Washington County Enhances Emergency Services and Supports Community Development at Latest Meeting

Washington County residents will soon benefit from expanded emergency medical services coverage and a strengthened framework for community development initiatives, following recent actions by the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC). The Board approved a new agreement to bring an emergency medical services transport unit to southern Washington County and expressed support for several local grant applications aimed at enhancing community resources and economic growth. Additionally, the BOCC updated its list of recognized non-profit organizations eligible for county funding.

A significant step in bolstering emergency response capabilities for the southern portion of the county was taken with the approval of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Washington County BOCC and the First Hose Company of Boonsboro. This agreement will establish emergency medical services (EMS) transport operations from the First Hose Company’s Rohrersville Fire Station, located on MD Route 67. Through this collaboration, the Division of Emergency Services will utilize two existing county employees to staff a transport unit at this sub-station, thereby improving EMS coverage for residents in South County. This initiative follows the First Hose Company’s prior approval from the Washington County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association to establish the transport unit. The addition of the Rohrersville unit is expected to increase the number of daily EMS transport units available countywide and enhance overall emergency response capabilities, while also fostering continued partnership between county staff and volunteer corporations.

The Board of County Commissioners also demonstrated its commitment to community and economic development by endorsing several local grant applications. A letter of support was approved for the Town of Keedysville’s application for a Sustainable Maryland Action Grant. If awarded, these funds will be used to create a mural in Taylor Park, a project designed to celebrate the town’s history and highlight native flora. The County was not asked to provide funding for this initiative. Furthermore, the Board agreed to sign a letter of support for the Washington County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association’s application to the Maryland Professional and Volunteer Firefighters Cancer Screening Grant Program. The County has also committed to providing administrative and reporting assistance for this grant if it is successful.

In terms of economic development, the Board also reached a consensus to support the Greater Hagerstown Committee / Washington County Community Coalition’s 2026 legislative priority. This priority involves seeking continued funding for the George Edwards Fund (GEF), which supports economic development projects across Washington, Garrett, and Allegany Counties. The GEF has received approximately $40 million over the past four years, with Washington County projects benefiting from around $14 million of that funding. The proposed request for 2026 is $10 million to sustain these local economic development initiatives. These actions underscore the Board’s dedication to partnering with local entities to advance projects that contribute to resident well-being, community engagement, public health, safety, and economic prosperity.

In a move to ensure continued support for local charitable organizations, the Board approved the addition of seven new organizations to Washington County’s “Recognized Non-Profit List,” also known as the “1-108 List.” Inclusion on this list is a prerequisite for organizations seeking funding through the Community Organization Funding Program, which provides financial support to non-profits offering services that improve the community and quality of life for Washington County citizens. The County Attorney’s office manages the application process, with the Office of Grant Management overseeing funding requests and supporting the Committee on Funding. The newly added organizations are Senior Services Network, Inc.; Mediation First, Inc.; Good News Hagerstown, Inc.; Global Visions Christian School Broadfording; Fierce Cheer Sponsors, Inc.; Congregation B’nai Abraham; and Boonsboro Town Alliance. These organizations join the existing 108 recognized non-profits, making them eligible to apply for county funding for their programs and services.

During the meeting, the Board also addressed other operational matters. Several purchase awards across various county departments were approved. Additionally, the Board reviewed a proposal to establish a fourth early voting site for the Washington County Election Center. A decision on this matter is pending further discussion with the Board of Elections, scheduled for November 18, 2025, and will depend on state guidance and a review of factors including population coverage, accessibility, parking, and security. The election plan must be finalized before the November 24, 2025 submission deadline. Additional actions taken during the meeting are available for public viewing on YouTube.

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

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