HAGERSTOWN – On Tuesday, Sept. 9, the Washington County Board of County Commissioners will convene at 10 a.m. to address critical community initiatives, including the repeal of two economic incentive programs, multiple budget adjustments, and public health and safety measures, while also awarding bids for infrastructure and emergency services.
Topping the agenda will be consideration of a vote to repeal the Pad-Ready Site Stimulus Program and the New Jobs Tax Credit Program, a move aimed at reshaping economic development strategies. The first of these was scheduled to sunset on July 1. Deputy County Attorney Rosalinda Pascual and Financial Programs Administrator Linda Spence will present the proposal, alongside an amendment to the Job Creation and Capital Investment Real Property Tax Credit Program.
Significant financial adjustments are also on the agenda, with Chief Financial Officer Kelcee Mace proposing 2026 capital budget changes for the COVID-era American Rescue Plan Act and the Water Fund, as well as addressing 2025 excess revenues. These fiscal measures are critical for aligning county resources with infrastructure and community needs.
Health Officer Earl Stoner will present updates on three programs led by Girls, Inc. of Washington County: True You Maryland, the Personal Responsibility Education Program, and the Sexual Risk Avoidance Education. These initiatives focus on youth education and health, reflecting the county’s commitment to community well-being.
Infrastructure and public safety will see advancements through multiple bid and contract awards including a construction bid for a concrete foundation for the Fire Training Burn Building, presented by Scott Hobbs, director of engineering. Additionally, the board will consider a funding request for a Community Rescue Service sub-station, presented by R. David Hays, Robert Buck and James Sprecher Jr., to bolster emergency response capabilities.
Procurement actions dominate the agenda, with several awards aimed at improving county operations. Key items include a contract for bulk road salt delivery, a Schwarze A8TE street sweeper for stormwater management and a new 2026 Ford truck with a snow removal package for the Transit Department. Other awards involve grounds maintenance chemicals, fire service testing and a fuel management system for the Highway Department.
Personnel changes are also slated for discussion, including the reclassification of a deputy position to sergeant, presented by Chip Rose and Major Joel Footen, and the reclassification of a permit systems specialist to permit operations manager, presented by Greg Cartrette, Beck Gandy and Rose. An offer for an assistant maintenance supervisor position to William Blair will also be considered.
The board will recognize community efforts with a proclamation for Washington Goes Purple, presented to Cassandra Hershberger, chair of the initiative, highlighting the county’s fight against opioid addiction. Additionally, Kelsey Keadle, business specialist for agriculture, will deliver a “Faces of Farming” presentation to underscore the importance of local agriculture.
A closed session will address personnel appointments, a foreign trade zone extension, legal advice on county matters and public security discussions related to fire and rescue services development. The board will reconvene in open session at 2 p.m. See the full agenda here.
