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County formalizes black‑fly control agreement with Maryland Dept. of Agriculture; county share ~ $50,000
Summary
The board approved a memorandum of understanding to formalize participation in the state black‑fly suppression pilot on the Potomac River; Washington County’s current contribution is approximately $50,000 and officials said budget review could consider additional treatments.
Washington County commissioners approved a memorandum of understanding July 28 to formalize participation in the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s black‑fly suppression pilot on the Potomac River and adjacent tributaries.
Public Works Director Andrew Esherman said the program began in 2016 with stream treatments starting in 2017 and that participating local jurisdictions are typically asked for a 50% cost share. "Currently, we're contributing approximately $50,000 towards this program," Esherman said. He explained the MOU would clarify recurring roles and cost‑share responsibilities so the treatment program can be scheduled annually alongside the county’s operating budget.
Commissioners acknowledged heavy public complaints from South County and discussed whether to consider increasing funding during the FY27 budget cycle to capture additional treatment windows; the board approved the MOU unanimously (5-0).
