Inside Your County Government

Latest Episodes:

Behind the scenes of 911 Jul 01, 2026

Show notes

Inside Your County Government: Behind the Scenes at the 911 Communications Center

Ever wonder what really happens when you dial 911? In this episode of Inside Your County Government, host Doria Fleisher sits down with April Thompson and Karen Turner, Public Safety Communications Supervisors at the Charles County 911 Communications Center, for an inside look at the science, training, and split-second decisions behind every emergency call.

April and Karen pull back the curtain on:

The rigorous training and protocols dispatchers follow for medical, fire, and police calls
Why old cell phones (even without service) can still dial 911 — and why that matters for parents
What really happens on the other end of the line while help is already on the way
Why dispatchers can't give ETAs, and how they keep callers calm under pressure
What to do if you accidentally call 911
Texting vs. calling 911: which one should you actually use
How Charles County 911 can help connect you to emergency services even if your loved one is in another state

Plus, simple things every resident can do — like knowing your address by heart — to help dispatchers get you help faster.

Thanks for listening.

If you like this podcast and want to hear more, search Charles County Government on Apple Podcast, Spotify or where ever you get your podcast - and be sure to like and subscribe.

We’re also available on YouTube. Search Charles County Commissioners

And Stay Connected for all County news, information, and programs by visiting www.CharlesCountyMD.gov/StayConnected

Lets Get Fiscal :Property Taxes with SDAT Jun 17, 2026

Show notes

Got questions about your property tax bill? You're not alone — and this episode has answers. Host Doria Fleisher is joined by a powerhouse panel: Bob Yeager, Director of Maryland's State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT); Eric Jackson, Charles County's Chief of Treasury; and co-host Jake Dyer, Director of Fiscal and Administrative Services.

Together, they break down everything you need to know about how your property gets assessed, why your tax bill looks the way it does, and — most importantly — how you can save money. From homestead tax credits and senior exemptions to veteran benefits and 100% disability waivers, there are resources available that many residents don't even know exist.

They also tackle what happens if you're struggling to pay your bill, walk through the tax sale process, and explain the layers of protection in place to help homeowners keep their property. Whether you're a first-time homeowner or a longtime Charles County resident, this episode will leave you feeling informed, empowered, and ready to take action.

Thanks for listening.

If you like this podcast and want to hear more, search Charles County Government on Apple Podcast, Spotify or where ever you get your podcast - and be sure to like and subscribe.

We’re also available on YouTube. Search Charles County Commissioners

And Stay Connected for all County news, information, and programs by visiting www.CharlesCountyMD.gov/StayConnected

Litter Control Jun 10, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Inside Your County Government, host Doria Fleisher sits down with Michelle Smith, Litter Control Manager, and Jakira Butler, Recycling and Litter Control Superintendent, to talk all things litter in Charles County.

From the dedicated road crews working tirelessly to keep our streets clean, to school outreach programs educating the next generation, Michelle and Jakira break down everything the Environmental Resources Division does to keep Charles County beautiful — and why they can't do it alone.

We cover:

Why litter is more than just an eyesore — it's an environmental issue
The difference between county and state road maintenance
How to report illegal dumping
The Adopt a Road and Adopt a Spot programs and how you can get involved
Community cleanup events, including the annual Potomac River Watershed Cleanup and the Charles County Community Cleanup

The message is clear: it takes a village to keep a village clean. Tune in to find out how you can be part of the solution.

Thanks for listening.

If you like this podcast and want to hear more, search Charles County Government on Apple Podcast, Spotify or where ever you get your podcast - and be sure to like and subscribe.

We’re also available on YouTube. Search Charles County Commissioners

And Stay Connected for all County news, information, and programs by visiting www.CharlesCountyMD.gov/StayConnected

Understanding Local Elections Jun 03, 2026

Show notes

Ever wonder what really goes into running a local election? In this episode of Inside Your County Government, host Doria Fleischer sits down with Wade Beswick, the newly appointed Director of the Charles County Board of Elections, for a behind-the-scenes look at how elections work in Charles County.

Wade breaks down everything from voter registration and early voting to election security, ballot counting, and what it takes to train over 700 election judges. He also shares how you can get involved — including how residents as young as 16 can serve as paid election judges!

🗳️ Whether you're a first-time voter or a longtime resident, this episode has everything you need to know to show up informed and ready on Election Day.

Thanks for listening.

If you like this podcast and want to hear more, search Charles County Government on Apple Podcast, Spotify or where ever you get your podcast - and be sure to like and subscribe.

We’re also available on YouTube. Search Charles County Commissioners

And Stay Connected for all County news, information, and programs by visiting www.CharlesCountyMD.gov/StayConnected

Autism Awareness May 29, 2026

Show notes

In honor of National Autism Acceptance Month, host Doria Fleisher sits down with two Charles County teams making a real difference for residents with disabilities. PFC Graham from the Charles County Sheriff's Office shares how programs like Project Lifesaver and the Volunteer Registry are keeping vulnerable community members safe. Then, therapeutic recreation specialists Brandon and Brianna from Charles County Parks & Recreation highlight inclusive programming, Special Olympics, and the county's growing commitment to making sure every resident — regardless of ability — has a place to belong.

