[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6534064,"mediaKeyId","3640155-b467c678f26dc489d47d668239266151","parentId",3640155,"title","Washington County discusses changes to Adequate Public Facilities and building excise tax; no final vote","audioSeconds",1344,"startMs",8196000,"endMs",9540000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3640155-b467c678f26dc489d47d668239266151&start=8196&end=9540","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3640155-b467c678f26dc489d47d668239266151/thumbnail_8196000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6534064/Washington-County/Maryland/Washington-County-discusses-changes-to-Adequate-Public-Facilities-and-building-excise-tax-no-final-vote","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6534064-affa2431c8488aeb57e6f1606f875146/orig.mp4?Expires=1771211821&Signature=J9YkVvMTv3e~kSrx2NYAKHrnXtKF270AihVaDnLbL-JmlzmC8rF1t1gL3TLHEUczhUYe64U615m3isVbHLz2YrYzuBayu3Osly5p~uqH3dDVVoKOXqLJtYSc1zLC6XOFhgkUMDMPXsqkCG77KEtwsvw3fF5IRfQ7uM327b6D5OscGDNlOvn2w6PyzLAYLx0wSht4GghttBSJxfK8TlaQMDyyc87nIlqonH4FIS6X2mfhAMtt~feM67Aiqh~I6ZGfoVaZl5J5u35JiwfIs3ABQQ-~eD5X5B497ll0kTEEcNBXL4ZHtqBGBK8Ut5rxY0UBCSxdW2OUEBpBZOfOgF7IFQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Washington County, MD","date","2025-06-03T15:58:46.2Z","article","Jill Baker, director of the Department of Planning and Zoning, updated the Washington County Board of County Commissioners on proposed amendments to the Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance (APFO) and the Building Excise Tax Ordinance (BETO) that would change how new residential development is mitigated for school and road impacts.

Baker said staff proposes to remove the APFO’s existing alternate mitigation contribution option and replace it with two main measures: an increase in the county building excise tax from $1 to $2 per square foot and a cap that would limit developments triggering school capacity over 100% to 25 new residential building permits per development per calendar year unless the board grants an exception. She said individualized mitigation plans would still be required for projects that push a school to more than 120% of state-rated capacity and that the county would add guidance listing possible mitigation options, including direct monetary contributions, land dedication, redistricting in coordination with the Board of Education, or targeted capacity projects expected to take effect within five years.

The planning presentation included three examples to show how the changes would affect costs for homeowners and developers: (1) development on an existing lot of record would see the excise tax double from $2,000 to $4,000 for a 2,000-square-foot house; (2) a typical new lot outside a municipality showed a net decrease in combined APFO/excise costs because the APFO contribution would be eliminated while the excise tax increases; and (3) development inside incorporated municipalities — where APFO is locally administered — would be subject only to the higher excise tax. Baker recommended an effective date of Jan. 1, 2026, to allow time to update permit-tracking software and scripting so the county could automate the new requirements and avoid processing delays.

Commissioners pressed staff on implementation burdens, automation and staffing implications, and whether the public comment period should be reopened. Commissioner questions focused on which projects would be “grandfathered” if a site plan is in process, the potential need for additional permit-review staff depending on the level of customization commissioners adopt, and whether the proposed permit limits are fixed or discretionary. Baker confirmed the intent to grandfather projects that are already in process if the board adopts the changes with a future effective date and said staff believes they can implement the changes internally but needs time to update the tracking system.

The board did not adopt any ordinance at the meeting. Commissioners asked staff to return with revisions after additional meetings and said they would set a new effective date when they bring the item back. Leaders also discussed whether to reopen the public comment period; the board left that decision to a later meeting.

