Washington County Commissioners to Convene April 14th, Agenda Highlights Transit Budget, Public Safety, and Youth Services

Hagerstown, MD – The Board of County Commissioners of Washington County is scheduled to hold its open session meeting on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at 8:00 AM. The meeting’s agenda features a comprehensive review of the fiscal year 2027 transit budget, proclamations recognizing important community observances, and discussions on various procurement and grant-related matters that will impact county services and residents.

The commissioners will begin their session with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by approval of the minutes from the March 24, 2026 meeting. An initial closed session is planned to consult with legal counsel on a county-involved legal matter before reconvening in open session at 9:00 AM for commissioners’ reports and comments, and staff comments.

Key items on the agenda include a proclamation for Sexual Assault Awareness Month, with Renee Caldera, Director of Community Services for CASA, Inc., expected to be present. Following this, Colin Berry, Executive Director of the Humane Society of Washington County, will provide an overview of the organization’s 2025 highlights, detailing animal trends, lifesaving efforts, and field services. The board will also issue a proclamation for Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, with Alan Matheny, Director of Emergency Management, in attendance.

A significant portion of the morning will be dedicated to budget discussions. Shawn Harbaugh, Director of Transit, and Andrew Eshleman, Director of Public Works, will present the proposed FY2027 Transit Budget. This budget reportedly includes a 14.03% increase over FY26, primarily attributed to salary adjustments, the proposed addition of a Transportation Safety and Training Coordinator and a full-time CDL Transit Operator, and upgrades for part-time operators. The increase is also influenced by rising costs for towing, building maintenance, operating supplies, and fleet maintenance materials. The General Fund contribution to transit is noted to increase due to a decrease in the state funding match.

Additionally, Kelcee Mace, Chief Financial Officer, and Kim Edlund, Director of Budget and Finance, will present the proposed FY2027 General Fund Budget, which is balanced at $355,751,800. Major adjustments from previous drafts include revisions to lease income, the golf course operating transfer, department salaries, and software costs for Permits & Inspections, with corresponding adjustments to the Capital Reserve and General Operations. David A. Mason, Deputy Director of Solid Waste, will present a budget transfer related to the replacement of solid waste vehicles and equipment, funded by the sale of several surplus items.

The commissioners will also consider several procurement items and grant applications. These include approval to submit an application and accept funding for the WCDC Day Reporting Center, which aims to enhance services for veterans at risk within the criminal justice system. The Washington County Sheriff’s Office anticipates receiving $1,000,000.00 to support these veteran services over a four-year period. Furthermore, the board will review an application for funding related to Maryland Sex Offender Registry enforcement, which would provide $34,188.00 to the Sheriff’s Office for compliance verification and enforcement activities.

Procurement matters on the agenda feature a contract renewal for trash removal services at county facilities with Republic Services, which includes a requested 4.4% rate increase. A bid award for grinder pumps for the Department of Water Quality is also up for consideration, with Aquaflow Pump & Supply Company of Hagerstown, MD, recommended for the award of $113,638.00 for Liberty grinder pumps and control panels.

The board will also consider intergovernmental cooperative purchases for the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. This includes equipment for eleven 2025 Chevrolet Tahoes from Front Line Mobile Tech for $120,323.50, leveraging a contract with Howard County, Maryland, to achieve cost and administrative efficiencies. Similarly, personal protective equipment (PPE) for the Sheriff’s Department and the City of Hagerstown Police Department will be discussed, with Safeware of Lanham, MD, recommended for the purchase of 29 sets for the Sheriff’s Office and 23 sets for the Hagerstown Police Department, totaling $118,639.30, utilizing a State of Maryland contract.

Sole source procurement awards are also on the agenda for services supporting youth and health initiatives. The Western Maryland Consortium is seeking $53,480 for enhancements to programming for disconnected youth, contingent on state funding approval. Meritus Medical Center is proposed for an award of $317,957 for operating expenses of school-based health centers at Western Heights Middle School and South Hagerstown High School. Additionally, Brook Lane is recommended for a $283,335 sole source award to support the school-based mental health program.

The meeting is scheduled to conclude with a second closed session concerning personnel matters, public security, and legal advice before adjournment. Residents needing special accommodations are asked 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.

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