The Metropolitan Commission (MetCom) was created for several reasons, one of which was that in 1957, County government lacked the required organizational structure, as the Department of Public Works did not exist.  At that time, the Board of County Commissioners were not supportive of the creation of a separate organization to manage public water and sewer services.  However, it was recognized that if St. Mary's County was to continue to grow and develop, there was a need for public involvement in the provision of adequate public water and sewer facilities.

 

The law providing for the creation of MetCom was approved by the Maryland Assembly on April 15, 1957 (Laws of Maryland, Chapter 816).  The associated Bill (House Bill 852) was introduced by then Delegate J. Frank Raley, Jr., whereby the Metropolitan Commission was to be a separate corporation, organized as a non-profit body politic and corporation, outside of County government.  See Chapter 113 - of the Code of St. Mary's County.

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It was proposed that a sanitary district be created and that MetCom be empowered to consolidate the privately-owned sewerage treatment plants that were discharging into the Wicomico, St. Mary's and Patuxent Rivers, and the Chesapeake Bay.  Among the privately-owned sewage treatment plants at that time was one serving the greater Lexington Park area and another owned and operated by the Navy to serve the Patuxent River Naval Air Station.  Increased development and growth in the Lexington Park area generated increased loads of sewerage, which the private system could not handle, nor meet the increasingly more stringent standards of treatment required by the federal Clean Water Act.

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Although the legislation authorizing the creation of MetCom was approved in 1957, MetCom did not become operational until after the election of 1962, when a new Board of County Commissioners agreed to appoint the first MetCom Board.  The Metropolitan Commission Board is comprised of seven (7) voting members and one (1) non-voting member.  Since that time, the following Directors have successfully led the organization in the fulfillment of MetCom's Mission:

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Thurston Clark

1968 - 1974

Served as a Commissioner from 1967-1968

 

Myron “Mike” Marlay 

1974 - 1981

Served as Chief Engineer prior to becoming Director

 

Larry K. Petty 

9/14/81 - 7/1/98

Served as Grants Administrator from 12/1/98 – 12/18/16

 

Steven L. King

12/98 - 2/27/09

Served as Executive Asst. from 2/1/76 - 10/1/81, Assistant Director from 10/81 - 12/98

 

Jacquelyn V. Meiser 

3/1/09 - 1/14/13

Served as Grants Administrator from 11/22/91 - 12/13/96, General Counsel from 1/14/13 - 11/4/16

 

Daniel F. Ichniowski 

4/12/13 - 7/13/15

Served as Asst. Director from 4/21/08 - 1/14/13, Acting Director from 1/12/13 - 4/12/13 and 9/6/16 -1/1/17

 

Scott Bundy

9/14/15 - 9/30/16

 

George A. Erichsen

2/21/17 - present

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Mission

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"To construct, operate and maintain public water supply and public wastewater conveyance and treatment systems in a manner that is sustainable, reliable, economical and safe for the Commission's employees, the environment, and the citizens of St. Mary's County; and to ensure that construction is timely and in accordance with the St. Mary's County Comprehensive (Land Use) Plan. 

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While fulfilling our mission, we strive to:

• Conserve and protect our reliable, high-quality water supply for present and future generations;

• Meet or surpass public health standards, environmental standards, and support fire protection;

• Operate, maintain, improve, and manage our water and wastewater infrastructure in a cost-efficient manner;

• Manage finances to support Commission needs and maintain reasonable water and wastewater rates;

• Maintain adequate, safe, and professional workforce; and

• Understand and respond to customers' expectations for service.

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Vision

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"MetCom is a treasured and essential community asset.  We are welcome partners, well-known for providing responsible and dependable service.  We are vital to the future of our region."

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While fulfilling this vision, we strive to:

• Be responsible and accountable to the County's citizens;

• Provide high quality, cost effective and efficient services;

• Preserve the County's environment, heritage, and rural character; and

• Foster opportunities for present and future generations.

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Strategic Planning Areas

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Our top-level Strategic Planning Areas (SPA's) are:

• ​Good People

• Safety & the Environment

• Internal Systems

• Organization

• Customer Experience

• Quality Processes

• Innovation & Technology

• Financial Strength

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