Washington County Commissioners to Consider Insurance Renewals, Wastewater Upgrades, and Park Improvements

Hagerstown, MD – The Washington County Board of County Commissioners is scheduled to convene an open session meeting on December 16, 2025, with a packed agenda addressing critical county services and infrastructure. Key items for discussion include the renewal of insurance policies for the Washington County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association, a significant change order for enhanced nutrient removal at the county’s wastewater treatment plant, and the submission of an application for funding to enhance the 9-1-1 system. Once again, there will be no public comment period.

The meeting will commence with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a call to order by President John F. Barr. The commissioners will review and approve the minutes from the November 25, 2025 meeting. The early portion of the session is allocated to a closed session to consult with legal counsel regarding county-involved legal matters, which will reconvene into open session at 9:00 AM. Following commissioners’ reports and comments, and staff comments, the board will delve into specific agenda items.

A significant financial item on the agenda is the potential extension and increase of Agricultural Innovation and Equipment Grant funding. Kelsey Keadle, Business Specialist-Agriculture, and Linda Spence, Financial Programs Administrator, will present this request. Following this, Tracy McCammon, Risk Management Coordinator, will present the proposed insurance renewal for the Washington County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association, covering January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026. This renewal is expected to carry a substantial fiscal impact, with a total estimated premium of $1,128,206, representing a 23% increase from the previous year. The increase has been anticipated and factored into the upcoming budget.

Environmental infrastructure will be addressed with a discussion on a change order for enhanced nutrient removal at Washington County’s Wastewater Treatment Plant. Joseph Moss, Deputy Director – Engineering Services, will lead this item, which involves a not-to-exceed cost of $435,400.00 for continued construction management services. This expenditure is funded by available capital improvement project funds.

Public safety and emergency services will also be a focus. The commissioners will consider an application and the acceptance of awarded funding from the Maryland 9-1-1 Board. Alan Matheny, Director of Emergency Management, and Richard Lesh, Grant Manager, will present the request for $90,814.00, which is intended to fund professional services for the design of a new Emergency Communications Center. This funding will support the retrofitting of a warehouse facility to house the new center, ensuring alignment with industry standards and operational needs. Additionally, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) related to EMS staffing transition and an EMS MOU with the Clear Spring Ambulance Club is on the agenda. R. David Hays, Director of Emergency Services, and other representatives from emergency services and volunteer associations will present the details, which include the transition of current full-time and part-time EMS field employees to county employment and the hiring of additional staff to fill vacancies. The estimated fiscal impact for this transition is $400,000.00, budgeted for Fiscal Year 2026.

The meeting will also include proposals for procurement of new vehicles and park equipment. The Washington County Transit Department is seeking authorization to purchase a new 2026 Ford Explorer for $41,603.38 through an intergovernmental cooperative purchase, utilizing an existing contract to achieve cost and administrative efficiencies. Similarly, the Parks and Recreation Department aims to purchase and install new inclusive playground equipment for Marty Snook Park for $1,076,094.91, also through an intergovernmental cooperative purchase agreement. This initiative aims to replace aging play areas with a modern, ADA-accessible space.

The agenda also lists an item for a Commercial Building Plans Examiner position, with an offer to be extended to Jessica Kehler at a starting salary of $65,436.80. The fiscal impact is noted as negligible for the initial offering as the candidate has not yet obtained all required certifications.

The commissioners will also hold a second closed session to discuss personnel matters, including hiring recommendations, employee compensation, and the performance of volunteer boards. They will also address the acquisition of real property and consult with legal counsel on various matters, including potential litigation and bylaw revisions. The meeting is scheduled to adjourn following the reconvening of open session and any necessary second staff comments.

Since there will be no in-person comment period, citizens wishing to provide comments on agenda items or other county business are encouraged to contact the commissioners via email at contactcommissioners@washco-md.net or directly through individual commissioner contact information provided. Individuals requiring special accommodations are asked to contact the Office of the County Commissioners at least ten working days prior to the meeting.

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

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