Allegany County commissioners approve consent agenda items; closed session later reported

The Allegany County Board of Commissioners approved eight items on the consent agenda during the public meeting and received a public report that a prior closed session considered a business-location proposal that did not advance.

Administrator Jason Bennett presented eight consent items and asked for approval. A motion and second were offered and the board approved the consent agenda by voice vote. The items listed by staff included: the purchase of a 2024 Ford F-150 police pursuit truck from Hetrick Fleet Services for $49,809, fully funded by the child support enforcement grant and a state bid; an update to CareFirst dental insurance for FY 2025–26 to a new employee-paid plan that includes orthodontics; a $500 community event promotion for the fifth annual "Crowds for a Cause" fundraiser to be held Sept. 27; a fairgrounds use agreement with Western Maryland JCs for the "wing-off" on June 20–21 with base rent of $2,500 plus additional camper rent; an operating agreement amendment No. 7 with Aramark Correctional Services, LLC for a one-year extension and an approximate 3.2% increase in price per meal; a joint-use agreement and Program Open Space funding approval of $125,000 for a pavilion at Pritchard Farms; resolution 25-1: certifications and assurances for the transit division in conjunction with an MDOT financial assistance application; and resolution 25-2: revisions to rules and regulations governing Allegany County employees that address poll-worker service and compliance with the Maryland Healthy Working Families Act (sick and safe leave).

The commissioners recorded the motion, a second, and a voice vote of "Aye" to approve the consent agenda; no roll-call vote or individual vote tallies were read into the record in the transcript.

County Attorney Lee Beaman provided a compliance statement about a March 6 closed session in keeping with the Open Meetings Act. Beaman said the closed session — which the board voted to enter unanimously — was held to consider a proposal for a business or industrial organization to locate, expand or remain in the state under the statutory provision cited (general provisions section 3-305(b)(4)) and to consult with counsel. Those present included Commissioner Bill Atkinson, Commissioner Craig Brody, Administrator Jason Bennett, County Attorney Lee Beaman, Assistant County Attorney Ramon Rosas and recording secretary Victoria Norman. Commissioner Brody recused himself from the discussion because of a potential conflict of interest. Beaman said the proposal "died for lack of a motion" and that no further decisions or votes were taken during that closed meeting. The board later announced that the meeting adjourned at 4:16 p.m.

Ending: Commissioners and staff noted ongoing budget work and public budget hearings; the board's next public meeting was announced as Thursday, April 3 at 5 p.m.