HAGERSTOWN, Md. — The Washington County Board of Commissioners approved a $2.3 million renovation contract for the county detention center Tuesday and endorsed a state highway proposal that would preserve downtown Hagerstown parking while accommodating bicyclists.
Commissioners also delayed a $1.27 million software contract over concerns about rising costs, approved nearly $900,000 in roof repairs for a future county government facility and authorized the purchase of 10 new sheriff’s office vehicles.
Detention center renovations
Commissioners unanimously awarded a $2.3 million contract to Keller Brothers of Mount Airy for the first phase of renovations at the Washington County Detention Center.
The previously budgeted project will renovate approximately 8,000 square feet, creating separate male and female juvenile housing areas with new cells, showers, laundry facilities and common areas. The work also includes interview rooms, an accessible bathroom, a larger and more secure control booth, heating and cooling improvements, and updates to the kitchen and multipurpose room.
The renovations will prepare the facility for future improvements to the women’s housing unit, which will proceed when additional funding becomes available.
The detention center has faced longstanding concerns about overcrowding. Although the improvements could enhance security and operations, officials did not indicate whether they would increase the jail’s capacity or alleviate crowding.
Commissioners question $1.27 million Microsoft contract
Commissioners postponed action on a proposed three-year, $1.27 million Microsoft Office 365 licensing agreement after questioning a substantial increase in costs.
The contract would cost approximately $423,000 annually, covering email, telephone service, document editing and cloud storage used throughout county government. Officials said the county had anticipated spending approximately $385,000 annually, but Microsoft’s pricing came in significantly higher.
Commissioner Neil Parrott questioned whether the county could obtain better pricing through its own competitive bidding process rather than relying on an existing statewide purchasing agreement.
“I wonder if we want to look at … trying to see what would happen if we just put out our own bid, and just for comparison,” Parrott said, “because this is an awfully high number.”
County officials said the current contract expires Nov. 30, leaving insufficient time to solicit new bids before the existing agreement ends.
Instead of approving the renewal, commissioners directed staff to ask the current vendor about a six-month extension that would allow the county to explore alternatives. The matter could return at the next meeting.
Commission okays bike plan that preserves parking
Commissioners voted 5-0 to support Option 4 of a state proposal for bicycle and pedestrian improvements along the U.S. 40 corridor through Hagerstown, favoring shared-lane markings over dedicated bicycle lanes that could eliminate substantial amounts of on-street parking.
Officials said the alternative would preserve parking spaces relied upon by downtown businesses, residents and county facilities, including spaces reserved for judges and law enforcement officers near the courthouse. The city of Hagerstown has also expressed support for Option 4.
Officials raised concerns that dedicated bicycle lanes could interfere with existing pedestrian safety improvements, complicate bus stop access and create conflicts between conventional bicycles and faster-moving electric bicycles.
“I recognize that there are a lot of pedestrian problems, but I haven’t seen any bike problems,” Parrott said. “I’m not sure that we’re solving a problem by adding bike lanes or bike markings.”
Commissioners also questioned whether the number of cyclists using the corridor justified sacrificing parking spaces in the city, saying that hundreds could be affected under some of the alternatives.
The vote expresses the county’s preferred alternative; the state remains responsible for the project.
Other county business
Commissioners also took the following actions:
- Roof replacement for future county offices: Commissioners approved an $897,200 contract with Nation’s Roof Mid-Atlantic to replace the roof at 540 Western Maryland Parkway, which will eventually house Sheriff’s Office patrol administration, a new 911 center and other county offices. The total project cost is estimated at $972,000. Interior renovations are expected to begin in 2027.
- New cruisers: Approved $572,240 to purchase 10 Chevrolet Tahoes to replace patrol vehicles generally at least 10 years old, with approximately 145,000 to 160,000 miles. The county also approved $117,155 for equipment to outfit 20 previously purchased Tahoes.
- Community organization funding: Approved six funding priority categories for fiscal 2028, with a preliminary allocation of $1.3 million, subject to adoption of the county budget. The categories include arts and culture, domestic violence, families and children, recreation, seniors and other services.
- School finances: Approved Washington County Public Schools’ final fiscal 2026 budget adjustments, reflecting a $5.4 million surplus. School officials said the money will remain in reserves, which are still slightly below the school board’s reserve target.
- Veterans’ services: The county Veterans Advisory Committee will establish a website connecting local veterans with available programs and services. Committee representatives estimated that approximately 10,000 veterans live in Washington County.
- Airport improvements: Approved an administrative budget adjustment for the airport’s Taxiway H project, bringing its revised budget to approximately $1.23 million without increasing the previously approved project cost.
