Our Local and Regional Government Efficiency (LARGE) Spending tracking initiative aims to shed light on local and regional government spending by looking at unusual expenses.
Spending Currently Tracked:
Outdated Software Resulted in $850,000 Ransomware Payment for Washington County’s 2022 Cyberattack
The 2022 ransomware attack exploited outdated systems in Washington County, MD, after federal warnings about holiday cyber threats. The breach spurred costly reforms. Finally, after several years and multiple Public Information Act requests, what actually happened, and the total costs, is being disclosed to the public.
LARGE Spending: Hagerstown to Consider AI Gunshot Detection System for $21,013.42
The City of Hagerstown is evaluating the acquisition of the Flock Safety Raven Early Warning Gunshot Detection System from SHI International Corp. for $21,013.42. The Raven system is designed to detect and distinguish gunfire from other noises, providing law enforcement with real-time alerts pinpointing the location of potential firearm incidents. By integrating with video surveillance, the system enhances investigative capabilities by identifying vehicles and other contextual data near shooting scenes.
LARGE Spending: County to Consider Purchase of 18 Chairs at $3,166.26 each
The Washington County Board of County Commissioners is poised to consider the purchase of 18 Ironhorse 4000 Series chairs for the Department of Emergency Management and Communications. The total cost for the acquisition is $56,992.68 after applying a discount provided under the Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) contract.
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LARGE Spending: Washington County’s $285,379 Cybersecurity Contract without Competitive Bids
In January 2024, Washington County approved a $285,379 contract over three years for Sentinel One Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) software and continuous monitoring services. The agreement, awarded to Arete Advisors of Boca Raton, Florida, was made without a competitive bidding process.
LARGE Spending: $200k for Accessibility and Engagement Improvements to Historic Hager House
The City of Hagerstown has announced plans to request the release of funds for a renovation project at the Hager House Visitor Center Museum, located at City Park. The project aims to enhance the interpretive spaces of the historic museum, dedicated to the city’s founder, by improving accessibility and engagement for the public.
LARGE Spending: Maryland Spends $190k to Analyze Impact of Trump Winning Election
The Maryland Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has awarded a $190,000 firm fixed-price contract to Accenture LLP for the provision of strategic support services to analyze the impact to Maryland of Donald Trump winning the 2024 election. The agreement, executed through a Participating Addendum to a competitively procured contract from the University of Virginia, is intended to address priority areas and improve operational efficiency within the state government. The contract term is set for two months.
LARGE Spending: County Commissioners to Consider $10k Lobbyist Despite Recent Criticisms
HAGERSTOWN, MD News (11/22/2024) – The Washington County Commissioners are set to deliberate on the retention of a government relations consultant and lobbyist for the 2025 Maryland General Assembly session during their November 26 meeting. The move comes only one month after the Hagerstown City Council was publicly criticized for similar activities.
LARGE Spending: Washington County $299k Over Expected Budget for Data Backup Services
On November 5, 2024, the Washington County Board of Commissioners approved a $349,284.39 expenditure for a data backup and ransomware protection system, significantly exceeding the initially expected maximum cost of $50,000. The purchase, awarded to GHA Technologies Inc., was unanimously approved in a 4-0 vote during an open session.
LARGE Spending: Washington County’s $107,950 Drone Show
The Washington County Board of Commissioners has approved a $107,950 contract with Firefly Drone Shows, LLC, to provide a choreographed drone light show as part of the county’s 250th anniversary celebration. The decision, made during the November 5, 2024, meeting, passed with a unanimous 4-0 vote.
LARGE Spending: Hagerstown to Consider $898k Study for Antietam Creek Drinking Water Feasibility
HAGERSTOWN, MD News (9/16/2024) The City of Hagerstown is set to discuss several key water supply initiatives at this Tuesday’s Mayor and Council work session meeting. A primary focus of the discussion will be the potential development of a new potable water plant using Antietam Creek as a source, as well as alternative options to secure a sustainable water supply for the city’s growing needs. As part of this discussion, the city will consider a proposed feasibility study estimated to cost over $898,000.
Better Government Spending Transparency
While Radio Free Hub City makes no claims regarding the justification of these expenses, the series seeks to present this information in an unbiased manner, allowing residents to form their own opinions about how public funds are allocated. By shedding light on such decisions, the series hopes to foster greater transparency and engagement in local and regional governance.
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