Thanks for listening.

If you like this podcast and want to hear more, search Charles County Government on Apple Podcast, Spotify or where ever you get your podcast - and be sure to like and subscribe.

We’re also available on YouTube. Search Charles County Commissioners

And Stay Connected for all County news, information, and programs by visiting www.CharlesCountyMD.gov/StayConnected

Economic Development Update: Waldorf + St. Charles May 28, 2026

Show notes

Join host Doria Fleisher as she sits down with Jim Chandler, Director of Economic Development, and Mark Thompson, Chief of Commercial Development, for an exciting look at the transformation happening in Waldorf and Saint Charles. This episode takes you beyond the construction cranes to explore the strategy behind Charles County's growth, including recently opened projects like Waldorf Station, Sprouts, and the new Weis supermarket at Fairway Village. Discover what's coming next, from the game-changing Sports and Wellness Complex at Saint Charles Town Center to the long-awaited Western Parkway connection. Learn how economic development creates jobs, strengthens the county's commercial tax base, and improves quality of life for all residents. Whether you're a longtime resident, new to the area, or considering a move to Charles County, this conversation will help you understand the vision behind the cranes and why this community is a place on the rise.

Thanks for listening.

If you like this podcast and want to hear more, search Charles County Government on Apple Podcast, Spotify or where ever you get your podcast - and be sure to like and subscribe.

We’re also available on YouTube. Search Charles County Commissioners

And Stay Connected for all County news, information, and programs by visiting www.CharlesCountyMD.gov/StayConnected

Commissioners Meeting Update: May 19, 2026 May 21, 2026

Show notes

Here's a brief update from the May 19, 2026 Board of County Commissioners meeting.

Thanks for listening.

If you like this podcast and want to hear more, search Charles County Government on Apple Podcast, Spotify or where ever you get your podcast - and be sure to like and subscribe.

We’re also available on YouTube. Search Charles County Commissioners

And Stay Connected for all County news, information, and programs by visiting www.CharlesCountyMD.gov/StayConnected

Mental Health Awareness May 20, 2026

Show notes

In this special roundtable, host Doria Fleisher is joined by three local experts — Janay Tyler, Crisis Response Coordinator for the Charles County Local Behavioral Health Authority; Captain Baker, Commander of Community Services for the Charles County Sheriff's Office; and Caitland Kelshaw, Paramedic and Pediatric Champion with the Department of Emergency Services — to discuss mental health resources and crisis response in Charles County. They cover everything from 911 and 988 services, to crisis intervention training, mobile crisis teams, and community support programs. Whether you're facing a challenge yourself or want to support someone who is, this conversation reminds us that help is available — and none of us has to face it alone.

Links:

988 - https://988lifeline.org/

LBHA - https://charlescountyhealth.org/local-behavioral-health-authority/

CCDoH -
http://www.charlescountyhealth.org/

Urgent Psychiatric Care Referral Form - https://arisemaryland.com/referrals/

QPR Registration -
http://bit.ly/3RHvFtu

MHFA Registration -
http:/bit.ly/42i9rkb

Thanks for listening.

If you like this podcast and want to hear more, search Charles County Government on Apple Podcast, Spotify or where ever you get your podcast - and be sure to like and subscribe.

We’re also available on YouTube. Search Charles County Commissioners

And Stay Connected for all County news, information, and programs by visiting www.CharlesCountyMD.gov/StayConnected

Commissioners Meeting Update: May 12, 2026 May 15, 2026

Show notes

Here's a brief update from the May 12, 2026 Board of County Commissioners meeting.

Thanks for listening.

If you like this podcast and want to hear more, search Charles County Government on Apple Podcast, Spotify or where ever you get your podcast - and be sure to like and subscribe.

We’re also available on YouTube. Search Charles County Commissioners

And Stay Connected for all County news, information, and programs by visiting www.CharlesCountyMD.gov/StayConnected

The Approved FY27 Budget May 14, 2026

Show notes

Host Doria Fleisher sits down with Jake Dyer, Director of Fiscal and Administrative Services, and Sam Chiriaco, Chief of Budget, to celebrate a major milestone — 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. Whether you're a numbers nerd or just want to know where your tax dollars are going, this is the episode for you.

Thanks for listening.

If you like this podcast and want to hear more, search Charles County Government on Apple Podcast, Spotify or where ever you get your podcast - and be sure to like and subscribe.

We’re also available on YouTube. Search Charles County Commissioners

And Stay Connected for all County news, information, and programs by visiting www.CharlesCountyMD.gov/StayConnected

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