Washington County Commissioners Approve Key Partnership, Comprehensive Plan, and Public Safety Agreements

The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) for Washington County convened for its public meeting on August 26, 2025, taking several significant actions that will impact public services, development, and community safety. Among the key decisions were the approval of a crucial partnership for paramedic training, the adoption of a long-term growth plan, and new agreements bolstering law enforcement presence in local municipalities and schools.

The Board unanimously endorsed a Partnership Agreement between the Division of Emergency Services (DES) and Hagerstown Community College (HCC) to jointly manage the Paramedic Program. This collaboration aims to clearly define roles for both DES and HCC, ensure adherence to accreditation standards, and establish a 70/30 split of tuition revenue. Commissioners highlighted the program’s importance in cultivating and retaining qualified paramedics to serve Washington County residents.

In a move that provides a roadmap for the county’s future, the BOCC also unanimously adopted the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. This extensive plan, the culmination of a process that began in 2019, underwent significant data analysis, engagement with stakeholders, and workshops with the Planning Commission, followed by public hearings earlier in 2025. The Comprehensive Plan offers guidance for growth, development, and preservation across fifteen core areas, including housing, transportation, economic development, infrastructure, and environmental resources. The adoption of this plan is expected to enhance Washington County’s eligibility for state and federal funding opportunities.

The meeting also saw the approval of the EMS staffing transition for the Volunteer Fire Company of Halfway. This authorization includes the hiring of three lieutenants, complementing twelve previously approved positions. The transition involves moving current part-time EMS employees to full-time county employment under a Staffing Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), ensuring continuity of service. The newly appointed lieutenants will provide direct, on-site supervision at the Halfway station, addressing a gap in oversight under the current regional staffing model. These staffing adjustments are within the existing budget and will not incur additional costs. A competitive evaluation process will be used to select the lieutenants, and the condition of the Halfway station facilities was deemed satisfactory, with potential improvements slated for discussion.

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office secured approval for two important agreements that will enhance public safety. The first is a Community Deputy Agreement with the Town of Funkstown, which will provide law enforcement services with one deputy assigned to the town for a minimum of 16 hours per week. This agreement, which automatically renews annually, follows similar arrangements with other municipalities in the county. The Town of Funkstown will contribute $50,662 toward the deputy’s employment and equipment costs. The second agreement is a School Resource Officer (SRO) MOU with the Washington County Public Schools. This MOU formalizes the assignment of full-time SROs to public schools within the Sheriff’s jurisdiction, including complexes in Boonsboro, Clear Spring, Smithsburg, and Williamsport. The Board of Education will provide quarterly payments covering 25% of each SRO’s annual salary and benefits. The total budget for the SRO program for fiscal year 2026, which includes four school complexes and a supervisor, is $873,710.01. Both the Community Deputy Agreement and the SRO MOU have already been formally executed by the respective parties.

In other actions, the Board approved a request from the Interfaith Service Coalition for $44,000 in contingency funding for foundation repairs at Martha’s House in Hancock. This funding, disbursed on a reimbursement basis upon proof of completed work, will ensure the facility can continue to operate as the county’s designated warming and cooling station. Additionally, the commissioners approved a United States Tennis Association (USTA) grant of up to $625,000, which will be matched by the county at 50%, for the rehabilitation and resurfacing of tennis courts at multiple Washington County Public Schools. This initiative is expected to improve the safety, functionality, and recreational use of these facilities.

The BOCC also conducted two public hearings. One addressed requests from twelve organizations seeking inclusion on the county’s nonprofit eligibility list for funding consideration, though final awards are subject to the annual budget process. The second hearing concerned a proposed zoning text amendment to permit Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), including regulations on size, location, parking, and rental restrictions. Public feedback on the ADU proposal was varied, with both support and concerns voiced. Both public hearing items were tabled for future deliberation.

During the meeting, the Board recognized the Disabled American Veterans Organization with a proclamation declaring September, October, and November 2025 as “Forget-Me-Not” Months, encouraging community support for veterans. The Board also honored Carin Bakner of the Purchasing Department for her achievement of the Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) certification, acknowledging her expertise and dedication to public procurement.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the Washington County Board of County Commissioners.

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