Agriculture Innovation and Equipment Grant Program

The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) approved extending and increasing funding for the Agricultural Innovation and Equipment Grant. The program will receive $115,000 per year in Hotel Rental Tax funds for the next three fiscal years (2027, 2028, and 2029), totaling $345,000, a 15% increase from the previous annual allocation of $100,000.

Over the past three years, the County invested $300,000 in the grant program to support innovative agricultural projects, equipment upgrades, and value-added farming expansions, including drone technology for crop management, a mobile processing unit for farm and rental use, and new product development initiatives.

Due to strong results and growing community interest, the Board approved the increased funding to continue fostering agricultural innovation and economic growth in Washington County.

Washington County Seeks Grant Funding for New Emergency Communications Center

The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) approved the submission of a grant application to the Maryland State 911 Board to support professional design services for the new Emergency Communications Center. If awarded, the funds for facility design will ensure that operations at the new facility will optimize workflow for 911 call taking and dispatch operations, integrate technology, and ensure the facility meets industry standards and operational best practices.

The new center will be purpose built to provide efficient and compliant emergency communications services, supporting both immediate and long term public safety needs in Washington County.

Board Approves Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Staffing Transition with Clear Spring Ambulance Club

The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) approved the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Clear Spring Ambulance Club, Inc. The agreement transitions four (4) current full-time EMS field employees and three (3) part-time EMS field employees into county employment and authorizes hiring an additional four (4) full-time EMS employees to fill existing vacancies.

This transition aligns with previous EMS service integrations in Halfway, Hancock, Smithsburg, and Williamsport. The agreement provides consistent wages and benefits for transferred employees and moves billing services to the County vendor. Leadership from the Clear Spring Ambulance Club and the Division of Emergency Services agreed that this approach will help create a sustainable EMS staffing plan for Clear Spring and surrounding areas.

• The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) approved multiple purchase awards and contract renewals across various County departments.
• Additional action items were addressed during the meeting and can be viewed by watching the full meeting on YouTube.

• January 13, 2026 I Regular Meeting
• February 3, 2026 I Regular Meeting
• February 10, 2026 I Regular Meeting
• February 24, 2026 I Regular Meeting