HAGERSTOWN – State lawmakers visited the Hagerstown City Council on Tuesday, May 13, to recap the 2025 legislative session. They highlighted millions in funding secured for local projects while responding to concerns about the city’s tax-exempt downtown stadium.
Lawmakers Highlight Budget Victories
Sen. Paul Corderman (R-Hagerstown) and Delegate Matthew Schindler (D-Hagerstown) said Hagerstown received substantial support from the state this year, despite a $3 billion budget shortfall. Among the key local investments:
- $63 million for Phase 2 of Interstate 81 construction
- $540,000 for the Hagerstown Visitor Center
- $250,000 for a public safety feasibility study
- $317,000 for Western Enterprises building repairs
- $200,000 for the new Boys & Girls Club facility
- $125,000 for Federal Little League improvements
“We did well this session, especially considering the budget situation,” said Schindler. “That’s largely thanks to the visibility of Hagerstown’s leadership in Annapolis.”
Council raises stadium tax concerns
Much of the discussion focused on Senate Bill 596, which confirmed that the nonprofit stadium owner CHIEF (Community Heritage and Industrial Foundation) is exempt from property taxes. Councilmembers said the exemption was unexpected and left the city absorbing police, fire and infrastructure costs without compensation.
Corderman explained that the nonprofit model was designed years ago to avoid city or county ownership and mirrored a structure used in York, Pennsylvania. “No other stadium like this pays property taxes in Maryland,” he said.
Schindler said the bill allows the city and CHIEF to agree on a payment in lieu of taxes if desired. Several council members supported pursuing that option.
Local bills pass, more work ahead
Schindler reported that a bill requiring landlords to give tenants 24-hour notice before entering rental properties passed. He also noted that legislation was passed requiring the state to collect and report data on people released from correctional facilities into Hagerstown to support local reentry services.
A bill that would have eased annexation rules for municipalities stalled due to a lack of broader support.
Corderman added that both lawmakers intend to revisit additional legislative issues in future sessions and encouraged the council to share its 2026 priorities by October.
Collaboration encouraged
Council members expressed interest in hosting a pre-session workshop this summer to identify legislative opportunities around housing, school construction, and homelessness. Both Corderman and Schindler said they would make themselves available. “We want to be part of shaping these proposals early,” Corderman said.
For more updates on Hagerstown government and policy, readers may follow the City Council meetings at hagerstownmd.org.
