Washington County Commissioners Allocate Hotel Tax Funds for Ag Expo and Economic Development

The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) for Washington County has approved several key initiatives utilizing Hotel Rental Tax funds, aiming to bolster agricultural heritage and foster economic growth within the region. These decisions, highlighted in a recent recap of their February 24, 2026 meeting, include long-term financial commitments to the Washington County Ag Expo and Fair, support for a significant business relocation and expansion, and the permanent preservation of valuable farmland.

A significant portion of the approved funding is designated for the Washington County Ag Expo and Fair. This long-term commitment of Hotel Rental Tax funds aims to ensure the continued success of this important community event. The decision also serves as an acknowledgment of the enduring contributions of Adna “Ad” Fulton, whose efforts have been instrumental in advancing the Washington County Agricultural Education Center, strengthening the local agricultural sector, and providing educational and recreational opportunities for the county’s youth and residents. The ongoing support is intended to celebrate community engagement while honoring Fulton’s impact on agriculture and the people of Washington County.

In a move to protect the county’s rural character and natural resources, the Commissioners also approved the Stoner Family Farms LLC Rural Legacy Program easement. This agreement permanently safeguards 61.3 acres of agricultural, scenic, and environmentally significant land located near Sharpsburg and the historic Antietam Battlefield. The preservation of this land extinguishes seven development rights and contributes to a larger, contiguous block of protected farmland. This initiative, fully funded by the State through the Department of Natural Resources, is part of Washington County’s broader Rural Legacy Program. Since its inception in 1998, the program has been responsible for conserving thousands of acres across the region, ensuring the long-term protection of agricultural land and environmentally sensitive areas.

Further economic development is anticipated following the Board’s approval of Hotel Rental Tax funds to support the relocation and establishment of a new manufacturing facility for Jamison Door Company at Mount Aetna Technology Park. This incentive is structured as a performance-based agreement, with the company committed to retaining 105 existing jobs and creating an additional 100 to 200 full-time positions by the end of 2029. The release of these funds is contingent upon Jamison Door Company successfully completing the property acquisition, constructing the facility as planned, and meeting specific investment and job creation targets. This project is viewed as a strategic investment aimed at strengthening Washington County’s manufacturing base and its local workforce.

Beyond these major funding approvals, the Board of County Commissioners addressed several other administrative and budgetary matters. This included the approval of various purchase awards and contract renewals for different county departments, ensuring the continued operation of essential services. The Commissioners also received a presentation and engaged in discussions regarding the Draft FY2027 General Fund Budget for Washington County Public Schools, which outlines the proposed operating budget and the requested allocation from the county. Additionally, the Board lent its support to the Hagerstown Housing Authority’s application for a Choice Neighborhoods Initiative Implementation Grant. This letter of support highlighted the county’s planned capital investments, such as the renovation of the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center and the development of an expanded Transit Administration and Maintenance Facility, which are intended to aid in neighborhood revitalization, enhance community services, and improve transit accessibility. Informational presentations were also provided on the Draft FY2027-2036 Capital Budget and the FY2027 General Fund Budget – Requested Version.

Residents can access full details of all actions taken during the meeting by viewing the recorded sessions available on YouTube. Upcoming BOCC meetings are scheduled for March 3, March 17, March 24, and March 31, 2026.

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

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