Washington County Considers Opioid Funding, Emergency Services Upgrades, and Economic Development Initiatives

The Washington County Board of County Commissioners is set to convene for an open session on September 29, 2026, with a comprehensive agenda addressing critical community needs and operational enhancements. Key items on the docket include the allocation of funds to combat the opioid crisis, the acquisition of advanced cardiac monitoring equipment for emergency medical services, and initiatives aimed at fostering economic growth through site development. The board will also discuss significant procurement decisions for the Information Technology and Environmental Management departments, along with personnel recommendations.

Following commissioner and staff reports, the agenda will delve into several substantive matters. A significant portion of the session will be dedicated to the Washington County FY27 Opioid Restitution Fund recommendations. This agenda item, presented by Maria Kramer, Director of Grant Management, and Allison Hartshorn, Opioid Restitution Manager, seeks to allocate funds toward community-based prevention programs and an employee wellness initiative for the Sheriff’s Office. These proposed grants, totaling $170,341.97, are intended to address the ongoing opioid crisis within the county. The funds for these initiatives are derived from restricted Opioid Restitution Funds, meaning there will be no direct fiscal impact on the Washington County budget, as existing resources will not be supplanted.

Furthering the county’s commitment to public safety and emergency response, the board will consider the FY27 MIEMSS Cardiac Device Grant. David Chisholm, Deputy Director of Operations for Emergency Services, and Richard Lesh, Grant Manager, will present the case for submitting an application and accepting potential funding from the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems. This grant aims to procure updated cardiac monitoring equipment, specifically LifePak cardiac monitor/defibrillators, to replace aging devices. The total cost for the new equipment is substantial, with each unit costing $65,000, reduced to $60,000 with a trade-in. The grant would provide $30,000, with a matching $30,000 to be funded from the Division of Emergency Services’ operating budget for machinery and equipment. This investment is crucial for enhancing the capabilities of emergency medical personnel in responding to life-threatening cardiac events.

In the realm of technological infrastructure, the Information Technology Department’s needs will be addressed with a bid award recommendation for Rubrik Enterprise Data Protection. Carin Bakner, Buyer for Procurement, and Josh O’Neal, Chief Technical Officer, will oversee the discussion for this proposal, which involves a total bid of $387,764.76 from GHA Technologies Inc. for hardware, software, and cloud services essential for data backup and ransomware protection. Additionally, the Environmental Management Department is seeking to purchase a new 2026 Ford F-350 Extended Cab truck. This vehicle is intended to replace an aging utility truck with significant mileage. The purchase is proposed through an intergovernmental cooperative purchase agreement utilizing a contract awarded by Baltimore County, a move anticipated to yield cost and administrative efficiencies for Washington County. This purchase is funded through the Water Quality Equipment replacement utility fund.

The board will also explore avenues for economic development, with Jonathan Horowitz, Director of Business and Economic Development, presenting a proposal for participation in the MEDCO Business Ready Sites Program at Hagerstown Regional Airport (HGR). This initiative aims to enhance the attractiveness of a 43-acre parcel of land for potential business relocation and investment by covering site characterization and improvement costs. While a previous phase of the program was awarded $10,000 in in-kind services, this request focuses on applying for and potentially accepting funding for site improvements, which could include grading activities to prepare the land for future infrastructure investment. The program requires a 3:1 matching component, which Washington County would fulfill through existing investments in HGR.

Personnel matters will also be addressed, with hiring recommendations for a Software Support Specialist and a Media Relations Specialist. The proposed candidates for both positions would be offered a starting salary of $69,284 annually. Finally, the board will consider reappointments to the Hagerstown Regional Airport Advisory Commission, with John Cavey and Aaron Vittini being recommended for three-year terms. The meeting is scheduled to move into a closed session at 10:15 AM to discuss confidential personnel matters and to consult with counsel on legal issues before reconvening in open session at 12:00 PM for adjournment.

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

Video Spotlight