Brian Albert

Key discussions included Commissioners' reports highlighting successful winter rescues by the Department of Emergency Services, recognition of volunteer service anniversaries, and updates on agricultural preservation efforts. A resolution was approved expressing support for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and Local Law Enforcement. Budget presentations covered the FY2027 budget request for the Washington County Commission on Aging/Area Agency on Aging, including approval to sponsor a Legacy Gala table. Action was taken to approve the grant extension, spend down waiver, and budget modification for the San Mar Community Development Block Grant. The Board approved the sole-source contract renewal for the Cyber Intrusion Detection and Monitoring System and authorized the sole-source procurement of a LifePak35 monitor/defibrillator. Approval was also granted to apply for and accept funding for the Circuit Court Family Support Services grant and to submit the FY27 Rural Health Grant Blood Program application. A budget adjustment was approved concerning EMS transition funds. Finally, the policy for AI use by County Personnel was adopted. The session included a closed session to discuss appointments to the Hagerstown Regional Airport Advisory Commission, economic development incentives, and legal matters.

The meeting included a State of the County presentation hosted by the Hagerstown-Washington County Chamber of Commerce. Staff comments centered on responses to a recent snow storm by First Responders and the Highways Department. The County Attorney sought and received consensus to oppose House Bill 99, which would expand municipal rezoning authority. The County Administrator secured consensus for an additional $100,000.00 in FY2027 Community Organization Funding and ratification of a letter of support for Senate Bill 193 concerning a sales and use tax exemption for the Mt. Aetna Technology Park. Commissioners also provided consensus on several other legislative letters of support concerning installment contracts for personal property acquisition, manufactured/modular home requirements, recovery residence licensing, the Salary Study Commission composition, septic tank disposal systems, sole source procurements, and the conversion of the Treasurer position from elected to appointed status. Agenda items included approving the Fiscal Year 2027 Rural Legacy Program grant application submission, awarding a primary requirements contract for Facility Design Services, awarding a contract for Oracle Fusion implementation of Human Capital Management, authorizing a Sole Source procurement for NICE maintenance support for Emergency Communications, reviewing a potential filter replacement change order, approving a sole source proposal for GEA Engineering services for wastewater treatment plants, approving repurposing a 911 Dispatcher role to a second training coordinator, approving hiring bonuses for certified Dispatchers, making appointments/reappointments to the Recreation and Parks Advisory Board and Building Code Board of Appeals, approving property dedication for the Eastern Boulevard Widening Project, and authorizing agreements with CSXT related to drainage improvements and outfall pipe installation. The session concluded with a closed session to discuss personnel matters, property acquisition, business funding requests, and to obtain legal advice from the County Attorney.

The meeting agenda included several key items for discussion and action. Topics covered included a resolution expressing support for the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and local law enforcement. The Board reviewed the Washington County Commission on Aging/Area Agency on Aging's FY2027 budget presentation, which requested additional funding to address rising demand for services. Decisions were also presented regarding sole source contract renewals for a Cyber Intrusion Detection and Monitoring System and the procurement of a LifePak35 Monitor/Defibrillator. Furthermore, the Board considered approval to apply for and accept a grant award from the Maryland Administrative Office of the Courts, Department of Juvenile & Family Services. Other items included approval to submit an application for the FY27 MIEMSS Rural Health Grant, approval of a FY26 Operating Budget Adjustment related to the Clear Spring EMS Transition, and the adoption of a new County AI Policy.

The 2025 State of the County outlines Washington County's vision for the year, building upon successful initiatives from 2024. The document focuses on enhancing access to County Services for citizens and businesses through motivated staff and strategic partnerships. Key investment areas for taxpayer dollars include Infrastructure, Public Safety, Economic Development, Human Services, and Education, aiming to strengthen the community and prepare for the future.

Key discussions included staff reports highlighting community engagement and thanking employees for holiday service. Action items involved the approval of a FY2027 Greenspace Equity Grant Application for the Marty Snook Park Multiuse Trail and Parking Project. The Board authorized a sole source procurement for maintenance agreements on Emergency Service's LifePak Monitors/Defibrillator Devices from Stryker Medical. A contract was awarded for the 40 West Landfill Cell 5 Construction to C. William Hetzer, Inc. The Board approved a proposal for on-call Engineering Services from Buchart Horn, Inc. for the Highfield Water Development project, alongside related budget transfers. Authorization was granted to hire nine additional firefighters in FY26, and a modification was approved for the Paramedic Program Memorandum of Understanding with Hagerstown Community College regarding revenue sharing percentages. Budget adjustments were approved for the State Homeland Security Grant, the Appalachian Regional Commission Airport Grant, excess rental income from 540 Western Maryland Parkway to the capital fund, and the Smithsburg Wastewater Treatment Plant change order. The Board also reached consensus to support two legislative items related to County Procurement authority, including clarifying multiyear contracts and revising the 'Sole Source Procurement' section of local laws. Following a closed session to discuss personnel matters and seek legal advice, the Board offered the 911 Operations Manager position to Alan Crawford.