Courtney Thomas-Winterberg

The Allegany County Board of Commissioners meeting included discussions on various departmental activities and financial matters. Key topics included the Human Resources Department's employee training program and health insurance review, the Fiscal Year 2025 budget focusing on sustainability and fiscal responsibility, tourism growth and economic impact, emergency services improvements, economic and community development initiatives, public works projects, information technology upgrades, and planning and zoning activities.

The meeting included a presentation from Mountain Maryland Trails, discussing their work in promoting trails and tourism in the county, including a live video feed from the brush tunnel and their collaboration with DNR on the Georges Creek Trail. A public hearing was held regarding the constant yield tax rate, with discussions on assessment increases and revenue for the upcoming fiscal year. The consent agenda covered items such as a request for tax abatement, an operating agreement for correctional services, rules and regulations for county employees, a drainage improvement project, transportation priorities, and a community permissions request for a summer festival.

The meeting included presentations on Child Abuse Prevention month and Fair Housing month. It also recognized Frostburg State University's 125th anniversary as part of the Allegany County Community. The consent agenda included declarations of surplus vehicles for the Department of Public Works, approval for travel to the RX Summit opioid crisis conference, a contract continuation with Wellpath for medical care at the Allegheny County Detention Center, and a resolution for the Cumberland area unified planning work program.

The meeting addressed the Route 36 Water Project, authorized funding for the Bedford Road Sanitary District Rehabilitation phase seven project, and approved a contribution to the Allegheny Arts Council for the grand award. Also discussed was a grant award for County Election Safety and Security upgrades, revisions to rules and regulations governing employees, and the use of solutions vest for the computer-aided dispatch system. The meeting also touched on salvage yard license issuances and a travel request for Fair Personnel to attend the Pennsylvania fair convention. A citizen raised concerns about speeding and signage on Cash Valley Road. Commissioners also considered a proposal for a business or industrial organization locating or expanding and discussed the investment of public funds.

The meeting addressed salary study recommendations and implementations, including pay adjustments for non-union County employees and market adjustments for union groups. A retirement incentive was discussed to offset the implementation costs of the compensation and classification study. The Department of Public Works received approval for American Rescue Plan funding to purchase mini excavators. Additionally, a marketing grant agreement was authorized to support Allegheny County tourism, and funding was approved for the Cumberland Scottish rate foundation. The board also discussed the Baltimore Street renovation and its potential impact on local businesses, including the Embassy Theater.