Why it matters: the proposals would change how Washington County shares development costs and how fast new housing can be permitted in school-districts already over capacity. The changes could raise near-term costs for some homebuyers, shift mitigation away from ad-hoc developer payments to a broader excise-tax fund, and limit the pace of development in affected subdivisions.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Board of County Commissioner Meeting - June 3, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Jill Baker, director of the Department of Planning and Zoning, updated the Washington County Board of County Commissioners on proposed amendments to the Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance and the building excise tax that would eliminate the APFO alternate mitigation payment, double the county’s excise tax for new residential construction and limit annual permits for developments that push school capacity above 100%.","taxTitle","Washington County, Maryland","taxId",4677,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6534052,"Votes at a glance: Washington County commissioners approve contracts, grants, easements and appointments",476,9544000,10020000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3640155-b467c678f26dc489d47d668239266151&start=9544&end=10020","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3640155-b467c678f26dc489d47d668239266151/thumbnail_9544000.jpg","/articles/6534052/Washington-County/Maryland/Votes-at-a-glance-Washington-County-commissioners-approve-contracts-grants-easements-and-appointments","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6534052-47445fb68e6d777db0bb6d299b5b168b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771211821&Signature=G5MLYK-73ZZO4qqVBsaACNYNLYzxLpHBDbg2liJG4oIJA6b4eqNEAzWD0D4FCZ88-Nw5cfwTRghyNG1SUwPMOF1O79gbJ2Rlom2lMs5xzIqxSGuSsD0lhJtYXJp9aMw8MsE6W5K0K~4b4YbrjpTlC842-A56T8xluMLxJ9aJI3A7seC2ldIgF2qp1C5a18Lr6RzxL9KB5Sdj9dqrO05iQJprctSedTdKRoKnclTC5OpV49QNjVtqHYGRIadLZIIPea8zppXuC7d8pqapbqw-OcSH62cXt4avV9vFT8Uw2pAIoLM3Tl5GrWI8g-yn-~K8~6vZaVB9MecfpJ5qVGRHPw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Washington County Board of County Commissioners recorded votes on a range of administrative, procurement and grant items at its meeting. Most measures passed unanimously. Below is a concise roundup of formal actions taken and key details.

Key votes and outcomes (summary):
- Collective bargaining agreements: The board approved successor collective bargaining agreements with the National Corrections Employees Union Local 146 (corrections officers) and Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 150 (patrol deputies). Highlights included a 6% market adjustment for FY2026, step increases and revised shift differentials for corrections staff (evening differential 3%→5%; night 5%→7%). Vote: 5-0.
- EMS staffing and MOU (Halfway Volunteer Fire Company): Approved (see separate article). Vote: 5-0.
- Purchases and sole-source approvals:
- Intergovernmental cooperative purchase INTG25-0191: 13 sets of structural firefighting turnout gear from Municipal Emergency Services (Rockville, MD) at contracted pricing, total $53,148.55. Vote: 5-0.
- Intergovernmental cooperative purchase INTG25-0192: 120 sets of turnout gear from Maryland Fire Equipment Corp., total $453,175.05. Vote: 5-0.
- Sole source PUR 1752: ESO (AutoCAD/incident-reporting) maintenance agreement, $108,666.86. Vote: 5-0.
- Renewal/extension PUR 1654: Tyler/Munis enterprise software licensing and support renewal, $237,334 for 07/01/2025–06/30/2026 (4-of-5 required; approval recorded). Vote: 5-0.
- Bid awards:
- PUR 1740: Leachate hauling contract awarded to AC & T Inc. (Hagerstown), lump-sum $438,400; one-year term with up to two one-year renewals. Vote: 5-0.
- PUR 1742: Electronics recycling awarded to EACR Inc. (Lakewood, NJ); rates: $0.14/lb CRT, $0.10/lb non-CRT, $685 per trip. Vote: 5-0.
- PUR 1730: Digital Air Park LED sign at Hagerstown Regional Airport awarded to Smart Signs LLC, $194,308.39; project funded 100% by a Maryland Department of Commerce economic development grant. Vote: 5-0.
- PUR 1735 Section A: Retention pond mowing (57 ponds) awarded to Young's Lawn Service LLC, $4,730 per mowing; two-year term with renewal options. Vote: 5-0.
- Rural Legacy Program conservation easements:
- Ashcraft Rice Easement: Approved; $1,000,000 to preserve 256.57 acres and extinguish 14 development rights; funded from FY2025 Rural Legacy grant. Vote: 5-0.
- Bond Easement: Approved; $176,050 to preserve 45.18 acres and extinguish 5 development rights. Vote: 5-0.
- Grants and program approvals:
- Police Accountability, Community and Transparency Grant FY26: Acceptance of $50,000 for officer wellness/peer support training. Vote: 5-0.
- Department of Social Services Child Support Enforcement Grant FY26: Acceptance of $636,806 for staff and associated costs (source described as state funding in the meeting). Vote: 5-0.
- Maryland 911 Board: Priority dispatch system application and award in the amount of $428,286 (discounted from $491,286); 911 security enhancements grant $37,244.64. Vote: 5-0 on both.
- Appointments and administrative actions:
- Appointment of David Yeoman as the at-large member to the Salary Study Commission and approval of the full slate of nominees required by statute. Vote: 5-0.
- Prehire/advertise replacement for position #930, assistant superintendent of maintenance for water quality, to overlap training with retiring incumbent; motion approved 5-0.
- FY25 Washington County Public Schools general fund budget adjustments presented by school staff were approved 4-0 (recorded in the meeting as 4-0 at that vote).
- Zoning map amendment RZ-25-001 (Myron and Hazelhorst): Approved with one abstention recorded during the roll call (vote recorded in meeting as 4 yes, 0 no, 1 abstain).
- Triparty MOU for the new Downsville Elementary School facility (Board of Education, Maryland Stadium Authority, County): Approved 5-0 to secure state Built to Learn funding and outline local share obligations.

