Committee approves move to pursue 100-foot courthouse flagpole to meet Eisenhower Act

The Allegany County Ways and Means Committee on June 10 approved moving forward with plans to pursue installation of a 100-foot flagpole at the county courthouse, a step officials said is intended to comply with the Eisenhower Act requirement that a flag be higher than the tallest building on site.

Mr. Winders presented drawings, a supplier quote and follow-up information about the vendor, saying the recommended pole and flag are ‘‘100% made in America’’ and that a 100-foot pole would ensure the flag stands higher than the courthouse. He said the plan would either mirror the existing flagpole on the opposite side of the main entry sidewalk or be centered with a surrounding sidewalk, and that county staff will call utilities first to avoid underground conflicts.

The discussion focused on procurement and funding. Committee members asked whether the county’s procurement policy requires multiple quotes; Winders said he would obtain additional quotes and noted there could be an emergency exception because the county was recently notified it was not meeting the flag-height requirement. He identified potential funding sources including part of a $100,000 local assistance/tribal consistency fund the county received in 2023 and the $15,000 250th celebration MOE, saying the county could use the 250th funds at least to purchase the flag if not the entire pole.

Members also asked about lighting. Winders and the chair said lighting will be mandatory and the flag would fly 24/7, consistent with the Eisenhower Act guidance cited in the discussion. Winders said the existing 60-foot pole would likely remain and be repurposed for ceremonial or military honor flags.

The committee voted to approve moving the proposal forward and indicated it will be brought to the full county board later the same day for formal action.