County holds public hearing on adding nonprofits to eligibility list; commissioners ask for more data

HAGERSTOWN, Md. — Washington County commissioners opened a public hearing Aug. 26 to consider applications from a dozen nonprofit groups seeking placement on the county—s list of organizations eligible to request community organization funding under local law.

County Attorney Zachary Keefer summarized the legal framework at the start of the hearing, saying the authority comes from the Washington County Code of Public Local Laws and explaining the logistics for applicants: "The code of public local laws requires the county commissioners to hold a public hearing on the application," and applications "shall be made on or before the August preceding the fiscal year in which the organization plans to request funding," Keefer said.

The hearing drew a mix of applicants and supporters who described services that range from legal aid and food distribution to youth programming and town beautification. Speakers included Michael Armell for Congregation B'nai Abraham, who described the congregation—s long-running Potters Bowl fundraiser supporting the Potters Bowl Community…