FY27 Rural Legacy Program Grant 

The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) approved the submission of the FY27 Rural Legacy Program grant application to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and authorized the County to accept any awarded funds. The application requests up to $9.5 million to support the purchase of conservation easements within the County’s designated Rural Legacy Area surrounding the Antietam Battlefield.

During the presentation, it was noted that the Rural Legacy Program has preserved more than 9,700 acres in Washington County and that this funding cycle is expected to help surpass the 10,000-acre preservation milestone. To date, a grand total of 43,400 acres of land have been permanently preserved through various land preservations programs in Washington County.

Smithsburg Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) Filter Replacement

The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) received an update on a potential change order related to the Smithsburg Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) Enhanced Nutrient Removal (ENR) Upgrade project.

An evaluation by the filter manufacturer determined the filters, installed in the mid-1990s and in service for more than 30 years, have reached the end of their useful life. Full replacement of the filters, controls, and instrumentation was recommended over rehabilitation. Replacing the filters will require building modifications, including a new wall opening and roll-up door, as well as temporary filtration during construction to maintain permit compliance. The BOCC acknowledged the issue as unavoidable, expressed consensus to move forward, and noted that staff will return with more detailed figures at a future meeting.

Emergency Communications Center (ECC) Hiring Incentives

The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) approved offering hiring bonuses for fully trained, certified 911 dispatchers to support staffing at the Emergency Communications Center. The incentive applies to dispatchers hired in 2026 or later who possess all required certifications.

The program is intended to attract and retain experienced dispatchers and will be limited to a set number of hires. Staff will monitor outcomes such as skill levels, acclimation, and turnover and report back to the BOCC on the effectiveness of the strategy.

Eastern Boulevard Widening Project Advancements – Property Dedication and CSXT Agreements

The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) approved multiple actions to advance the Eastern Boulevard widening project. This included acceptance of a no-cost dedication of fee simple property and associated easements for Parcel 48 along Eastern Boulevard as part of Phase II, supporting the future expansion of the roadway from two lanes to four lanes between Jefferson Boulevard (MD 64) and Antietam Drive. Certain easements will revert to the property owner if subdivision homes are built prior to construction.

The BOCC also approved authorization for staff to execute Construction and Facility Encroachment Agreements with CSX Transportation to support Phase I of the project. These agreements allow for required drainage improvements adjacent to the railroad, the replacement of an existing drainage pipe, and the jack-and-bore installation of a stormwater outfall pipe beneath the railway and Antietam Drive. The agreements ensure CSXT oversight during construction and clear the way for the project to proceed toward an anticipated fall 2026 construction start.

• The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) approved multiple purchase awards and contract renewals across various County departments.
• The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) received briefings on recent changes, operations, and future outlooks from Hagerstown Community College and the Washington County Free Library.
• Additional action items were addressed during the meeting and can be viewed by watching the full meeting on YouTube.

• February 10, 2026 I Regular Meeting
• February 24, 2026 I Regular Meeting & Town of Funkstown Evening Meeting
• March 03, 2026 I Regular Meeting
• March 17, 2026 I Regular Meeting