Washington County Commissioners to Convene for Busy Agenda

Hagerstown, MD – The Washington County Board of County Commissioners is scheduled to meet on September 15, 2026, for an open session that includes discussions on grant funding, public safety initiatives, infrastructure projects, and recognition of community contributions. The meeting will also feature a visit from the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) to address county-level concerns and state policy matters. There will be no segment for public comment.

The day’s proceedings will begin with routine administrative matters, including the approval of previous meeting minutes and reports from commissioners and staff. A significant portion of the morning will be dedicated to discussions with representatives from the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo), MC Keegan-Ayer, President, and Michael Sanderson, Executive Director. This annual visit serves as an opportunity for MACo to understand the issues and concerns of the county’s elected officials regarding state policy, upcoming conferences, and legislative activities. MACo representatives are expected to provide updates on their legislative efforts and engage in discussions about local needs for the coming year, which helps inform MACo’s ongoing work.

Following the MACo visit, the Board will present a proclamation in honor of Georgene Charles for her 35 years of dedication to managing and directing the Memorial Illumination at Antietam National Battlefield. This event, described as the largest memorial illumination in North America, involves over 1,500 volunteers placing 23,110 luminaries to commemorate the casualties of the Battle of Antietam. The Board will also issue a proclamation recognizing September 2026 as Citizens’ Emergency Preparedness Month, acknowledging the vital importance of community readiness and encouraging residents to create emergency plans and assemble preparedness kits. Alan Matheny, Director of Emergency Management, will receive this proclamation.

Several agenda items focus on securing and managing grant funding. The commissioners will consider accepting an award of $39,884.00 from the Administrative Office of Courts, Security Administration, for overtime salaries to support courtroom security personnel within the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. Additionally, the Board will decide whether to submit a grant application for $183,347.46 to the Maryland 9-1-1 Board for professional design services related to the rehabilitation of the Emergency Call Center. This funding is crucial for the transition to Maryland’s Next Generation 9-1-1 system, specifically for implementing SIP trunks to replace discontinued voice services and maintain essential communication capabilities. Another significant funding request involves the Western Maryland Economic Futures Fund, commonly known as the Senator George C. Edwards Fund. The county is seeking $1,250,000 to support the Cascade Town Centre Development, LLC, for property and site improvements at the former Fort Ritchie military base, including upgrades to roadways, roofing, and electrical systems to facilitate mixed-use development.

The Board will also review proposed revisions to the bylaws of the Local Management Board. These revisions are intended to align with the updated Policies and Procedures Manual for Local Management Boards issued by the Governor’s Office for Children, ensuring the board’s continued compliance with state directives aimed at promoting a stable and healthy environment for children and families.

Infrastructure and operational enhancements are also on the agenda. The commissioners will vote on awarding the contract for the Sharpsburg Water Treatment Plant to receive the Silver Level Area Wide Optimization Program (AWOP) award from the Maryland Department of the Environment, recognizing its achievement in meeting strict turbidity performance goals. A significant expenditure is proposed for paving work at the 40 West Landfill, with a recommended authorization of $974,755 to Craig Paving Inc. to address the deterioration of the original pavement. Furthermore, a budget adjustment of $150,000 is requested for the 40 West Pretreatment Facility project, which aims to design and construct a leachate pretreatment facility to reduce hauling and treatment costs.

Several procurement and contract-related items are scheduled for discussion. The Board will consider awarding a contract for the hauling and recycling of scrap tires from the Forty West Landfill to Emanuel Tire of Baltimore, Maryland, for an estimated annual cost of $30,500, with options for renewal. The lease of a new John Deere 410P Wheel Loader Backhoe for the Department of Water Quality is also on the agenda, utilizing an intergovernmental cooperative purchase agreement through Sourcewell for a five-year term totaling $228,890. The development of the Antietam Creek Water Trail Park is a key project, with a recommended bid award of $395,000 to EXCO USA, LLC, for construction. This project will also benefit from an $85,000 subgrant from the Catoctin Land Trust through the Department of Natural Resources Whole Watershed Fund. A sole-source procurement for Fire Mobile Dispatch software, maintenance, and licensing from Keystone Public Safety Inc. for $55,291.00 is also up for approval. Additionally, the renewal of the contract for uniforms for Washington County Sheriff’s Officers with Galls, LLC is proposed, with a requested 4% price increase. The Board will also address the awarding of contracts for the bulk delivery of road salt, recommending Morton Salt, Inc. as the primary bidder at $91.20 per ton and Eastern Salt Company, Inc. as the secondary bidder at $96.90 per ton.

The agenda includes several hiring recommendations: an offer to Shon Dempsey for Deputy Director of the Airport at an annual salary of $111,342; an offer to Michael Bouey for Assistant County Attorney at an annual salary of $103,709; and an offer to David Mason for Division Director of Environmental Management at an annual salary of $203,133. The Board will also consider the re-appointment of members to the Washington County Police Accountability Board and the appointment of a member to the Washington County Administrative Charging Committee. Furthermore, a re-appointment to the Washington County Board of Social Services will be discussed.

Finally, the commissioners will formally adopt the Findings of Fact and Decision for Zoning Map Amendment RZ-26-003, which involves rezoning properties on Maugans Avenue from Residential, Multifamily to Highway Interchange. This decision follows a public hearing and a recommendation from the Planning Commission, addressing issues related to the “change or mistake” rule and the appropriateness of the zoning for the area.

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

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