Washington County Commissioners to Review Hotel Tax Funding, School Budgets, and Capital Investments

HAGERSTOWN, MD – The Washington County Board of County Commissioners will convene on February 24, 2026, for a public session that will address several key financial and developmental matters impacting the county. The agenda includes discussions on the allocation of hotel rental tax funds, proposed adjustments and the draft budget for Washington County Public Schools, a review of the ten-year capital budget, and a letter of support for a significant federal grant application aimed at neighborhood revitalization.

The commissioners are set to consider a proposal to allocate hotel rental tax funding to the Washington County Ag Expo and Fair, with recommendations for funding not to exceed $5,000 annually for the first ten years and $10,000 annually for the subsequent decade. This funding is intended to honor the contributions of Adna “Ad” Fulton to the local agricultural community and the Agricultural Education Center. Additionally, an assessment will be conducted regarding local hotel rental tax support for Jamison Door Company’s proposed relocation and expansion, which involves a significant capital investment and job creation.

A substantial portion of the meeting will focus on the Washington County Public Schools’ budget. The commissioners will review and potentially approve adjustments to the FY26 General Fund Budget for the Board of Education, following a re-forecasting of financial needs. Furthermore, a presentation and discussion of the Draft FY2027 General Fund Budget for Washington County Public Schools are scheduled. The proposed budget reflects anticipated changes in revenue sources, including state aid and local contributions, and details projected expenses across various educational programs, including increases for special education, student success initiatives, and operational costs, offset by identified savings from position eliminations and budget adjustments.

The Board will also receive a presentation of the Draft 1 of the 2027-2036 Capital Budget, a comprehensive ten-year plan that outlines scheduling and financing for future community facilities. The proposed FY2027 Capital Budget is funded through a mix of local sources and grants. This plan details projected expenditures across various sectors, including infrastructure, public safety, and community services, and provides an overview of funding sources, which are predominantly local contributions and state grants.

In a separate item, the commissioners will consider approving a letter of support for the Hagerstown Housing Authority and the City of Hagerstown’s Choice Neighborhoods Initiative Implementation Grant application. This grant, if awarded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, aims to revitalize neighborhoods by supporting the renovation of the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center and funding planning and design services for an expanded Transit Administration and Maintenance Facility. These county-backed initiatives are intended to foster neighborhood revitalization, enhance community services, and improve public transit access within the designated grant area.

Other agenda items include a bid award for stormwater management maintenance tasks, and approval of a change order for filter replacement design services at the Smithsburg Wastewater Treatment Plant for an amount not to exceed $74,899.52. The approval of a Rural Legacy Program Easement for Stoner Family Farms LLC is also on the agenda, funded entirely by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Additionally, the commission will review revisions to the Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council Bylaws and consider the reappointment of Austin Colby to the Airport Advisory Commission.

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

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