Board of County Commissioners Approve Funding for Character Counts! Elementary Youth Celebration

The Board of County Commissioners approved funding for the Character Counts! year-end Elementary Youth Celebration event. The Board authorized an allocation of $10,000 from the Commissioners’ Contingency Fund to cover direct event expenses, including scholarships and expanded programming. The Commissioners also agreed to make this funding an annual allocation, ensuring continued community support for the program in future years.

In addition, the Board presented a proclamation recognizing October 2025 as “Character Counts! Month.” This proclamation highlights the importance of fostering strong character and positive values among young people. The Commissioners encourage families, schools, businesses, and community organizations throughout Washington County to support the Character Counts! program.

The Character Counts! initiative underscores the vital role our community plays in guiding youth and promoting values that strengthen both individuals and society as a whole.

Board Approves the Purchase of Pumper for Division of Emergency Services

The Board approved the purchase of one (1) Pierce Enforcer Pumper Truck for the Division of Emergency Services. The addition of this unit will provide essential reserve capacity for the County’s emergency operations.

The Board of County Commissioners recognizes the positive impact that increasing the reserve fleet from three (3) to four (4) units will have on operational readiness and critical response times during periods of peak demand or simultaneous emergencies. Adding this reserve unit enhances reliability, extends the operational life of existing equipment, and ensures that our community remains protected in times of need.

Board Approves Vixen Hollow Program Open Space Easement to Preserve 47.79 Acres in Smithsburg

The Board of County Commissioners approved the Vixen Hollow LLC Program Open Space – Stateside (POS-Stateside) Easement Project, which permanently preserves 47.79 acres of land. This project is fully funded by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

The easement, located at 13030 Bikle Road in Smithsburg, permanently preserves valuable equestrian, scenic, and environmental land, including portions of Little Antietam Creek and surrounding woodlands. The project supports the County’s ongoing commitment to conserving ecologically significant areas, with all administrative, monitoring, and legal costs covered by State funds.

To date, Washington County has permanently preserved 42,795 acres of land and has more than 100,000 acres protected within federal, state, and local parklands. In total, approximately one-third (1/3) of Washington County’s land is now safeguarded from future development.

• The Board approved multiple purchase awards and contract renewals across various County departments.
• The Board approved a resolution to extend the service area of Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) #255, allowing up to 250 acres of its 2,500-acre allotment to be used by businesses located outside Washington County. The resolution includes a five-year sunset period during which the County will assess the program’s outcomes and consider future adjustments. Administrative and participation fees from out-of-county users will directly support the FTZ #255 program and provide additional funding for marketing, training, and related activities within Washington County. This expansion aims to attract investment, create jobs, and strengthen Washington County’s position as a regional hub for trade and economic growth.
• Additional action items were addressed during the meeting and can be viewed by watching the full meeting on YouTube.

The Board of County Commissioners held a public hearing to consider rezoning application RZ-25-006.  The applicant proposes to rezone three (3) properties totaling 0.891 acres from Residential Transition (RT) to Highway Interchange (HI). The Washington County Planning Commission previously recommended approval of the amendment at its meeting on August 4, 2025. During the hearing, the Commissioners received public input on the proposal. The rezoning application was approved by the BOCC.

The BOCC presented a proclamation to the Washington County Disabilities Advisory Committee to recognize October 2025 as “National Disability Employment Awareness Month.” The proclamation highlights the contributions of people with disabilities to the workforce, promotes comprehensive employment practices, and encourages the community to support equal opportunities and full participation for individuals of all abilities.

The BOCC recognized "Manufacturing Month" in Washington County by presenting two (2) short videos highlighting the local manufacturing industry. The videos showcase the innovation, and modern practices of a variety of area manufacturers. County manufacturing companies promote and emphasize clean facilities and advanced technologies; and, these companies offer a wide range of career opportunities. Manufacturing represents about 10% of the industry located in Washington County. Manufacturing industries contribute approximately $1.1 billion to the local gross domestic product, underscoring the importance to the local economy. The presentations aim to educate the community, celebrate the sector’s contributions, and inspire the next generation of workers.

• October 21, 2025 I Regular Meeting & Clear Spring Evening Meeting
• November 4, 2025 I Regular Meeting
• November 18, 2025 I Regular Meeting
• November 25, 2025 I Regular Meeting