Most motions were moved, seconded and approved on the record; the meeting minutes and signed agreements will be filed with county administration. For items involving contracts and sole-source renewals, staff identified available funding in departmental operating or capital accounts as indicated in agenda packets.

Why it matters: the votes put in place labor agreements for public-safety staff, funded procurement for equipment and infrastructure, preserved hundreds of acres through Rural Legacy, and authorized several grants and software contracts that affect operations across county departments.","At its June session the board approved multiple bid awards, sole-source renewals, two rural legacy easements and labor contracts, along with appointments and grant acceptances. Most votes were unanimous (5-0).",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6534056,"County lobbyist reports capital wins, warns of state trend to preempt local control",1144,6997000,8141000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3640155-b467c678f26dc489d47d668239266151&start=6997&end=8141","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3640155-b467c678f26dc489d47d668239266151/thumbnail_6997000.jpg","/articles/6534056/Washington-County/Maryland/County-lobbyist-reports-capital-wins-warns-of-state-trend-to-preempt-local-control","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6534056-876757988eccd775ad3c9ce8b12701d6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771211821&Signature=JeGLtolPqo59m7n8UZONikYiFgCY1yVjBw~5BkRz2XFsaOJ-xwyCE3IYVbvFUjTqwJd~l7OSc5RPNeMJjvC5SAJhqiGUXAqSJUdnd8HKHdH6VL9RjViuAOUkpyXyFC-swCWhEJzZ~FAOrs6KfCt2TKY~vF8UnvasFbFL-OwP1bf-M0XLs4y5phSQasnoMADds7VnI~xXy99e-Vmyv~S59dkI5RCNsUd5O-0Xd3ub-zLSTK-sb9YpdzkOC0-sYru3YSLmHdnBDxVUTIxCMsV43h2yJHEZgdn4cyjMn7Cr5FgC8d~EKOpOKvWQUEYZeGOCQZVJSmwTI5dvqci2KItCDg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Bruce Beriano, Washington County’s longtime Annapolis lobbyist, briefed the Board of County Commissioners on the recent legislative session and the county’s results from the 90-day session.

Beriano said Washington County “did extremely well” obtaining state capital and budget appropriations this cycle, citing funding that will support projects including I-81 work and county agencies. He noted an allocation of $63 million tied to I-81 as particularly significant and said that county delegates and senators were active in securing funds. He also warned commissioners that the legislature presented an unusually high number of bills that would impose new requirements on local governments, and urged continued engagement by county associations such as MACo and MML.

Beriano highlighted several bills of concern, including a law that will require counties to fund 90% of the costs for the state tax-assessment office — a state agency whose director and board are appointed by the governor — and said the shift troubled him as a policy matter. He also noted a bill that moved the deadline for counties to finalize tax rates from July 1 to June 20 and said county staff should monitor the implementation of those changes.

