HAGERSTOWN, Md. – The Washington County Board of County Commissioners will hold its next open session meeting on May 5 with a major public presentation of the proposed fiscal year 2027 budget scheduled for the evening.
The biggest item for residents will come at 6 p.m. at the Public Safety Training Center, where county finance officials will present the 2027 budget plan. Recent county announcements indicate a proposed general fund budget around $355.7 million, reflecting a substantial increase from the prior year and covering public safety, infrastructure and other core services.
This session offers residents a direct opportunity to review spending priorities that could influence property taxes and county services in the coming fiscal year, and will serve as the last chance for public input before final adoption.
The morning session will feature a public hearing on 2026 Agricultural Land Preservation District applications. Rural Preservation Administrator Chris Boggs will lead the discussion on proposals that help protect farmland from development.
The proposals offer long-term impacts on local farming viability and rural character, though its immediate fiscal scale is more targeted than the overall budget.
Mayor Howard Long and Town Manager Rachel Souders of Boonsboro will present a request for county support on the Potomac Street waterline replacement project. The mayor will discuss essential water infrastructure needs for town residents.
Other morning items include awards for software procurement, a building inspection services contract, two hiring recommendations in permits/inspections and emergency management, a Preservation Month proclamation, and a statement from Board President John F. Barr on open meetings compliance following a recent board decision.
The board will recess into closed session to discuss multiple appointments to advisory boards, staffing matters and legal updates from the county attorney, before reconvening at 6 p.m. for the budget presentation.
The open session begins at 9 a.m. in the usual location and is open to the public. Written comments on agenda items may be sent in advance to [email protected]. Readers may click here for the full agenda.
