Washington County Commissioners to Discuss Battlefield Illumination, Playground Upgrades, and Agricultural Initiatives

The Washington County Board of County Commissioners is scheduled to convene for an open session meeting on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at 9:00 AM. The agenda includes discussions on a variety of community-focused initiatives, including the upcoming 35th Annual Antietam National Battlefield Memorial Illumination, the 2025 Toys for Tots campaign, and the purchase of new playground equipment for Woodland Way Neighborhood Park. The meeting will also feature a presentation on the “Faces of Farming” agricultural marketing campaign and address personnel matters. Once again, there will be no public comment.

A significant portion of the morning will be dedicated to community events and programs. Andrew Banasik, Superintendent of Antietam National Battlefield, along with Georgene Charles and other committee members, will provide an update on the 35th Annual Antietam National Battlefield Memorial Illumination, scheduled to take place on December 6, 2025. Kathleen Prest, Coordinator for the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots campaign, will also present information regarding the 2025 holiday drive.

The commissioners will consider contract awards and cooperative purchases aimed at enhancing community facilities and services. This includes the potential award of a contract for an Out of School Program, managed by the Office of Grants Management, which aims to provide enrichment and academic services to adolescents in Washington County. The proposed contract, with an estimated total sum of $84,259, would be funded through the Governor’s Office for Children, requiring no county funds. The program is anticipated to run from December 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026. Additionally, a proposal to purchase playground equipment for Woodland Way Neighborhood Park will be reviewed. The Parks and Recreation Department is seeking approval to acquire this equipment for approximately $149,812.77, utilizing an intergovernmental cooperative purchase agreement with the City of Charlotte. This procurement is intended to replace aging equipment and ensure a safe recreational space for the community, with funding allocated from the department’s Capital Improvement Plan.

The agricultural sector in Washington County will also be highlighted during the meeting. Kelsey Keadle, Business Specialist-Agriculture, will present the “Faces of Farming” campaign. This initiative involves a year-long video marketing effort showcasing two local farms monthly, with the goal of educating residents about the economic impact of agriculture in the region. The campaign also aims to serve as an agricultural education element for Washington County Public Schools, targeting students from kindergarten through fifth grade. The presentation will include two promotional videos.

In administrative matters, the board will discuss the reclassification of a Senior Office Associate position within the Permits and Inspections Division to a Permit Support Associate. This change is intended to better support the permit tech team and improve customer service by equipping the role with training in permit processing. The fiscal impact is minimal, as the reclassification does not involve an increase in salary.

Furthermore, the commissioners will consider the advertisement and hiring of an Assistant Medical Director for the PSTC Paramedic Program. This position is recommended by CoAEMSP following a program evaluation and is crucial for medical oversight of the paramedic program. The estimated fiscal impact for the current fiscal year is $23,380, with a projected full-year budget of $43,340 for subsequent years.

The meeting agenda also includes a closed session, scheduled to begin at 10:00 AM, to discuss personnel matters, including the appointment, employment, and performance of county officials and employees, as well as to obtain legal advice on matters pertaining to water system allocation, MOU negotiations, and other legal cases. The open session is expected to reconvene at 11:30 AM, followed by adjournment.

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

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