[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-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",[32,74,86,98,110],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":44,"_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":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},"mediaId",6518375,"mediaKeyId","5392433-fe14fc19a81ecb5c696cebaff886ff8f","parentId",5392433,"title","County engineering presents Potomac Edison incentive estimate of about $25,000 a year for Smithsburg upgrade; verification to follow","audioSeconds",0,"startMs",4122000,"endMs","viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5392433-fe14fc19a81ecb5c696cebaff886ff8f&start=4122&end=4122","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5392433-fe14fc19a81ecb5c696cebaff886ff8f/thumbnail_4122000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6518375/Washington-County/Maryland/County-engineering-presents-Potomac-Edison-incentive-estimate-of-about-25000-a-year-for-Smithsburg-upgrade-verification-to-follow","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6518375-8864f5fe8025157804370c2a7294d0ed/orig.mp4?Expires=1771135769&Signature=Jf7FRYmcnDFBWOTNv9V10I-qiefr85QL3YOtf3cB30iUCVGzuBMb1wUyufJQC-UnQQXSoY~EWSt590ehEyK04alKRrqZyFMolXZ3BncbVn7Ho-UOVwQBJUILXDrPaBVWEuADKa-DgM-Z5uI~rwMWmrY2AOMEcT6aufpuRznleFSCeG6UjxLHD4Mlm02uDIGhSihMvpFIPG3Ht5KJPWQP3j~6hvRz5rmzp9qCJ3aAMn5reePYXaZJ6xPU-25n-bZ4tluQ2MXRV-KNRT0NsWBZAXN8dOj4py--~4BjG2WMB8AFTDXe1eGzrNyH85bXvW~GSU6pLECnE0YKwLNfHzUIpA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Washington County, MD","date","2025-07-15T12:51:34Z","article","Washington County engineering staff presented an incentive agreement from Potomac Edison that estimates roughly $25,000 in annual energy savings after the county’s Smithsburg wastewater treatment upgrades go online.

Joe Moss, deputy director for engineering services in the Department of Water Quality, told commissioners that Potomac Edison reviewed the upgrade specifications and calculated the estimated annual savings. “As you can tell from the letter, they estimate our savings after the upgrade goes online to be approximately $25,000 a year,” Moss said. He cautioned the savings figure must be verified by comparing measured before‑and‑after energy consumption once the work is operational; energy usage could increase or decrease.

Why it matters: the estimated incentive and energy savings could reduce operating costs at the wastewater plant, but the county will verify actual savings after commissioning.

Ending: Moss’s presentation was informational; staff later asked to administratively move remaining open‑session agenda items to the next meeting and the board recessed into closed session.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Board of County Commissioners Meeting - July 15, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The county’s engineering staff told commissioners Potomac Edison estimates about $25,000 in annual energy savings from planned Smithsburg wastewater treatment upgrades; staff said the figure must be verified after the upgrade goes online.","taxTitle","Washington County, Maryland","taxId",4677,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_46":80,"_48":81,"_50":82,"_52":83,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":84,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":85,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6518380,"County adopts heat‑stress policy after state OSHA request",138,4043000,4181000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5392433-fe14fc19a81ecb5c696cebaff886ff8f&start=4043&end=4181","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5392433-fe14fc19a81ecb5c696cebaff886ff8f/thumbnail_4043000.jpg","/articles/6518380/Washington-County/Maryland/County-adopts-heatstress-policy-after-state-OSHA-request","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6518380-699f0ad727f476122d4c00029367d990/orig.mp4?Expires=1771135769&Signature=AuJYY4Dn023A7vI7Pd0BssXL1EIgIKrYkKOWLIj1Cn96PcqXBCtRCHq8lqXpAJB6oUJM5lBAIgHJWhgPUhZCPXsSff9EDthIZFtYPiSuEqnoq9u1FrD2oZPtN~FsWAe-xua4INLPqwB2ZTdcM8VrAlREFBPbhnFUYJ8uCPb8xNX6vwUyrATZhB5LrgFxfQkeV77-t3M5CQO2Wq3Fe-S2JZLtERRtppFHkyuO0iYEA2PSU1J~qcPma8H21i7z9vVQEcMQ~gkHkv0sgqv0bUCAJJXms6ZmTX4zp40tNwTA7WYzh9B-9PVD9FfSeiSsh933IM0Hp7IxVtKYNgQ5sPMOkQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Washington County commissioners voted 4‑0 to adopt an official heat‑stress policy for county employees after staff said the Maryland Department of Labor’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health asked state and county agencies to formalize plans addressing heat‑stress risks.

