday: Create a “use-it-or-lose-it” basket for pantry items that are getting close to their expiration date!

Doing a little spring cleaning in the pantry?
You may discover a few forgotten treasures… like three cans of beans, half a bag of rice, and that mysterious ingredient you bought for a recipe in 2019.
Try creating a “use-it-or-lose-it” basket!

As you go through your pantry, pull out items that are getting close to their expiration date and place them in a basket or bin where you’ll see them. Then challenge yourself to cook with those items before a certain date.

It’s a simple way to:
- Reduce food waste
- Save money on groceries
- Get creative in the kitchen

Who knows… you might even discover a new favorite meal! Check out more food waste prevention tips: https://bit.ly/3NSXJZ7

Question for our community: What’s the most random ingredient you’ve found hiding in the back of your pantry?

Department of Public Works – Environmental Resources