HAGERSTOWN – Washington County commissioners reviewed a presentation at their Jan. 13 meeting showing Hagerstown residents contribute about $53.8 million less in real property taxes annually than their usage of county services would suggest, but decided against any adjustments to the existing tax differential.
County Administrator Michelle Gordon, along with Chief Financial Officer Kelcee Mace and Deputy Director of Budget and Finance Zane Garrett, presented the figures. Gordon outlined that city residents represent about 22% of the county’s assessed property value but account for a higher share of shared services.
Mace detailed specific shortfalls, including 33.7% of public school enrollment tied to city residents, resulting in an excess use of $14.7 million, and around 62% of detention and 911 services, totaling $10.5 million. Garrett contributed to the calculations, noting similar imbalances in transit, judicial responses, community college, health and social services, libraries and the Commission on Aging.
After credits for duplicated city services, such as enhanced fire response with 1-2 minute arrivals compared to 5-20 minutes in rural areas, the current differential provides roughly $6.4 million in annual relief to Hagerstown and the county’s other eight municipalities, lowering their county tax bills relative to unincorporated properties.
Staff members suggested a small rate adjustment from 92.8 cents to 94.37 cents per $100 of assessed value to better align costs but recommended no changes at this time.
Commissioners described the differential as a voluntary policy in a non-charter county like Washington. They noted that it is not required by state law, unlike in some charter counties. The policy is intended to prevent double taxation in cases where municipalities provide overlapping services. The optional nature of the relief, Commissioner Jeffrey A. Cline said, equates to $6.4 million “directly in the pockets” of municipalities.
For Hagerstown taxpayers, the differential means lower county property taxes than in unincorporated areas, helping offset the cost of city-provided services. For residents outside municipalities, the figures highlight a perceived subsidy, with non-city taxpayers covering higher service demands from denser urban zones.
This differential has been a recurring topic for years, rooted in the state’s approach to avoiding double taxation in areas with municipal duplication of county functions, such as fire, police or public works.
Annual budget reviews have kept it in place, balancing urban-rural equity amid factors such as population density, service needs and recent property assessment increases (12.7% countywide in 2026, with some Hagerstown residential areas up to 22.8%).
Commissioners indicated no action was taken because they view it as a stable, deliberate choice without a pressing need for revision, especially while monitoring new state assessments this year. The topic could return during spring budget hearings.
Residents from all areas can follow updates on washco-md.net or attend future meetings. For personalized tax impacts, contact the treasurer’s office at 240-313-2110 or check property records via the county site.
New south county ambulance shows strong early performance
Emergency Services Director Dave Hays reported that the new ambulance unit at Boonsboro’s Station 8, which began operations Dec. 1, handled 50 calls in December, including 38 patient transports, and added 19 more by early January 2026.
The placement in Rohrersville addressed a long-standing coverage gap in southern Washington County, reducing response times by 7 to 14 minutes per call and potentially improving outcomes in remote areas. Fire chiefs and community members expressed strong support, crediting years of advocacy and the backing of the commissioner for the success.
I-81 Widening Project Timeline Detailed
County Administrator Michelle Gordon outlined updates from a recent stakeholder meeting on Interstate 81 expansion. Phase 2A covers about 2.5 miles from Route 63/68 in Williamsport to south of I-70, while Phase 2B extends to Halfway Boulevard. The work will add a third lane in the median, with design 65% complete and 90% expected by spring 2026.
Construction is anticipated to start in 2027 for 2A and in 2028 for 2B, maintaining two through lanes during peak hours, temporarily lowering speed limits to 55 mph, and limiting short detours to overnights or weekends.
Interchange improvements, particularly at U.S. Route 11, are included along with temporary signs, speed cameras, and enforcement.
Open Meetings Act complaint resolved in commissioners’ favor
Gordon summarized a Maryland Open Meetings Compliance Board ruling on a Dec. 23, 2025, complaint alleging improper removal of two individuals from a prior meeting for disruptions involving cursing and audience interactions.
The board found no violation, affirming the commissioners’ authority to remove disruptors during a recess to restore order and rejecting claims of arbitrary decorum enforcement or pre-planned malice based on video evidence.
The decision affirmed that the act protects observation rights but does not guarantee participation.
Museum reports growth, seeks 2027 funding
Leaders from the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts highlighted 2025 achievements, including the Frida Kahlo exhibition, which drew strong visitor feedback and tourism, 105% growth in Garden Nights attendance to 908, and youth programs serving thousands.
With 88% of $1.7 million in expenses supporting programs and free admission, they requested continued county support in 2027 to sustain operations and community outreach.
Other Items
· Commissioners approved nine additional firefighter positions for 2026 to bolster emergency response.
· Consensus was given to propose legislation clarifying multi-year personal property purchases for better rates and allowing electronic posting of sole-source procurement notices.
· Budget adjustments were approved for state homeland security and airport grants, the 540 Western Maryland Parkway and the Smithsburg Wastewater Treatment Plant.
· Contracts were awarded for 40 West Landfill Cell 5 construction, Highfield water development and sole-source maintenance for defibrillators and CPR devices.
· A Greenspace Equity Grant application was authorized.