Chip Rose, director of human resources, introduced the policy and said it applies to employees who may be exposed to extreme heat while performing work duties, “including outdoor and indoor environments where the heat exposure essentially temps over 88 degrees would occur.” Brian Evercash, the training and safety coordinator, was present to answer questions.

Why it matters: the policy creates a formal framework for managing heat exposure for employees working in hot conditions and aligns county practice with state OSHA guidance. The policy was accepted as submitted and approved by voice vote.

Ending: Staff will implement the policy through departmental safety training and monitoring; commissioners approved the adoption without amendment.","Washington County commissioners adopted a heat‑stress policy applicable to employees exposed to extreme heat, responding to a request from the Maryland Department of Labor Division of Occupational and Safety.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_46":92,"_48":93,"_50":94,"_52":95,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":96,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":97,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6518383,"Commissioners approve second $25,000 room‑tax payment for George Washington sculpture project",958,2492000,3450000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5392433-fe14fc19a81ecb5c696cebaff886ff8f&start=2492&end=3450","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5392433-fe14fc19a81ecb5c696cebaff886ff8f/thumbnail_2492000.jpg","/articles/6518383/Washington-County/Maryland/Commissioners-approve-second-25000-roomtax-payment-for-George-Washington-sculpture-project","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6518383-b0288c0d9d5faa29b870b59bd44e1612/orig.mp4?Expires=1771135769&Signature=Jnn30c3ojKvuC5in2vivSrQFX2pfdVKG7VhUoXFwI0UOjlKrdqB04ioIi5HUIB1mPzvm5WIQr~NuGxkDhp6zdNBL-HYpAdT0fCEr~uDEn4xDUmfWFW0OzrCm6v3Q6V~6y8v7a88hM6BwBjOeRQmE46g8WACE~502dRudwYMEIJdjgS9q1Ib0JWzTgLlU4bNfXK3pem8GWJ1zebR6IBMkAKO313lKlE~RxlXMyFbGLwSRI4gZpi3mepcxMCHGjhUu05tNQm~fcIQGT~IlMv4MwT1OfwWnT~g~ErscOS926q0LfCMd3Vb6b648w-mNeeGoxi8zBEmUhH-3jF9KNHmWew__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Washington County commissioners voted 4‑0 to fulfill a previously committed second installment of $25,000 in hotel/motel (room) tax funds to support the George Washington sculpture project, a community‑led effort to place a statue honoring the county’s namesake near the courthouse.

Tom Ryford and committee members presented a two‑foot maquette (miniature model) of the planned sculpture and described the enlargement and foundry process. Local sculptor Toby Mendez said the maquette was created from Mount Vernon reference material and will be scanned and enlarged to a seven‑foot scale before mold‑making and lost‑wax bronze casting. “You see here today the the 2 foot scale maquette, which shows all of the detail that the final sculpture of General Washington would have,” Mendez said.

Committee members said the Washington County Community Foundation will act as fiscal agent to receive and manage donations, avoiding the expense of forming a nonprofit. The county had committed $25,000 in the prior fiscal year from room‑tax monies; the board’s action provided the second $25,000 payment to advance enlargement and mold‑making work.

Why it matters: the project is timed ahead of bicentennial celebrations the committee referenced and organizers said the statue will be a long‑term commemorative installation. Presenters also asked commissioners to consider supporting the project during the upcoming state legislative session for possible bond‑bill funding.

Votes and next steps: Commissioner Klein moved to fulfill the second $25,000 commitment and Commissioner Wagner seconded; the motion carried 4‑0. Committee members requested a photo with commissioners and said they will proceed with the enlargement studio work following this payment.

