HAGERSTOWN, Md. – Washington County Commissioners will hold their regular open session on March 24, with an agenda centered on core county operations, with budget planning for roads and public safety leading the way, along with health services for students.
The main item is the presentation of the 2027 highway budget by Public Works Director Andrew Eshleman and Highways Deputy Director Zane Rowe. The proposed spending totals $15.15 million, a 5.38 percent increase over last year.
This budget directly shapes the maintenance of county roads used by every resident daily, from pothole repairs and snow plowing to signage and traffic signals.
The jump stems largely from higher salaries and benefits, including a new assistant section supervisor position, as well as rising costs for road maintenance, snow removal and fleet operations. The general fund contribution rises by $816,390 to cover wages and insurance.
Next in significance is the airport firefighting staffing request, presented by Public Works Director Andrew Eshleman, Airport Director Neil Doran and Human Resources Director Chip Rose.
Officials seek to add two full-time aircraft rescue and firefighting positions plus three part-time roles to meet requirements under a contract with Sierra Nevada Company for flight testing.
The move ties into a 77% spike in the airport’s rescue and firefighting line to $1.02 million as part of the broader $4.9 million airport budget, which itself rises 21.27%. The changes support public safety at the regional airport while contributing to its role in economic growth.
Third is approval to apply for and accept a $318,00 2027 school-based health center grant, presented by Grant Manager Richard Lesh. The funds would support health services at South Hagerstown High School and Western Heights Middle School, including exams, prescriptions and the management of students’ chronic conditions. The award also provides $12,500 for county administrative costs and expands access to care for children in the school system.
Other items include a public hearing on a minor zoning map amendment to add a rural business overlay on three acres at 20511 Leitersburg Pike for trailer sales expansion, with planning commission approval already recommended and no public opposition noted.
The board will also consider proclamations for American Red Cross Month and National Agriculture Day, the 2027 golf course budget of about $1.65 million, medical supply procurements for ambulance companies and emergency services, a $71,850 roof coating contract for the transit department, a $1.5 million transit grant application, a $7.4 million housing bond allocation transfer and a proposed merger of the historic district commission with the historical advisory committee.
The board will enter closed session twice: early for legal advice on a county-involved matter and later for personnel appointments to various boards, staff assignments, a real-property lease discussion and additional legal counsel. The open session is expected to wrap before 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 packet here
