Washington County Commissioners Tackle Budget, Proclamations, and Operational Efficiency

Hagerstown, MD – The Washington County Board of County Commissioners is scheduled to convene on March 24, 2026, for an open session agenda featuring a comprehensive review of departmental budgets, consideration of zoning amendments, and formal proclamations. The meeting will also address several key operational initiatives aimed at enhancing efficiency and service delivery across various county departments.

The board will begin its session with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the approval of previous meeting minutes. A significant portion of the morning will be dedicated to departmental budget presentations for Fiscal Year 2027. The Highway Department’s budget is expected to see an increase of $772,900, or 5.38%, attributed primarily to salary adjustments, a proposed salary scale adjustment, and increased costs for road maintenance and snow removal. The General Fund’s contribution to the highway budget is projected to rise by $816,390 to accommodate these wage increases, a new position, and elevated fleet insurance costs.

The Black Rock Golf Course budget for FY27 is projected to decrease by $50,950, or 3%. This reduction, despite an increase in wages and benefits due to proposed salary adjustments, is primarily due to the completion of a bunker rehabilitation project funded in FY26. However, the General Fund contribution to the golf course is set to increase by $298,360 to cover salary and operating cost increases not offset by projected revenue from green fees and pro-shop sales. The restaurant operations at the golf course are now managed by a third-party lease.

The Hagerstown Regional Airport (HGR) budget for FY27 is proposed to increase by $856,350, or 21.27%, compared to FY26. This increase is driven by revenue enhancements from higher jet fuel sales, aircraft deicing services, advertising, snack bar sales, corporate hangar leases, and a proposed increase in terminal parking fees. Additionally, increased revenue is anticipated from providing firefighter standby services for Sierra Nevada Company’s flight testing program. Correspondingly, expenses are rising due to expanded staff hours for airline and firefighting support, potential staff increases to meet operational demands, and general increases in salaries, benefits, insurance, supplies, and maintenance. The airport’s operating fund is designed to be self-supporting and will not require a general fund subsidy in FY27.

Several budget proposals are for informational purposes, allowing commissioners to review and discuss the financial plans for these critical county services. A public hearing is scheduled for an application for a Zoning Map Amendment (RZ-25-010), concerning a 3-acre parcel at 20511 Leitersburg Pike. The application seeks to apply a Rural Business floating zone to expand an existing trailer sales business. The planning commission has unanimously recommended approval for this amendment.

The board will also consider proclamations for American Red Cross Month and National Agriculture Day, recognizing the contributions of these organizations and the agricultural community within Washington County.

In procurement matters, the commissioners will vote on a sole source procurement award to Meritus Medical Center for medical supplies for ambulance companies and the Department of Emergency Services, citing significant cost savings due to Meritus’ purchasing power. They will also consider an intergovernmental cooperative purchase with Charles County for medical supplies from Bound Tree Medical LLC, which is expected to provide direct cost savings and administrative efficiencies. A contract renewal for Oracle products and services for the Information Technology Department with Mythics, LLC is on the agenda, as is a contract award for radio subscription services with Motorola Solutions, Inc. for wireless communications.

Additionally, the board will review an amendment to an intergovernmental contract with Global Tel\*Link Corporation dba Viapath for inmate communication services at the Washington County Detention Center. This amendment aims to comply with new Federal Communications Commission regulations banning commission-based compensation for inmate communication services. The contract’s term will be extended, with any new revenues directed to the Inmate Welfare Fund, having no direct cost to the county.

A contract award for a liquid roof coating system at the Washington County Transit Department is proposed to 4 State Contracting, LLC, pending a budget transfer. Washington County Transit will also seek approval to apply for and accept grant funding from the Maryland Department of Transportation/Maryland Transit Administration (MDOT/MTA) for FY27 operational and capital expenses, which helps subsidize various transit programs within the county. The application requests $1,525,784 in State and Federal funds, with a local match requirement of $1,887,478.

In housing and community development, the board will consider a transfer of Washington County’s 2026 Housing Bond Allocation of $7,429,023 to the Department of Housing and Community Development to support the Maryland Mortgage Program and rental assistance programs, with no direct cost to the county.

The Circuit Court for Washington County is seeking approval to apply for and accept a grant award of $108,600 from the Maryland Judiciary, Mediation and Conflict Resolution Office to establish an in-house domestic mediation program for self-represented and low-income litigants, aiming to improve access to dispute resolution services. Furthermore, the county plans to apply for the FY27 School Based Health Center Grant Program, requesting $317,957 from the Maryland State Department of Health to support health centers at South Hagerstown High School and Western Heights Middle School. The county will receive $12,524 for administrative expenses from this grant.

Personnel matters include a proposed market adjustment for the Airline Station Leader at the Hagerstown Regional Airport, aiming to align the salary with comparable roles at similar airports. The airport is also requesting approval for additional full-time and part-time Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting/Terminal Maintenance positions, along with adjustments to billable rates for standby firefighting services to ensure cost neutrality and support a scalable staffing model.

Finally, the board will discuss the proposed merger of the Historic District Commission and the Historical Advisory Committee into a single entity focused on local historic preservation, with amended bylaws for the Historic District Commission. This merger, effective July 1, 2026, aims to streamline efforts and create a unified voice for historic preservation in the county.

Residents can submit comments regarding agenda items to contactcommissioners@washco-md.net or directly contact the County Commissioners and County Administrator via provided email addresses and phone numbers. Individuals requiring special accommodations are requested 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 Washington County Board of County Commissioners Agenda Report

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