Ending: With the funding commitment in place, organizers said they will enlarge the maquette, complete mold work, and move toward foundry casting.","The county approved a second $25,000 allocation from hotel/motel (room) tax funds to support enlargement and casting of a George Washington sculpture to be placed near the courthouse; the payment completes a two‑installment commitment.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_46":104,"_48":105,"_50":106,"_52":107,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":108,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":109,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6518385,"Board of Health approves one‑year Medicaid transportation contract extension to Am Van",107,938000,1045000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5392433-fe14fc19a81ecb5c696cebaff886ff8f&start=938&end=1045","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5392433-fe14fc19a81ecb5c696cebaff886ff8f/thumbnail_938000.jpg","/articles/6518385/Washington-County/Maryland/Board-of-Health-approves-oneyear-Medicaid-transportation-contract-extension-to-Am-Van","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6518385-2ff3161fcff448bb9b8540a18ff4cf4e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771135769&Signature=GxoSNfuTcHWXJAO2oY0wjWbJ3wcusevPClJ1EXuU~xgPYpfpnR1dBuGWWkyNGUVeLaFixcycwM0KuRx2j1XbhgDpX1PM7IVSgplzEFEHQWbpCQNHkwSeuxbfdtdqPhOCEryDjLiL~SOKHJ9H2d1ONCjQcIww8PW7zYstyTf521VPg8NFOKvNbKskyY~V~CbFh1tFTnEa~eXh8xgd8XlExwjvR4QxL2~gW-qyvDRXFmo1NhCCtr9ddvy32zQ~883cV30DCSmetQPsGl4I04z7p3YebHUW-ZgYvclT159IhZyc~waREFtBK~JBysC8-Yt8-bCgTuuggGGjndhoa5Bhng__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Acting as the Washington County Board of Health, commissioners voted 4‑0 to approve a one‑year contract extension with Am Van (referred to as AAA in the presentation) to provide Medicaid transportation services.

A county staff member identified in the record as Earl presented the item and said the contract runs July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, as the last option year on the original agreement. “It is the last option year to the original contract that we had signed with them. And 100% of the funds are basically pass through funds that come down from federal Medicaid to the state to us,” Earl said.

Why it matters: the contract funds transportation for Medicaid‑eligible clients; according to the presentation, the county serves as a pass‑through for federal Medicaid funds routed via the state. The board’s action was taken during a brief Board of Health session called at the start of the meeting and was approved by voice vote.

Ending: The Board of Health reconvened into the Board of County Commissioners following the vote and staff will finalize contractual paperwork subject to the stated effective dates.","The Washington County Board of Health approved a one‑year contract extension with Am Van (AAA) for Medicaid transportation services, with staff saying 100% of funds are pass‑through Medicaid dollars.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_46":116,"_48":117,"_50":118,"_52":119,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":120,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":121,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6518388,"Commissioners approve package of sole‑source grants, leases and renewals; reject single‑bid airport demolition",683,1039000,1722000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5392433-fe14fc19a81ecb5c696cebaff886ff8f&start=1039&end=1722","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5392433-fe14fc19a81ecb5c696cebaff886ff8f/thumbnail_1039000.jpg","/articles/6518388/Washington-County/Maryland/Commissioners-approve-package-of-solesource-grants-leases-and-renewals-reject-singlebid-airport-demolition","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6518388-e0818348a2113574bb90a9dd30d7435b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771135769&Signature=ihKTSxen44WSz22d1T-wzTC6tRmCOLgWHEBq6XnRt~U-VVJ3n~rB4qVfW7AWmIZlVpa0WJ2tDH0PnPWUrOXDwp5N0Eh8Kl9hlVcIutUPqLXNFcgJSfxdiKvFoQI-Zr8YY85dn~t56vaWacUaQEpKs90CEX7dtvmQFrYsyTXK2eX5OFWlqgXe~2Y5fUb~Ms3I52d~rLwfFboaBEs1uwoUk1IR2eMMM6773FoH3VGzqFeeMa9HXinnDljIyUgWJ7GnJeN7GLkygNLedL1e80Q6teburZu2AwDtySFnpwHGH1WJ7VjuY2qoilfMZ-ARtmF~IM20AYPoZZT2PUXWEIcHOA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Washington County commissioners on Wednesday approved several sole‑source grant awards, a three‑year vehicle lease, and a contract renewal, and voted to reject a single‑bid airport demolition solicitation, with each item passing on recorded voice votes of 4‑0.

