Washington County Commissioners approve FY 2026 budgets for transit and domestic violence programs

The Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland, convened on April 29, 2025, to discuss several key agenda items, including funding proposals and budget adjustments for the upcoming fiscal year.

The meeting commenced with a presentation by Maria Kramer, Director of the Office of Grant Management, regarding the FY 2026 Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) preliminary project descriptions. The board reviewed and prioritized five proposed projects totaling $1,333,000 in funding requests. The board unanimously approved the motion to forward these rankings to the Tri County Council of Western Maryland for funding consideration.

Next, Sean Harbaugh, Director of Transit, presented the fiscal year 2026 Annual Transit Plan application. The board approved a resolution to submit the application for $3,626,161 in federal and state funds to support public transportation programs in Washington County. This funding will require a local match of $1,212,288.

The meeting continued with discussions on various grant programs aimed at enhancing public safety. Lieutenant Daniel Maugham from the Sheriff’s Office requested approval for funding for the Domestic Violence Unit Program and the Local Warrant Apprehension and Absconding Grant Program, totaling $29,500 and $49,980, respectively. Both requests were approved by the board.

Further, the board addressed police recruitment and retention funding, approving $48,980 to assist in expanding the agency's visibility and providing retention incentives for deputies.

In infrastructure matters, Brandy Kent, Director of Purchasing, presented a bid award for the replacement of a backwash pump at the Sharpsburg Water Treatment Plant, which was awarded to Sid Nor Hydro for $72,495. The board also approved the purchase of two snow plows for the highway department, totaling $53,960, to ensure operational continuity during winter weather.

The meeting also included discussions on the purchase of mobile radios for the Sheriff’s Office, with a total cost of $82,257.12 approved under an intergovernmental cooperative purchase agreement.

A significant topic was the PFAS mitigation plan for Mount Etna and Sandy Hook wells, with the board approving a proposal for $69,350 to develop a plan addressing the presence of PFAS in the water supply, which is crucial for compliance with upcoming regulations.

Lastly, Kelsey Mace, Chief Financial Officer, presented updates on the FY 2026 operating and capital budgets, highlighting a total budget of $394.2 million, which reflects an overall reduction of $8.1 million due to state policy changes. The board discussed various adjustments made to balance the budget, including reductions in personnel requests and reallocations of funds.

The meeting concluded with a focus on ensuring the county's financial stability while addressing essential public safety and infrastructure needs. The board's decisions will guide the county's funding priorities and operational strategies for the upcoming fiscal year.