Washington County Commissioners to Convene for Busy November Session

HAGERSTOWN, MD – The Washington County Board of County Commissioners will hold its open session meeting on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, with a packed agenda addressing budgetary adjustments, election infrastructure, emergency services, public works projects, and zoning matters. The meeting will begin at 9:00 AM, and once again there will be no public comment session.

Key items on the agenda include a review of end-of-year Fiscal Year 2025 budget adjustments for the Washington County Public Schools’ General Fund. Representatives from the school system will present proposed changes, which are primarily reallocations to reflect updated revenue and spending trends, with no anticipated fiscal impact. The Board will also consider establishing an optional fourth early voting center for Washington County. This proposal aims to enhance voter accessibility, with the Washington County Election Center being considered as the location. The estimated cost of $50,000 for this additional center has already been included in the approved FY2026 budget, indicating no additional financial burden on taxpayers for this specific initiative.

Discussions will also focus on supporting volunteer fire and EMS companies. The Board will consider modifications to the Volunteer Fire and EMS Revolving Loan Fund (VFERLF), which has been in place since 1993. The proposed changes include increasing the available funding from $1 million to $2.5 million and adjusting loan limits and committee structures. This enhancement aims to provide greater financial assistance for essential purchases such as apparatus, land acquisition, and facility upgrades for these vital community services. Additionally, the commissioners will vote on whether to approve the First Hose Company of Boonsboro to establish EMS transport services from their Rohrersville Fire Station. This initiative, if approved, would involve utilizing two existing county employees to staff the transport unit and aims to improve emergency medical service delivery in the southern part of the county. The fiscal impact is noted as being related to fuel and maintenance reimbursement.

Several public works and infrastructure items are also slated for discussion. This includes a bid award for an update to the Water and Sewerage Plan, with a recommendation to award the contract to Rummel, Klepper & Kahl, LLP of Baltimore, MD. Funding for this project is available within the Department of Water Quality’s Capital Improvement Program Budget. The Board will also address the replacement of the Hangar 22 HVAC System at the Hagerstown Regional Airport, which will involve rescinding a previous bid and potentially awarding a new contract. The replacement is necessary to ensure proper temperature and humidity control for aircraft painting operations conducted by a tenant. Furthermore, the Board will consider contract awards for gasoline and diesel fuel deliveries, aiming to secure the lowest bids for these essential services. The contracts, with AC&T Company, Inc. and Petroleum Traders Corporation, are for a one-year term with no renewal option.

In matters of local governance and policy, the Commissioners will consider providing a letter of support for Oliver Homes, LLC’s challenge to the Maryland Department of the Environment’s interpretation of “minor subdivision.” This interpretation potentially restricts the number of new lots allowed, impacting local development rights. The Board will also review re-appointments to various commissions and boards, including Jeff Semler’s second term on the Planning Commission and appointments to the Washington County Mental Health Authority, Inc. Several easement agreements related to public utilities will also be addressed, including those for Potomac Edison at the Hagerstown Regional Airport and for new electric service to the Smithsburg WWTP. These easements are necessary for the provision and maintenance of essential utility services.

Other agenda items include the adoption of findings of fact and decisions for a zoning map amendment for Fast Gas Company, rezoning from Residential Transition to Highway Interchange. This amendment aligns with the county’s Comprehensive Plan, which recommends commercial development in this area near the I-81 interchange. The Board will also discuss the retention of a government relations consultant and lobbyist for the upcoming Maryland General Assembly session, with a proposal to retain Bruce C. Bereano for a fee of $10,100, funded from the Commissioners’ Contingency. Finally, the Board will review applications for inclusion on the List of Recognized Non-Profit Organizations, with several new entities recommended for addition.

Residents can find the full agenda and supporting documents on the Washington County website.

Article by Ken Buckler, based upon information from the Washington County Board of County Commissioners

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