HAGERSTOWN, Md. – Washington County commissioners announced at their last meeting that $2.37 million in gaming revenue is being distributed to volunteer fire and rescue services and local nonprofit organizations, as the county board also approved several major capital projects.
The Washington County Gaming Commission, a separate body responsible for allocating the county’s tip-jar gaming proceeds, presented its annual report and fiscal 2026 funding decisions to the commissioners. State law directs half of the gaming revenue to the Washington County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association, with the remainder available to charitable organizations.
The commission received 89 eligible applications from 74 organizations requesting a combined $3.03 million. Of those, 38 applications were fully funded, 20 received partial funding and 31 were denied.
The largest charitable awards were $100,000 each for the Washington County Community Action Council and Walnut Street Community Health Center. REACH of Washington County received $75,000.
The Gaming Commission reviews applications each year before holding a public funding hearing and determining awards. The money comes from tip-jar gaming revenue rather than the county’s General Fund.
$1.24 million fuel center approved
Commissioners unanimously approved a $1.24 million contract to build a new fuel center at the county’s Western Section Highway Department facility in Big Pool.
TTI Environmental of Morristown, N.J., submitted the only bid for the project, which will replace underground fuel tanks with above-ground tanks and provide both diesel and gasoline pumps.
The project will include canopies, fleet monitoring equipment and controlled vehicle access. Total project costs are estimated at $1.34 million when inspection and contingency expenses are included.
County officials said adding gasoline at the western facility will benefit more than highway operations because public safety vehicles working in that part of the county will also be able to refuel there.
Police, fire and emergency medical vehicles currently can be forced to leave their service areas to obtain gasoline elsewhere, officials said.
Golf training center moves ahead
Commissioners approved a $272,000 contract with GRC General Contractors of Zullinger, Pennsylvania, for the largest construction phase of a new training center at Black Rock Golf Course.
The work includes a steel driving-range canopy, masonry storage building, foundations, lighting, electrical and plumbing work and other site improvements. County employees have already completed grading, erosion control and other site preparation work.
Commissioners also approved transferring $150,000 in savings from two other capital projects to the Black Rock project. The money consists of $75,000 each from the Sideling Hill Park and hard-court surface projects.
Additional work still to be completed includes putting and chipping greens, fencing, paving and driving-range equipment. The Washington County Public Golf Corporation is continuing to raise money for the remaining phases.
During discussion, commissioners said Black Rock has improved its financial performance in recent years. Public Works Director Andrew Eshleman noted that the golf course continues to receive General Fund support but said officials have focused on increasing participation and generating additional revenue.
Eshleman said Black Rock has also become a central practice and competition site for area high school golf teams. The new center is intended to provide year-round training opportunities for student athletes, community organizations and other golfers.
Fort Ritchie wells to help with water supply
Washington County will take ownership of four well houses, water lines and associated easements at Fort Ritchie as redevelopment of the former Army base increases demand on the local water system.
Commissioners unanimously approved accepting the infrastructure from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The wells and water lines were not included in the original transfer of the former base to PenMar Development Corp. after Fort Ritchie closed.
County officials said additional water sources will need to be placed into service as development at Fort Ritchie continues. The county plans to use the wells to help meet that demand.
Officials said the transfer has taken roughly a year to 18 months to complete and that final Army approval could come within several weeks.
County approves sidewalk/ramping
Commissioners approved a $563,000 contract with Concrete Central of Hagerstown for curb, sidewalk and Americans with Disabilities Act ramp work throughout Washington County.
The contract covers 300 consecutive calendar days and includes maintenance-of-traffic requirements for work requiring shoulder or lane closures. Four bids were received, with the winning proposal coming in below the county engineer’s $575,000 estimate.
Including construction contingencies and other expenses, the county expects to spend up to $763,000 annually on the work. The contract includes options allowing it to be extended for additional years.
Tennis courts to be refurbished
Washington County will spend about $365,000 to resurface tennis courts at five county locations. Commissioners approved the project Tuesday as part of the county’s ongoing capital maintenance work. The improvements are intended to address deteriorating playing surfaces and extend the useful life of the courts.