Commissioners thanked Beriano for the briefing and discussed continued participation in statewide municipal and county associations. Several commissioners asked Beriano to continue attending regional MACo/MML meetings and to support county priorities, including transportation funding and the public-safety training center.

Why it matters: Beriano’s briefing confirmed new capital resources for county projects this year but flagged legislative trends that could change local fiscal responsibilities and administrative deadlines. Commissioners said they want continued advocacy to protect county authority and funding.","Longtime Annapolis lobbyist Bruce Beriano told commissioners Washington County secured capital funding this session but flagged a trend of more state bills directing local operations and a new requirement shifting most tax-assessment office costs to counties.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6534061,"Board approves EMS staffing transition with Halfway Volunteer Fire Company; county to hire 12 EMTs/paramedics",530,12530000,13060000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3640155-b467c678f26dc489d47d668239266151&start=12530&end=13060","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3640155-b467c678f26dc489d47d668239266151/thumbnail_12530000.jpg","/articles/6534061/Washington-County/Maryland/Board-approves-EMS-staffing-transition-with-Halfway-Volunteer-Fire-Company-county-to-hire-12-EMTsparamedics","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6534061-3549d1907a116dbdb2dee4252148894e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771211821&Signature=Yv7Ba5b7vSnBrYk8BQpfpGrNEmrBXjaKXUHA5vIuwN1A4NlJ1IX3xhrobcJdp67Y9n-3h6gMI7mdHiucdiJysrb3spWgr~~SKk4tq~NlPzGj-VG7lXX9mC~dFI~qr7YHKlgLp2oaJ6tYYQ7zOgTHV2LcPaNyo1zidtgVi~WOP3O4NiRUVNkxxsoGuMSe1Zc8Vs79oxaj8U96f9LmybG05lKcmqiXNalLO5RqjdXmLuHZsdn0EHA5TH6u8X6vt1yrwYlQf2YEmIVK8ydHzqRShaCP15Bp~uK2PcRreSE~fOQk8HE5P~6mfElCytF6MWbsRbsnvaQygEQy3TCnHCpwhA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Washington County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve a memorandum of understanding to transition EMS staffing for the Halfway Volunteer Fire Company to a county-employee model and authorized the Division of Emergency Services to hire 12 EMT/paramedics.

Dave Hayes, director of emergency services, said the transition aims to stabilize staffing at Station 26 and create a long-term partnership that combines county oversight with the volunteer company’s local operations. Hayes told the board the fiscal impact is estimated at approximately $261,855.72 and that funds are budgeted in the county’s FY25 and FY26 budgets. As part of the plan, three of the hires are recommended to be classified as lieutenants to assist with field supervision during the period of transition and hiring.

Leaders of the Halfway Volunteer Fire Company, including Chief James Jerubaugh and President Dustin Gearhart, described the move as a cooperative step to sustain emergency medical services in a large coverage area that includes portions of Interstate 81 and U.S. 40. They told commissioners the change is not a reflection of past performance by company staff but a structural response to recruitment and service demands.

Commissioners and fire-service leaders said the arrangement mirrors earlier transitions the county completed with Smithsburg EMS, Williamsport Fire EMS and Hancock Rescue Squad in February 2024 and is intended to preserve local service while ensuring consistent staffing levels. The board approved the MOU by unanimous vote and directed county staff to finalize implementation details and sign the agreement.

Why it matters: the MOU is intended to reduce long-term vacancies, maintain response capacity in the Halfway service area, and integrate billing and administrative services within the county emergency-services framework.","Commissioners approved an MOU to transition ambulance staffing at the Halfway Volunteer Fire Company into a county-employee partnership, budgeted at about $261,856 and including three lieutenant positions for field supervision.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Washington County discusses changes to Adequate Public Facilities and building excise tax; no final vote

Votes at a glance: Washington County commissioners approve contracts, grants, easements and appointments

County lobbyist reports capital wins, warns of state trend to preempt local control

Board approves EMS staffing transition with Halfway Volunteer Fire Company; county to hire 12 EMTs/paramedics