HAGERSTOWN – The Washington County Board of County Commissioners will gather Tuesday, Nov. 25, for a meeting that blends solemn remembrance, holiday generosity, youth services and routine county business.
A highlight of the morning will be the presentation of a proclamation recognizing the 35th Annual Antietam National Battlefield Memorial Illumination.
Antietam National Battlefield Superintendent Andrew Banasik, event founder Georgene Charles, committee member Tom Riford, keynote speaker Dr. Thomas Clemens and photographer Judi Quelland will address the board about the upcoming “luminaria” event on Dec. 6 that honors the more than 23,000 soldiers killed, wounded or missing in the bloodiest single-day battle in American history.
Next, Kathleen Prest, local coordinator for the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots campaign, will officially launch the 2025 drive and seek continued county support for the annual holiday gift collection for children in need.
Purchasing Director Brandi Kentner will present two contract awards for out-of-school program services for the Office of Grants Management, and an intergovernmental cooperative purchase of playground equipment for the new Woodland Way neighborhood park.
Kelsey Keadle, agriculture business specialist with the Department of Business and Economic Development, will present the latest “Faces of Farming” spotlight on local agricultural leaders.
Administrative items on the agenda include a request from the departments of Permits and Inspections and Human Resources Director Chip Rose to reclassify two office associate positions and a proposal from Emergency Services Director R. David Hays to appoint an assistant medical director for the Public Safety Training Center’s paramedic program.
The board will enter closed session to discuss personnel matters including open positions and reclassifications, and to receive legal advice from the county attorney on water system allocation, an MOU negotiation, and updates on two ongoing legal matters involving the county.
Residents may submit comments on agenda items or any county business to [email protected]. See the full agenda here.
