Washington County Commissioners Set to Discuss Real Estate, Public Safety, and Budget Initiatives at April Meeting

The Washington County Board of County Commissioners will convene for its regular public meeting on April 8, 2025, with a full agenda that spans topics ranging from property transactions and rural land preservation to grant approvals and fiscal planning for county departments. The meeting will begin with citizen participation and commissioner comments, followed by several formal presentations and requests for board action.

One of the first items on the agenda includes a vote on the conveyance of surplus county-owned real estate known as the Dwyer Center, located at 116 West Baltimore Street. This follows a September 2024 declaration that the property was surplus and its subsequent listing on the open market. The county has accepted an offer of $375,000 from Venture Point 10, LLC, and staff are now seeking authorization to finalize the sale. Also early in the session, the commissioners will review a proposal to close a funding gap in a Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation (MALPF) easement agreement for the Buhrman property, a top-ranking land preservation project. Due to an acreage discrepancy, the county is being asked to contribute $24,990 from its land preservation fund to match the actual easement value.

Another key item includes the approval to transfer Washington County’s 2025 housing bond allocation—totaling over $7.1 million—to the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development. This move allows the funds to support statewide programs like the Maryland Mortgage Program and rental assistance initiatives. The county has historically chosen this option due to the resource-intensive nature of managing such funds independently.

Additionally, commissioners will vote on accepting a $1 million USDA grant intended for the Tactical Village project at the Public Safety Training Center. The grant, secured through Congressionally Directed Spending, will enhance community safety infrastructure. Also scheduled for discussion is a grant application to support the Jail-Based Medication Assisted Treatment program, with nearly $400,000 in requested funding to aid individuals at the county detention center who are struggling with opioid addiction. The commissioners will also consider a $756,266 proposal to the Governor’s Office for Children to fund community partnership programs aimed at combating child poverty and improving family outcomes.

A proposal to terminate two economic incentive programs—the Pad-Ready Site Stimulus Program and the New Jobs Tax Credit—will also be presented. The business development department argues that these programs have become redundant and less effective compared to newer, more targeted initiatives. Commissioners will further review a sole-source award for new Neptune water meters, several intergovernmental purchases, including twelve Chevrolet Tahoe vehicles for the Sheriff’s Office, and emergency alert and communications system upgrades for the Department of Emergency Management.

Budget presentations will conclude the open session, covering fiscal year 2026 funding proposals for the general fund, county golf course, transit system, and regional airport. The board will also consider recognizing Employee Appreciation Day. Following the open agenda, a closed session will address confidential personnel matters, legal advice, and pending litigation before reconvening and adjourning the meeting.

Article by multiple RFHC contributors, based upon information from the Washington County Board of County Commissioners meeting agenda packet dated April 8, 2025.

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