HAGERSTOWN, Md. – Anti-ICE protesters chanted outside the Washington County Administration Building on Tuesday while two men were removed from the Board of County Commissioners meeting after separate outbursts. The board later unanimously approved funding for a George Washington 250th anniversary memorial statue to be placed in front of the courthouse.
The disruptions occurred early in the session during commissioners’ reports and staff comments, forcing President John F. Barr to pause proceedings and direct deputies to escort the individuals out. Throughout the meeting, chants of demonstrators outside the county administration building could be heard protesting the impending arrival of an ICE warehouse in Williamsport.
After order was restored, the board’s first major agenda item after order was approval of the General George Washington 250th Anniversary Memorial Statue. Statue committee members Tom Reifert, Al Martin and Toby Mendez told commissioners the project – already approved by the county several months ago – is on track for dedication on Sept. 6, the 250th anniversary of the county’s founding. The vote, passed 4-0 with no discussion, authorized the county forward fund the statue, to be reimbursed if a supporting state bond bill passes.
Public safety budget preview
Sheriff Brian Albert and Emergency Services Director David Hayes presented an overview of the proposed 2027 general fund budgets for law enforcement and emergency services. The combined request totals approximately $35.4 million, with notable increases for patrol staffing (three new deputies and a mechanic), nine previously approved firefighters now folded into base salaries, capital outlays for personal protective equipment, defibrillators and specialized equipment, and continued support for volunteer fire and rescue companies. The budgets are informational at this stage and will be finalized as part of the overall 2027 budget in May.
Community funding recommendations
Grant Management Director Maria Kramer presented the 2027 community organization funding recommendations totaling $1.3 million for 58 nonprofits across six priority areas. Families and children received the largest share at 41.2%, followed by domestic violence services at 32.2%. Developed by a five-member commissioner-appointed committee using a scoring rubric, the recommendations will be considered for final approval as part of the 2027 budget.
New firefighting apparatus for the airport
The board approved an emergency sole-source purchase of up to $800,000 for a used 2014 Oshkosh Striker aircraft rescue and firefighting unit from Texas Fire Trucks, contingent on a third-party inspection. The acquisition will give Hagerstown Regional Airport a third/reserve firefighting vehicle to maintain compliance with the Federal Aviation Administration and the Defense Contract Management Agency.
Public Works Director Andrew Eshelman and Airport Fire Chief Danny Shirley noted the unit’s foam capabilities are unique in the county and will support off-airport mutual aid responses, with costs covered by the self-supporting airport enterprise fund.
Other business
The board took the following additional actions, all passing 4-0:
● Authorized purchase of a 2026 Ford F-350 extended cab truck for the Department of Water Quality for $63,000 through an intergovernmental cooperative contract, plus a related budget adjustment.
● Approved the Purchasing Department name change to the Washington County Office of Procurement to better reflect the profession’s strategic role.
● Awarded a one-year contract (with two optional renewals) for laboratory services for water and wastewater testing to ALS Environmental of Middletown, Pennsylvania, for $168,000.
● Received an informational presentation on 2027 personnel requests totaling $7.99 million, including salary scale adjustments and a 1% retiree cost-of-living adjustment.
● Approved submission of three grant applications and acceptance of awarded funds: $270,000 and $347,000 for separate jail-based medication-assisted treatment programs, up to $367,000 from the Maryland Opioid Overdose Response Grant for the Detention Center, and up to $72,000 for police recruitment and retention incentives.
● Reappointed Cherie Ware, Dawn Nally and Kathy Harpel to second three-year terms on the Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council.
● Issued a proclamation declaring March as Purchasing Month, recognizing the contributions of public procurement professionals.
Thanks to departing Commissioner Harvey
Finally, multiple commissioners and staff members used the meeting to thank outgoing Commissioner Derek Harvey for his service to Washington County and the nation as a retired military member. Barr wished him well in future endeavors and extended best wishes to the Republican Central Committee in selecting his replacement. Commissioner Randal A. Leatherman and County Administrator Michelle Gordon echoed the thanks.
