The Board of Commissioners for St. Mary’s County is seeking citizens who are interested in volunteering their time in public service to the community by serving on St. Mary’s County Agricultural Reconciliation Committee.

The St. Mary’s County Agricultural Reconciliation Committee shall arbitrate and mediate disputes involving agricultural operations conducted on agricultural lands and issue opinions concerning whether or not such agricultural operations are conducted in a manner consistent with generally accepted agricultural practices.

The Committee shall be composed of five persons appointed by the Board of County Commissioners. The Committee shall be composed of: (a) At least two members from the agricultural community; (b) At least one member from the forestry community; (c) At least one member from a real estate interest; and (d) One other member from the community not actively engaged in agriculture.

A representative of the University of Maryland Cooperative Extension Service and a member of the St. Mary’s County Soil Conservation District shall be appointed by the Commissioners to serve as ex officio, nonvoting members of the Committee. In any dispute, if requested by the Committee, or if in their own opinions their participation is helpful, they may present facts and educational information to the Committee and make recommendations. Their recommendations shall be considered by the Committee.

The Committee members shall serve four-year terms and shall meet at least one time per year; however, the initial appointments shall be staggered.

For more information or to obtain a Membership Application, please call 301-475-4200 ext. 1341 or download from the St. Mary’s County website at http://www.co.saint-arys.md.us/docs/VolForm.pdf . Please return completed applications to the Public Information Office, located on the first floor of the Governmental Center, 23115 Leonard Hall Drive, Leonardtown, or fax to 301-475-8491.