Board of County Commissioners

MEETING RECAP


August 25, 2026


This communication provides a summary of the key actions and highlights from the most recent public meeting of the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC).

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

BOCC Recognizes “Forget-Me-Not” Months in Support of Disabled Veterans


The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) recognized September, October, and November 2026 as “Forget-Me-Not” Months during its meeting by presenting a proclamation to Ron Hoffman of the Disabled American Veterans Organization. The proclamation recognizes the organization’s continued efforts to provide free services to disabled veterans and their families, including assistance with government benefits, employment, health care, counseling, and emergency needs.


The recognition also highlights the annual Forget-Me-Not Drive taking place throughout Washington County during September, October, and November. The Board expressed its gratitude to disabled veterans who have made significant sacrifices to protect and preserve the rights and freedoms of the community. 

20-Acre Permanent CREP Easement Approved



The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) approved a Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) easement for a property on Ashton Road in Clear Spring. The 20-acre permanent easement will protect 14 acres of woodland and 6 acres of pastureland while providing a buffer along approximately 1,950 linear feet of Toms Run.


The project is funded 100% through State CREP funds, with no County funding required for the easement purchase. The easement will help protect local waterways while preserving the agricultural, historic, cultural, and natural characteristics of the property.


Washington County has participated in the CREP program since 2010 and has been funded to purchase easements protecting more than 2,000 acres of land.


Washington County currently has 44,007 acres under permanent agricultural preservation easements and 34,859 acres under temporary preservation.

BOCC Approves Funding to Support Detention Center Recovery and Reentry Services


As part of several grant actions considered during its meeting, the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) approved the submission of a Residential Substance Abuse Treatment (RSAT) Grant application and acceptance of funding to support treatment, recovery, and reentry services through the Washington County Detention Center.


The grant will support the Detention Center’s jail-based Medication-Assisted Treatment program, including a Peer Recovery Specialist, medication, and low-barrier reentry supports to help individuals successfully transition back into the community.

OTHER ACTION TAKEN BY THE BOARD

  • The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) approved multiple purchase awards and contract renewals across various County departments.
  • The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) convened as the Board of Health to approve two (2) grant submissions for programs at Girls Inc of Washington County.
  • Additional action items were addressed during the meeting and can be viewed by watching the full meeting on YouTube.

UPCOMING BOCC MEETINGS

  • September 15, 2026 | Regular Meeting
  • September 22, 2026 | Regular Meeting
  • September 29, 2026 | Regular Meeting and Evening Meeting with the Town of Sharpsburg
  • October 13, 2026 | Regular Meeting

Click here to watch the meeting on YouTube

Disclaimer: These are preliminary notes and not the official minutes of the meeting. Official minutes will be approved at a future Board of County Commissioners meeting and can then be accessed at: https://www.washco-md.net/county-commissioners/bocc-agendas-and-minutes/

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