HAGERSTOWN – The Washington County Board of County Commissioners will convene for a regular open session on Tuesday, March 3, to consider fiscal planning for the coming year, with emphasis on public safety, health services, and support for local organizations.
The morning’s marquee item will be a presentation on the fiscal year 2027 general fund budget for public safety, covering law enforcement and emergency services. Sheriff Brian Albert and Emergency Services Director R. David Hays will outline proposed allocations that could affect county taxes, staffing levels, and response capabilities for residents.
Next in significance are approvals to submit applications for jail-based medication-assisted treatment programs, requesting a combined $617,072 in funding. Senior Grant Manager Carsten Ahrens and Day Reporting Center Program Director Meaghan Willis will present the proposals, aimed at expanding treatment for inmates with substance use disorders.
A related item seeks acceptance of funding for a police recruitment and retention grant, along with a Maryland Office of Overdose Response grant for the county Detention Center, to bolster public safety initiatives.
Following those, Grant Management Director Maria Kramer will share fiscal year 2027 community organization funding recommendations, which could affect services for seniors, children, and other vulnerable groups through local nonprofits.
Other notable items on the agenda:
- A presentation on the General George Washington 250th anniversary memorial statue by Al Martin, Tom Riford, Toby Mendez, and the George Washington Memorial Committee
- A proclamation recognizing Purchasing Month for the county Purchasing Department
- Approval of an emergency, expedited, sole source purchase for one aircraft rescue fire-fighting unit, presented by Purchasing Director Brandi Kentner, Public Works Director Andrew Eshleman, and Airport Fire Chief Danny Shirley
- An intergovernmental cooperative purchase for a 2026 Ford F-350 extended cab truck for the Solid Waste Department
- A name change for the Purchasing Department to the Washington County Office of Procurement
- Bid award for laboratory services for water and wastewater testing in the Department of Water Quality
- Fiscal 2027 personnel requests from Human Resources Director Chip Rose and Chief Financial Officer Kelcee Mace
- Reappointments to the Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council
The board will enter a closed session to discuss appointments to the Hagerstown Regional Airport Advisory Commission, the structure and responsibilities of certain volunteer boards, legal advice on a county-involved matter, and collective bargaining negotiations related to a proposed agreement.
The open portion of the meeting is expected to wrap up by noon. The meeting is open to the public and will be livestreamed on the county’s YouTube channel and local cable access. Written public comment may be submitted in advance to [email protected]. See the full agenda here.
