St. Mary’s County reports shifts in tourism and pension funding

St. Mary’s County is experiencing a shift in tourism patterns, with overnight visitors decreasing by nearly 5% in 2025 despite a 3.2% increase in day trips. Officials attribute the decline in overnight stays to a reduction in federal business travel, which impacts the local accommodation tax used to fund tourism marketing and county public schools.

In fiscal news, the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office retirement plan has reached an 83% funding level, its healthiest position in over a decade. Driven by strong investment returns, the county’s required annual contribution to the plan has decreased to approximately $7.2 million.

Additionally, the county has secured over $1 million in state grants from the Maryland Energy Administration for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. These funds will support energy audits for government buildings, including libraries and the courthouse, and facilitate solar projects at recreation facilities.