Agriculture Innovation and Equipment Grant Program

The Department of Business and Economic Development (DBED), reported on the third year of the Agriculture Innovation and Equipment Grant program. Funded projects include milking facility upgrades with a robotic manure pusher, comprehensive barn and livestock facility renovations, a cattle handling system, a Reaper binder for specialized crop production, and support for a new farm’s agritourism expansion. Funding for these projects enhance farm operations, improve safety and efficiency, and provide opportunities for local food production, value-added products, and community education. The program demonstrates the Board’s commitment to Washington County’s agricultural heritage and economy. Additionally, this important program has had a positive impact on Washington County’s agricultural economy and provides a foundation for continued growth and innovation in the sector.

County Support for Public Safety Services in Hagerstown

The Division of Emergency Services (DES) presented an overview of the county’s role in supporting public safety services within the City of Hagerstown through funding, resources, and training initiatives. The county provides significant support for the Hagerstown Fire Department, Community Rescue Service (CRS), and other emergency operations. Roughly 43% of calls for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) performed by County DES personnel are for calls in the City limits; and, that equates to $3.5 million. Additionally, roughly 31% of calls for fire service performed by DES personnel are in the City limits; and, that equates to $6.7 million. In total, the County allocates $12 million (37.6% of the budget) for fire and EMS response in the City limits. In that $12 million, direct distributions include annual contributions of approximately $239,689 for equipment and supplies, $681,348 in general allocations to city fire companies, and an estimated $1.4 million for CRS operations within city boundaries, totaling nearly $2.5 million in direct county support each year. In addition to the $12 million for operational demands, the county provides training and infrastructure to all public safety personnel at the Public Safety Training Center (PSTC), with over $22 million invested in the academic building and ongoing projects for the burn building and site work, representing a long-term public safety investment that is expected to exceed $50 million. These resources enhance emergency response capabilities, training opportunities, and service delivery for County residents.

Approval of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Towns of Boonsboro and Sharpsburg for Participation in the County Historic Property Tax Credit Program

The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Town of Boonsboro and a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Town of Sharpsburg.

The agreements enable residents in both towns to participate under Washington County’s Historic Structures Tax Credit Ordinance. Under both approved agreements, the County’s Historic District Commission (HDC) will review applications from property owners who voluntarily choose to pursue historic property tax credits. Review by the HDC ensures proposed work aligns with the County’s Design Guidelines for Historic Structures and the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation. Both towns have elected to move forward with this format for review of applications to ensure residents in those towns have the opportunity to voluntarily pursue historic property tax credits.

With the BOCC’s approval of both MOUs, Boonsboro and Sharpsburg are now formally recognized as qualifying municipalities under Washington County’s Historic Properties Tax Credit Program.

Construction Bid Award – Public Safety Training Center Tactical Village Phase I

The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) approved the Phase I construction contract for the Public Safety Training Center (PSTC) Tactical Village. Phase I of the Tactical Village project includes grading, concrete work, stormwater management, and paving of the apparatus operator / defensive driving area. The Tactical Village will be constructed in multiple phases, and future additions to the PSTC include training props, structures, and facilities for police, fire, and emergency services personnel. The PSTC provides public safety personnel with realistic, hands-on training in a controlled and safe environment, effectively developing well-trained and equipped professionals to handle complex public safety issues in your community.

• The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) approved executing a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (SHA) traffic safety measures in the Town of Keedysville.
• The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) approved an update to Resolution #2025-26 for the County Office of Fire Marshal regarding non-compliance issues.
• Additional action items were addressed during the meeting and can be viewed by watching the full meeting on YouTube.

• December 16, 2025 I Regular Meeting
• January 13, 2026 I Regular Meeting
• February 3, 2026 I Regular Meeting
• February 10, 2026 I Regular Meeting