Washington County Commissioners to Convene for Busy End of August Session

HAGERSTOWN, MD – The Washington County Board of County Commissioners has scheduled a comprehensive public meeting for Tuesday, August 25, 2026, with a packed agenda addressing community funding, public health initiatives, significant equipment leases, grant applications, and intergovernmental agreements. The meeting will commence at 9:00 AM at the County Administration Building, located at 100 West Washington Street, Hagerstown, MD. Residents can also participate in an evening session with the Town of Keedysville at 6:00 PM.

The morning session will begin with routine administrative matters, including the approval of minutes from the July 28, 2026 meeting and reports from commissioners and staff. A key item early in the agenda is a proclamation recognizing September, October, and November 2026 as “Forget-Me-Not” months, honoring the Disabled American Veterans Organization and its community support efforts. Following this, the Board will hold a public hearing to consider requests from various organizations seeking to be added to the county’s Community Organization Funding List, also known as the “1-108 List.” Organizations that are added to this list are eligible for consideration for county funding, though inclusion does not guarantee financial awards.

The agenda then transitions to public health and prevention programs. The Commissioners will convene as the Board of Health to discuss initiatives with Girls, Inc. of Washington County, specifically concerning “True You Maryland” and “Sexual Risk Avoidance Education (SRAE).” These discussions are expected to cover programs aimed at youth development and health education within the county.

A significant portion of the meeting will be dedicated to departmental operational needs and equipment acquisition. The Department of Water Quality will seek approval to retain a 2006 International Vac-Con vacuum truck, which has proven essential as a backup due to the unavailability of newer equipment and the high cost of rentals. The Department of Solid Waste is also requesting a budget transfer, allocating revenues from the sale of surplus equipment towards future vehicle and equipment replacement needs. Furthermore, the Board will consider substantial lease agreements for new heavy equipment for the Department of Solid Waste. These include a 2026 Caterpillar D7 Dozer, to be leased for a total cost of 969,079.55, and two John Deere machines – a 744 Tier Wheel Loader and a 410P Wheel Loader Backhoe – to be leased for a combined total of 743,550.55. These leases are intended to replace aging equipment and are being facilitated through intergovernmental cooperative purchasing agreements leveraging Sourcewell contracts, which are expected to provide cost savings and administrative efficiencies.

In addition to heavy equipment, the procurement of specialized items for public safety is on the agenda. The Narcotics Task Force is requesting authorization for a sole source procurement of a drug analyzer for $140,484.18, deemed necessary due to compatibility requirements with existing equipment. The Division of Emergency Services is seeking a five-year annual maintenance agreement for Hamilton Ventilators, valued at $59,625, also through a sole source procurement process justified by equipment compatibility and service needs.

Grant applications and awards represent another significant focus for the Commissioners. Approval is sought to submit an application for $200,000 from the Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention for a Residential Substance Abuse Treatment Program, which aims to support the Washington County Detention Center’s medication-assisted treatment program. Additionally, the Board will consider approving the submission and acceptance of funding for the State Homeland Security Grant Program, totaling $93,089.78, and the Emergency Management Performance Grant, amounting to $97,907.22. These grants are intended to enhance local homeland security and emergency management capabilities.

Conservation and land preservation efforts will also be addressed with a proposal for a Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) easement from JA Horst & Sons LLC. This initiative, funded entirely by the State of Maryland, will protect woodland and pastureland and improve water quality, with the county receiving administrative and compliance cost reimbursements.

The Commissioners are also expected to finalize several intergovernmental and operational agreements. These include a Pass-Through Fund Agreement with the Community Foundation of Washington County, MD, Inc., designed to facilitate tax-deductible donations for emergency and disaster response initiatives. A Mass Care Shelter Agreement with Washington County Public Schools will be reviewed, establishing a framework for the use of school facilities as shelters during emergencies, with the county responsible for operational costs and any damages. Finally, an annual Equitable Sharing Agreement and Certification will be presented, a necessary step for the Sheriff’s Office to continue receiving federal equitable sharing funds derived from asset forfeiture actions.

The public meeting will also include a closed session, reserved for discussions concerning personnel matters, real property acquisition strategies, and consultations with legal counsel regarding potential litigation. The open session is scheduled to reconvene at 3:00 PM, followed by an evening meeting at 6:00 PM with the Town of Keedysville.

Residents wishing to provide public comment on agenda items or other county business are encouraged to submit their comments via email to contactcommissioners@washco-md.net.

For those requiring special accommodations to attend the meeting, arrangements must be made with the Office of the County Commissioners by contacting 240.313.2200 at least ten working days prior to the meeting.

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

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