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Washington County transit officials warn shrinking state support could strain FY27 budget
Summary
County transit officials told commissioners the FY27 transit operating plan relies heavily on federal funds while state support has fallen; staff proposed two new full‑time positions and pay reclassification to reduce overtime and maintain service for vulnerable riders.
Washington County transit officials told commissioners on April 14 that the FY27 operating plan depends heavily on federal grants and that declining state contributions are creating funding pressure that could produce inequities in service across Maryland.
"I personally have a growing concern that the state is creating two tiers of transit services," Andrew Aschman, Director of Public Works, said during the budget presentation, arguing that shrinking state support would further strain locally operated transit systems such as Washington County Transit (LOTS).
Aschman and Transit Director Sean Arbol reviewed the department’s FY27 request, which includes two new full‑time positions — a transportation safety and training coordinator and an additional full‑time CDL operator — and a proposed reclassification of part‑time CDL operators from pay grade six to seven to improve recruitment and retention. Staff reported the department paid more than $170,000 in overtime last fiscal year and said adding permanent staff should reduce recurring overtime costs and improve schedule reliability.
Officials described FY27 transit revenues of roughly $4.1 million, with an expected $880,000 transfer from the county general fund and the balance coming from federal sources (Federal Transit Administration) and state contributions; staff noted the state share in this draft budget is relatively small (one figure cited was about $211,300 or ~6% of the total budget). Aschman said federal Infrastructure Investment funding has increased eligibility but state support has not kept pace.
The transit team asked commissioners to approve the personnel requests and to continue advocacy at the state level "to ensure vulnerable populations aren't left behind because of the zip code they live in," Aschman said. Staff also noted a design grant to start work on a transit administration and maintenance building has been delayed at the federal level; the county has not received grant execution documents and therefore has not begun design work.
What to watch: Commissioners signaled support for moving the budget forward to public hearing. Staff said they will provide requested worksheets and supporting calculations for overtime savings and personnel cost‑benefit analysis.