The items included three sole‑source awards contingent on state funding: $60,528 to Horizon Goodwill Industries for enhancements to an existing youth shelter; $91,464 to the Washington County Department of Social Services for operating expenses of a family center and related support services; and $283,335 to Brook Lane for operating costs of a school‑based mental‑health program. Brandy Kentner, the county’s director of purchasing, said the awards are “contingent upon final approval of the funding from the governor’s office” and noted that the local management board had previously recommended the awards. “This does require all 4 commissioners approval today to move forward,” Kentner said.

The board also authorized an intergovernmental cooperative purchase of replacement computers from Dell Technologies for $141,677.72 using a national cooperative contract, and awarded a three‑year lease for two job‑program transit vehicles to Hagerstown Ford at $39,216.32 per year (total $122,310.72 over three years), contingent on final lease approval by the county attorney. Karen Vakner, a purchasing buyer, said funds for the first lease payment are budgeted in the department’s operating budget.

Separately, the board renewed a dumpster‑services contract at county wastewater facilities with BFI Waste Services LLC (doing business as Republic Services of Hagerstown), accepting a vendor request for a 5.2% price increase for FY26 based on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index; the renewal represents the second and final optional one‑year renewal under the existing contract.

The board rejected a request for proposal for airport aircraft‑rescue and firefighting (ARFF) building demolition and related work after receiving a single bid of $2,997,800 against an engineer’s opinion of probable cost of $1,489,350. Andrew Ashland, director of public works, said Federal Aviation Administration rules require a cost analysis when only one bid is received; because the single bid could not be deemed reasonable, commissioners voted to reject and re‑advertise the solicitation.

Why it matters: the awards support youth homelessness services, family support, and school mental‑health services in Washington County, while the rejected airport bid requires re‑solicitation to meet FAA procurement rules.

Votes at a glance:
- PUR1761 — Sole source to Horizon Goodwill Industries, $60,528, contingent on governor’s office funding — approved 4‑0.
- PUR1760 — Sole source to Washington County Department of Social Services, $91,464, contingent on governor’s office funding — approved 4‑0.
- PUR1763 — Sole source to Brook Lane for school‑based mental health, $283,335, contingent on governor’s office funding — approved 4‑0.
- INTG‑250197 — Intergovernmental purchase of Dell computers, $141,677.72 — approved 4‑0.
- PUR1738 — Lease of two transit vehicles to Hagerstown Ford, $39,216.32/year (total $122,310.72 over 3 years) — approved 4‑0; contingent on county attorney review.
- PUR1620 — Renewal of dumpster services to Republic Services (BFI Waste Services LLC); vendor requested 5.2% increase — approved 4‑0.
- PR1744 — Airport ARFF building demolition and related work: single bid of $2,997,800 rejected; board authorized re‑advertisement — approved 4‑0 to reject.

Commissioners did not allocate county general fund money for the three sole‑source grant awards; Kentner said the awards “do not require any county funding” and are funded through a community partnership agreement with the state. Where contingency on state approval was stated, the board’s vote authorized the county to enter the local contract once state funding and the community partnership agreement are finalized.

Commissioners and staff said solicitations were advertised on the Maryland e‑Marketplace, the county website and in local newspapers, and in several cases multiple firms downloaded solicitation documents though few submitted bids.

Ending: The board directed staff to re‑advertise the airport solicitation and to proceed with contract finalization subject to the stated contingencies and legal review.","Washington County commissioners voted 4-0 to approve multiple sole‑source and competitive procurements — including youth‑shelter, family‑support and school mental‑health grants — approve a vehicle lease and a dumpster contract renewal, and reject a single‑bid airport demolition solicitation.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

County engineering presents Potomac Edison incentive estimate of about $25,000 a year for Smithsburg upgrade; verification to follow

County adopts heat‑stress policy after state OSHA request

Commissioners approve second $25,000 room‑tax payment for George Washington sculpture project

Board of Health approves one‑year Medicaid transportation contract extension to Am Van

Commissioners approve package of sole‑source grants, leases and renewals; reject single‑bid airport demolition