Washington County Commissioners to Discuss Increasing Own Salaries by 8%, Historic Tax Credits, and Public Safety Funding

Per a publicly released agenda from the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County (BOCC), the board is scheduled to take action on a wide range of issues affecting county finance, public safety services, and local community infrastructure during its upcoming open session meeting on December 9, 2025. Key items on the agenda include a public hearing concerning potential salary increases for elected officials and consideration of new Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) aimed at expanding historic preservation tax credits to several local municipalities. Residents of the county will see direct impacts from these decisions regarding local taxes, emergency service responsiveness, and community safety enforcement. While residents can comment during the public hearing regarding salary increases, there will be no general public comment period.

A significant topic scheduled for public comment is the Salary Study Commission’s recommendations concerning the compensation of various elected officials. The Commission proposed an 8.14% increase in salary for County Commissioners, members of the Board of Education, the Board of Liquor License Commissioners, and Judges of the Orphans’ Court. The Treasurer of Washington County, however, was recommended to receive a 0% increase. The total fiscal impact to taxpayers, should the Commissioners approve all recommended increases, is estimated at $27,000. Under state statute, while the Commissioners may approve, reduce, or deny the proposed salary recommendations, they are prohibited from enacting a salary higher than what the Commission has formally recommended. The public hearing on this matter is scheduled for 9:30 AM. Salary reviews and increases for elected officials are required every four years.

The recommended salary increases are as follows:

• County Commissioners: 8.14% increase in salary
• Board of Education: 8.14% increase in salary
• Board of Liquor License Commissioners: 8.14% increase
• Judges of the Orphans’ Court: 8.14% increase
• Treasurer of Washington County: 0% increase

In the area of community development and historic preservation, the Commissioners will consider two separate but identical MOUs with the Towns of Boonsboro and Sharpsburg. These agreements are essential for permitting citizens in both towns to apply for the County Historic Structures Tax Credit. This expansion follows an update to the County Historic Properties Tax Credit Ordinance in April 2024, which defined qualifying municipalities. To participate in the county credit program, the towns must either have equivalent exterior design review standards or formally delegate permit review authority to the County Historic District Commission (HDC) via an MOU. The HDC review process, which ensures activities conform to adopted design guidelines, is voluntary and only applies to structures actively pursuing tax credits. Approval of these MOUs allows historic property owners within Boonsboro and Sharpsburg to access these financial benefits for restoration and rehabilitation projects.

Several actions related to public safety, emergency services, and facility infrastructure are also set for approval. The board is expected to award a construction bid for Phase I of the Tactical Village at the Public Safety Training Center, a necessary step in expanding and upgrading facilities used by local law enforcement and emergency personnel. Additionally, the Office of the Fire Marshal and Permits & Inspections is seeking to update the current resolution adopting a fee schedule for civil citations for fire code violations. This update grants the Fire Marshal the ability to issue civil citations for non-compliance with fire code deficiency correction orders. Currently, the only recourse for persistent non-compliance is the extreme measure of shutting down the offending business or structure. The ability to issue citations, which carry a fine of $100 per day (increasing to $200 per day for repeat offenses within two years), provides an intermediate enforcement mechanism, enhancing safety compliance and potentially generating additional county revenue.

To address ongoing staffing and retention issues within emergency services, the Division of Emergency Services and Human Resources are requesting the creation of a new “Job Family” designation. This change would streamline the internal promotion process for current Firefighter/Ambulance Operations (FF/FAO) personnel who successfully obtain paramedic licensure and operational clearance. By creating a non-competitive classification grouping, the transition to the Firefighter/Paramedic grade and pay step would become automatic once requirements are met, replacing the current process that requires individual reclassification requests to the BOCC. This initiative includes a fiscal impact of a positive or negative 7% pay grade adjustment plus a $2.00 per hour paramedic incentive for transitioning employees, providing a clear career path and financial motivation for staff to gain higher medical licensure. Emergency Services is also requesting the reclassification of one existing FF/ALS Supervisor/Quality Assurance Officer position to the title of Clinical Services/Quality Assurance Officer, a change with no reported fiscal impact.

The Commissioners will also review proposals concerning county environmental programs and assets. The Department of Human Resources is seeking approval to hire a Program Manager for Long-Term Environmental (Water) Projects, with a proposed title similar to Deputy Director of Environmental Programs, categorized as a Grade 18 position. This new role would focus on the complex, long-term management of water, stormwater, and wastewater strategies, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local environmental regulations, which are crucial for maintaining the quality of county water resources. Furthermore, the BOCC will consider a new Memorandum of Understanding related to the Black Rock Golf Course Manager. The proposed MOU acknowledges the manager’s transition to professional golf status and permits him, via Crabtree Golf, LLC, to utilize the Black Rock facility for private lessons rent-free. In exchange for this privilege and free use of the facilities, the agreement stipulates that the manager shall not conduct paid golf lessons at any other golf course within Washington County or any adjacent county, ensuring exclusivity for the county-owned course.

The open session will conclude with the board approving the minutes from the November 18, 2025, meeting, followed by a Closed Session at 10:30 AM to discuss confidential matters, including personnel decisions, a discussion regarding a proposal for a business or industrial organization to locate, expand, or remain in Washington County (protected by a Non-Disclosure Agreement), and to consult with legal counsel on existing contracts and county-involved legal matters. The board is scheduled to reconvene in Open Session at 12:30 PM before adjournment. Individuals requiring special accommodations to attend the public meeting are asked to contact the Office of the County Commissioners at 240-313-2200 at least ten working days prior to the meeting.

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

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