HAGERSTOWN – Washington County Commissioners meet Tuesday, July 29, at 9 a.m. at 100 W. Washington St., to discuss issues regarding advancing community welfare, sustainability and economic growth.
Senior Grant Manager Carsten Ahrens and Gaming Commission Chair Matthew Schnebly will present the 2025 annual report and gaming fund allocation, which funds local nonprofits and community projects. Ahrens will join Emergency Services Director David Hays to discuss a state capital grant to strengthen emergency response infrastructure.
Jill Colbert and Mary-Jane Bowyer, chairs of “Augustoberfest,” will preview the 2025 festival, a celebration of German heritage aimed at uniting the community and boosting tourism.
The commissioners will review equipment purchases for infrastructure, including a sprayer for Black Rock Golf Course, presented by Buyer Carin Bakner and Superintendent George Sweitzer, and a tractor for the solid waste division, presented by Bakner and Deputy Director Dave Mason.
Bakner and Chief Technical Officer Josh O’Neal will propose renewing a data storage subscription for the information systems division, while Chief Financial Officer Kelcee Mace and Division Deputy Director Angie Poffenberger will discuss enhancing IT software services.
Environmental Management Director Mark Bradshaw and Deputy Joseph Moss will detail a sewer cleaner truck purchase and a Sharpsburg water service upgrade. They will also introduce an energy-saving incentive for the Smithsburg wastewater treatment plant.
A motor grader lease supports road maintenance, and Rural Preservation Administrator Chris Boggs will propose a farmland protection easement. Mace also will outline budget adjustments for website maintenance, a staff position upgrade and hazardous spill cost recovery. County Clerk Dawn Marcus will present appointments to the Board of Social Services and Tri-County Council, while County Administrator Michelle Gordon will request funding for the Historical Society.
Finally, Commission Chair John F. Barr will read a statement regarding decisions made by the Open Meeting Compliance Board on July 17.
A closed session will address personnel issues, including fire company staffing and IT vacancies, plus business expansion incentives and rescue service substations. The discipline of a county employee also will be discussed. The board reconvenes at 12:45 p.m. for potential actions.
At 6 p.m., the board will meet with the town of Hancock to discuss the Sideling Hill Sign Project, led by Public Works Director Andrew Eshleman to enhance regional tourism. Both city and county officials also may make comments and offer reports.
The full agenda can be found here.
