SMITHSBURG, Md. — Another step toward Smithsburg selling its water utility to Hagerstown happened at this week’s Smithsburg Town Council meeting.
Director of Utilities for the City of Hagerstown Nancy Hausrath spoke to the town about the city’s plans to maintain local water supplies and offer potential benefits of the city acquiring Smithsburg’s water utility system.
The idea of Smithsburg joining the city’s water utility system has been an ongoing conversation, Mayor Donald Souders said. Hausrath provided sample customer water bills, revealing a significant drop in customer pricing, should Hagerstown assume responsibility for Smithsburg’s water system.
While Hagerstown’s water is set to cost $4.21 per 1,000 gallons of water by 2027, Smithsburg’s rate is set for $9.21 per 1,000 gallons of water by 2027.
Souders and the council acknowledged the significant rate reduction and set forth a motion to work toward entering an agreement with the City of Hagerstown to transfer ownership of the town’s water system.
EMS warns about lithium batteries
In providing the community report for the month, Fire Marshal Dale Fishack recognized Fire Safety week, with the weekly theme being “Charge into Fire Safety.” Fishack explained that lithium ion batteries are prone to overheating, contributing to a common cause of house fires.
Fishack encouraged the community to use the chargers that come with your devices and not to leave devices plugged in for long periods of time.
Employee service recognition
The town of Smithsburg recognized Clerk-Treasurer Jenny House for 10 years of service. Souders and the town council presented her with a certificate and small trophy, thanking her and acknowledging her hard work.
“Staff are the glue that holds everything together… We couldn’t manage day to day without Jenny,” Souders said.
Date nailed for meeting with county
In the mayor’s report, Souders announced that he and the council have scheduled a meeting with the Washington County Board of Commissioners for Tuesday, Nov. 10, at 6 p.m., at 100 W. Washington St. in Hagerstown. The mayor encouraged anyone with concerns of any kind they would like to address to speak.
Breast cancer awareness
In light of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Diane Wagner, a teacher at Smithsburg Elementary School, told her own story, encouraging the town to help bring awareness to metastatic breast cancer. Wagner has been battling stage 4 metastatic breast cancer and was present as the council named Oct. 13 Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day.
Halloween festivities
The council would like to remind everyone that Smithsburg has established several Trunk or Treat dates in the coming weeks. The town’s trunk or treat is set for 4:30 p.m. on Oct. 17 at Veterans Park. Smithsburg Barber Shop is also hosting a trunk or treat on Oct. 16th at 6 p.m. at 22014 Jefferson Boulevard. Finally, Smithsburg Martin’s will hold a trunk or treat Oct. 27 at 6 p.m.
