Washington County Commissioners to Convene March 17th with Focus on Budget, Fees, and Infrastructure

Hagerstown, MD – The Washington County Board of County Commissioners has scheduled a public session for Tuesday, March 17, 2026, beginning at 9:00 AM. The agenda includes critical discussions on proposed modifications to 9-1-1 fees, the final report from the Salary Study Commission, and the proposed FY2027 General Fund Budget. Residents can expect deliberations on the financial direction of the county, potential adjustments to public safety service charges, and significant infrastructure projects. Public comment will be accepted during public hearing, but must be related to the proposed 9-1-1 fee increase.

The meeting will commence with the invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the call to order by President John F. Barr. Following the approval of minutes from the February 24, 2026 meeting and commissioners’ reports, the public hearing on the modification of 9-1-1 fees is scheduled for 9:30 AM. This item, presented by County Attorney Zachary Kieffer and Chief Financial Officer Kelcee Mace, will allow the public to provide testimony regarding a proposed increase in the monthly 9-1-1 fee from $1.75 to $2.00 per bill. This adjustment is intended to address a projected shortfall in funding for the 9-1-1 system operations, which saw revenues of $3.2 million against budgeted costs of $7.2 million in FY26, with similar deficits anticipated for FY27. The proposed fee increase is projected to generate approximately $500,000 in additional revenue.

At 10:00 AM, the Board will present a proclamation recognizing National Surveyors’ Week, honoring Robert L. Banzhoff, Jr., a Licensed Surveyor with MGH, P.A. Following this, at 10:10 AM, the Salary Study Commission’s final report will be presented by Richard Wilson, Chair of the commission, and County Attorney Zachary Kieffer. The commission’s recommendations include an 8.14% salary increase for County Commissioners, Board of Education members, and Board of Liquor License Commissioners, with smaller adjustments proposed for Judges of the Orphans’ Court. The Treasurer’s salary is however is the subject of significant confusion. The total fiscal impact of adopting these salary recommendations is estimated at $27,000.

The proposed Fiscal Year 2027 General Fund Budget will be presented at 10:20 AM by Chief Financial Officer Kelcee Mace and Director of Budget and Finance Kim Edlund. The proposed budget totals $355,740,010, representing a 10.10% increase from the FY26 approved budget. Key revenue sources projected include property taxes at $180 million and income taxes at $144.1 million. The budget anticipates increases in property and income tax revenue based on historical trends and current cash balances. Major expenditure categories include the Board of Education at $129.1 million, Public Safety Operations at $60.1 million, and Wages and Benefits at $110.4 million. The budget also includes adjustments to personnel requests, operating costs, and capital transfers. We have an in-depth look at the budget and the potential fiscal crisis in our extended coverage.

Further financial matters include a proposed FY26 budget amendment for tax revenue at 10:30 AM, which seeks to increase property and income tax revenue budgets by a total of $11 million based on current projections. These additional funds are earmarked for various purposes, including IT budget replacement, Motorola licensing fees for the public safety radio system, protective gear for patrol officers, salary for an Emergency Management Planner, pension contributions, capital reserves, and capital outlay items.

Several infrastructure and development items are also on the agenda. At 10:35 AM, the Board will consider an Arena Installment Payment Program (IPP) Stream Restoration Easement for a project on Anthony P. Arena’s property in Clear Spring, which involves a 4.56-acre conservation easement aimed at improving a stream and its buffer. At 10:40 AM, a construction bid award for the Kretsinger Road culvert replacement will be presented by Scott Hobbs, Director of Engineering. Additionally, at 10:45 AM, a change order for filter replacement at the Smithsburg Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade, estimated at $74,900, will be discussed.

The meeting will also address several grant-related items. At 10:50 AM, approval will be sought for the Fiscal Year 2026 Annual Capital Transit Grant and the Fiscal Year 2026 Annual Transit Operational Grant. These grants, sourced from the Maryland Department of Transportation/Maryland Transit Administration and the Federal Transit Administration, are crucial for maintaining current service levels for the transit system. The Capital Transit Grant application requests $1,525,784, with a local match requirement of $269,256. The Operational Grant application seeks $2,308,698, with a local match of $1,804,984.

At 11:00 AM, the Board will consider the submittal of an application for the Office of Problem-Solving Courts Discretionary Grant, requesting $272,511.33 to support the operational expenses and ancillary services of the Drug Treatment Court. This program aims to reduce substance use and criminal behavior by providing supervision and access to services for court-involved individuals.

Finally, at 11:05 AM, the Hagerstown Regional Airport Advisory Commission will be discussed, with a recommendation to reappoint Rob Ferree to a third three-year term.

The Commissioners will then move into a closed session to discuss personnel matters, potential business expansion proposals, and legal advice before reconvening in open session at 4:00 PM for adjournment. Individuals requiring special accommodations are asked to contact the Office of the County Commissioners by March 3, 2026. Citizens wishing to provide comments on agenda items or other county business can do so via email at contactcommissioners@washco-md.net.

Individuals wishing to speak during citizen’s participation of a Public Hearing must sign up, with their name and address, by the start of the meeting, using a sign-up sheet near the door to the board meeting room.

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

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