HAGERSTOWN – The Washington County Board of County Commissioners wrapped up its 2025 open sessions on Dec. 16 with a series of approvals aimed at sustaining local agriculture, protecting public safety resources, upgrading critical infrastructure and enhancing recreational opportunities for residents.
Leading the agenda was a request to extend the popular Agricultural Innovation and Equipment Grant Program. Agricultural Business Specialist Kelsey Cato and Financial Programs Administrator Linda Spence presented data showing the program’s success: over three years, 72 applications sought more than $1.5 million, but only $300,000 was available, funding 15 farms.
Examples included farms developing multi-pack beverages for better retail placement and acquiring drone equipment for efficient field management. With demand remaining high, with last year’s requests alone totaling $546,000, the commissioners approved a three-year extension for 2027-2029 at $115,000 annually (a 15 percent increase), totaling $345,000 from hotel rental tax revenues. Previous recipients can reapply for different projects, with a scoring bonus for first-time awardees.
Next, Risk Management Coordinator Tracy McCammon outlined the 2026 insurance renewal for the Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association, totaling $1.13 million, a 23 percent increase driven by recent claims. Coverage includes property, auto and casualty, workers’ compensation and cyber liability.
Infrastructure concerns arose with a change order for the Smithsburg Wastewater Treatment Plant’s Enhanced Nutrient Removal project. Deputy Director Joe Moss explained supplier delays on equipment like motor control centers and valves led to a 341-day extension.
The $435,400 addition funds extended construction management. Funded by state loans, bonds and American Rescue Plan Act grants, commissioners questioned potential impacts on local development but approved it after clarifications.
Other items included a $91,000 state grant application for the new Emergency Communications Center design; an intergovernmental purchase of a 2026 Ford Explorer to replace an aging transit vehicle; and $1.08 million for new inclusive playground equipment at Marty Snook Park, featuring ADA-accessible structures, swings, climbers, sensory boards and shade.
The board also hired Jessica Keller as commercial building plans examiner and made a minor fiscal year correction to the agricultural grant.
All votes were 5-0, reflecting consensus on investments that support economic vitality, safety and quality of life as the county heads into 2026.
