Washington County Commissioners to Deliberate on Budgets, Contracts, and Appointments

HAGERSTOWN, MD – The Washington County Board of County Commissioners is scheduled to convene on March 31, 2026, for an open session to address a packed agenda, including the review and potential approval of departmental budgets, contract awards, and board appointments. Key discussions are expected to focus on the Fiscal Year 2027 budgets for water quality and solid waste management, the presentation of a draft 10-year capital budget, and various operational contracts and personnel appointments that will shape county services and infrastructure.

The meeting will commence with an invocation and pledge of allegiance, followed by commissioners’ reports and staff comments. The agenda then transitions into specific budgetary discussions. The commissioners will receive an update on the FY27 Water Quality Budget, which includes proposed increases attributed to personnel costs, COLA adjustments, and operational expenses. This will be followed by a review of the FY27 Solid Waste Budget, which is projected to see a modest increase of approximately 2.68%, with no anticipated changes to permit or tipping fees. A significant portion of the session will be dedicated to the presentation of the Draft 2 of the 2027-2036 Capital Budget, which includes adjustments from the initial draft, notably a reduction in overall project costs and shifts in funding allocations across various sectors like airports, public safety, and road improvements. A specific budget adjustment for Water Quality Security Improvements is also on the agenda, aiming to better align costs with the respective customer bases for water and sewer projects.

In addition to budgetary matters, the board will consider several contract awards and renewals. These include a contract for floor replacement at the Day Reporting Center, which involves removing deteriorated carpet and underlayment and installing new commercial-grade vinyl plank flooring, at an estimated cost of $88,914. The commissioners will also vote on authorizing an intergovernmental cooperative purchase of personal protective equipment for the Sheriff’s Department, totaling $94,592.99, to outfit deputies assigned to the Civil Disturbance Unit with specialized, certified protective gear. A contract renewal for leachate hauling services from the county landfill is also up for discussion, with a proposed 5% price increase due to rising fuel, insurance, and wage costs.

Several board appointments are also slated for consideration. The Washington County Public Golf Corporation (Black Rock Golf Course) Board will see recommendations for reappointments and new appointments to fill vacancies. Similarly, the Electrical Apparatus & Wiring Board of Examiners and Supervisors, the Washington County Plumbing and HVAC Board, and the Animal Control Authority of Washington County will have appointments and reappointments reviewed, with some seeking waivers for term limits due to a lack of qualified candidates. Furthermore, the Washington County Veterans Advisory Committee is proposing amendments to its bylaws to adjust the required voting membership to address current vacancies.

Finally, the commissioners will consider a proposal for the FY27 Community Partnership Agreement with the Governor’s Office for Children, requesting $816,266 to fund seven programs aimed at improving the well-being of children, youth, and families in Washington County. Washington County Transit will also seek ratification of an amended grant application to the Maryland Department of Transportation/Maryland Transit Administration, requesting $3,633,688 in state and federal funds to support the transit system.

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

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