Washington County Commissioners Meeting Revised to Discuss Support of DHS and ICE, No Public Comment

The Board of County Commissioners of Washington County has announced a revised agenda for their upcoming meeting on February 10, 2026, introducing a new resolution and detailing several key discussions affecting county services and operations. The meeting will feature a new agenda item to vote on a resolution expressing support for the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and local law enforcement agencies. Additionally, commissioners will hear a budget presentation from the Washington County Commission on Aging, discuss Community Development Block Grant funding, consider contract renewals for IT security and emergency medical equipment, and review the adoption of a new county Artificial Intelligence (AI) policy. There will be no public comment period during the meeting.

A significant addition to the agenda is the proposed “Support for Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and Local Law Enforcement Resolution.” This resolution, presented by the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, aims to formally express the board’s backing for federal agencies like DHS and ICE, as well as Washington County’s Sheriff’s Office and municipal law enforcement. The resolution states that the commissioners will not use their elected positions to oppose or hinder these agencies in their official duties. The board will also encourage ongoing cooperation between federal, state, and local law enforcement to ensure the welfare and security of all citizens and legal residents within the county.

The meeting will also include a presentation of the Washington County Commission on Aging/Area Agency on Aging’s Fiscal Year 2027 budget. The Commission on Aging is requesting an additional $300,000 to address the escalating demand for critical programs and services supporting older adults, caregivers, and individuals with disabilities. Despite this requested increase, the organization anticipates a projected operating loss, highlighting the ongoing need for financial support to maintain essential services. The presentation will cover the growing demographic of residents aged 55 and older and the corresponding rise in demand for services like meals, guardianship, and various support programs. Current waitlists include over 500 older adults, with significant wait times for eligibility determination and specific services. The commission also faces challenges from evolving federal and state requirements, as well as potential reductions in state funding. The proposed budget aims to stabilize existing programs and reduce waitlists, rather than expand services.

In other fiscal matters, the commissioners will review a proposal for the FY25 Community Development Block Grant. This item pertains to an $800,000 grant initially approved for San Mar Family and Community Services for their Youth Transitional Housing Project. The agenda includes a request for a grant extension and a budget modification to cover accrued soft costs such as architectural and engineering expenses, and to extend the grant period beyond its original July 1, 2026, deadline. The original budget did not include funding for county project administration. While the project is behind schedule, San Mar has committed additional funding and is optimistic about completion. Repercussions for the county could include an inability to apply for future CDBG grants and the requirement to reimburse the state if the project is not completed.

Two sole-source contract renewals are also on the agenda. The first is for a Cyber Intrusion Detection and Monitoring System for the Information Technology Department, provided by Darktrace. This renewal, for the final one-year period, is for an amount of $227,512.75 and aims to improve network security by detecting and responding to unusual network activity and protecting against phishing attempts. The second is for a LifePak35 Monitor/Defibrillator for the Division of Emergency Services, costing $61,271.44. This purchase will replace an aging device and complete the upgrade of all three EMS supervisor vehicles to current technology, with a portion of the cost potentially reimbursed by a MIEMSS grant.

Furthermore, the board will consider an approval to apply for and accept a grant award from the Maryland Administrative Office of the Courts, Department of Juvenile & Family Services, totaling $460,004 for Circuit Court Family Support Services. This funding is crucial for delivering services to low-income families involved in court proceedings. The grant supports various essential services, including personnel for the Family Services Coordinator and Permanency Planning Liaison, a Family Law Self-Help Clinic, and other critical support programs. Should the full grant amount not be awarded, the Circuit Court Family Law Fund would request that Washington County cover the salaries and benefits for two key positions, with other services potentially being eliminated.

A separate grant application related to rural health is also up for discussion. The board will consider approving the submission of an application and accepting awarded funding for the FY27 MIEMSS Rural Health Grant – Blood Program. This grant, amounting to $26,870, will be used by Washington County EMS Operational Program to expand its existing blood program to include the remaining two EMS supervisor vehicles, covering equipment and disposable costs.

Additionally, a budget adjustment will be presented for the FY26 operating budget concerning the Clear Spring EMS transition. This adjustment is to transfer funds designated for EMS transitions from general operations to the appropriate budget lines within the EMS operations department. The transfer is noted as budget neutral.

Finally, the commissioners are set to consider the adoption of a County AI Policy, drafted by the County Attorney’s Office and IT Department. This policy aims to establish guidelines for the responsible, ethical, and secure use of artificial intelligence tools by county personnel. The policy emphasizes accountability, transparency, fairness, accuracy, equity, data privacy, and security in the use of AI. It outlines prohibited uses, such as sensitive employment decisions or activities impacting public safety, and authorized uses, including automating repetitive tasks, data analysis, and IT operations. The policy also details requirements for oversight of AI-generated content, documentation of AI tool usage, and prohibited data entry into public AI tools.

Citizen comments on agenda items or other county business can be directed via email to contactcommissioners@washco-md.net.

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

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