Board of County Commissioners Awards Contract for Fire Training Burn Building Foundation

The Board of County Commissioners awarded the contract for the Concrete Foundation of the Fire Training Burn Building to Rockwell Construction Co., Inc. of Mercersburg, PA in the amount of $350,596.30. This project is part of the phased construction of the Public Safety Training Center’s (PSTC) tactical village at 18350 Public Safety Place and will support the steel-frame fire training tower and burn building scheduled for delivery this fall. The contract allows 60 consecutive calendar days for completion, with work expected to begin in late September, and funding will be provided through the Burn Building – PSTC budget (BLD107) in the County’s Capital Improvement Plan.

Board Approves New Community Rescue Service Sub-Station in North Hagerstown

The Board of County Commissioners authorized Community Rescue Service (CRS) to establish an additional sub-station at the Antietam Fire Company Station in the north end of Hagerstown. This decision followed an evaluation of daily and hourly call loads, which identified the need for an EMS transport unit in this area to reduce strain on rural resources that are often pulled into the city.

The fiscal impact of the project is $113,558, included in the Division of Emergency Services FY26 Operating Budget. Based on current projections, total Washington County support for CRS in FY26 is expected to be approximately $2.1 million, with the City of Hagerstown contributing an additional $45,000 to CRS. This includes $997,700 in General Allocations and EMS subsidy. Additional funding goes toward EMS supervisor response assistance, as well as property, reimbursements for insurance, health insurance, fuel, and maintenance.

Approximately 70% of calls for service provided by CRS are for residents of the City of Hagerstown. This represents an estimated $1.5 million of the projected FY26 support.

Board Awards Fire Service Testing and Inspection Contracts

The BOCC has awarded contracts totaling $99,720.60 for Fire Service Testing and Inspection of hoses, pumps, ladders, and aerial devices, ensuring the continued safety and operational readiness of the County’s emergency services equipment.

The contract is set to begin October 1, 2025, with the County retaining the option to renew for up to two additional one-year periods.

Compliance testing for all equipment owned by Washington County, the City of Hagerstown and all Volunteer Fire and Rescue corporations, is scheduled and managed by the Washington County Division of Emergency Services. This includes testing for approximately 200,000 feet of hose annually, ground ladder testing for 53 engines and 8 ladder trucks, pump testing for 53 engines, and testing of 8 aerial ladders. Funding for the contract is provided by the Washington County Board of County Commissioners and is included in the Division’s operating budget for fiscal year 2026. This contract for inspection testing ensures that all equipment utilized by emergency services personnel in the county meets National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) compliance standards.

• Enhanced the Job Creation and Capital Real Property (JCRP) Tax Credit Program, consolidating previous incentive programs, increasing job creation and investment requirements, simplifying eligibility, and adjusting tax credit schedules to attract higher-paying jobs, stimulate economic growth, and strengthen the County’s tax base. All updates to the JCRP Program are effective July 1, 2025, while all other program updates take effect September 9, 2025.
• “Faces of Farming” was presented, highlighting Washington County’s nearly 900 family farms and their economic and cultural importance. The program will feature two local farms each month through videos shared on the County website, social media, and with schools (K–5) to educate youth about agriculture, including farm operations, livestock care, and County Fair competitions.
• Numerous purchasing bids and contracts were awarded by the BOCC.
• Additional action items were addressed during the meeting and can be viewed by watching the full meeting on YouTube.

The BOCC presented a proclamation to Cassandra Hershberger, Chair of Washington Goes Purple, recognizing September 2025 as National Recovery Month. The initiative raises awareness about substance use disorders and encourages citizens to light the night purple and share information on opioid prevention and recovery.

• September 23, 2025 I Regular Meeting & Sharpsburg Evening Meeting
• October 14, 2025 I Regular Meeting
• October 21, 2025 I Regular Meeting & Clear Spring Evening Meeting
• November 4, 2025 I Regular Meeting