Washington County Commissioners to Convene May 12, Discuss Budget, Grants, and More

The Washington County Board of County Commissioners will hold its next open session meeting on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, beginning at 9:00 AM. The agenda includes a comprehensive review of the proposed FY2027 operating and capital budgets, which total over $536 million. Key discussions will also focus on the potential acceptance of several grants aimed at supporting various community programs and infrastructure projects.

The meeting will commence with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by approval of the previous meeting’s minutes. Commissioners will then provide their reports and comments before hearing from staff. A significant portion of the morning will be dedicated to budget matters, with Chief Financial Officer Kelcee Mace and Director of Budget and Finance Kimberly Edlund presenting the final drafts of the FY2027 operating and capital budgets. The proposed total budget represents an increase of over $32 million, or approximately 10.10%, compared to the previous fiscal year. This includes a projected General Fund revenue of $355,751,800. Notably, property tax revenues are estimated to increase by over $15.7 million, reflecting an increase in the assessable tax base, while the property tax rate remains unchanged. Income tax revenue is also projected to rise by over $14 million.

In addition to the budget, the Commissioners will consider preliminary project descriptions for the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) funding program. Director of Grant Management Maria Kramer will present a review and preliminary ranking of six proposed projects totaling $895,000 in requested ARC funding, which require a 50/50 funding match. Following this, the board will decide on submitting a grant application for the FY27 Healthy Families Home Visiting Grant to the Maryland State Department of Education, seeking $400,000 to prevent child maltreatment and promote healthy child development. Approval is also requested to accept $32,765 for the FY27 Senior Citizen Activities Center Operating Fund Grant from the Maryland Department of Aging, which will offset staff salaries at the Senior Center.

The board will also discuss the acceptance of a $15,000 grant from the Maryland Two Fifty “Once in a Generation” Grant Program to support Washington County’s 250th commemorative activities. Director of Public Relations and Marketing Danielle Weaver will present this item. Furthermore, the distribution of FY2026 Senator William H. Amoss Fire, Rescue, and Ambulance Fund subsidy, totaling $369,083, will be reviewed, with the Division of Emergency Services Director R. David Hays recommending authorization for notification of grant awards to eligible volunteer fire and rescue companies.

Several administrative items are also on the agenda, including the adoption of findings of fact and decision for Zoning Map Amendment RZ-25-010, which pertains to a property at 20511 Leitersburg Pike. The proposed change would rezone a three-acre portion from Agricultural Rural to Agricultural Rural with a Rural Business Overlay. Additionally, the Commissioners will consider appointments to the Washington County Veterans Advisory Committee, the Housing Authority of Washington County, the Hagerstown/Eastern Panhandle Metropolitan Planning Organization (HEPMPO), and the Washington County Agricultural Education Center Advisory Board.

The meeting is scheduled to reconvene in open session at 1:50 PM for adjournment. The agenda details specific times for each item, allowing for efficient discussion and decision-making on these important county matters.

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

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