Washington County > County Commissioners > State of the County > State of the County 2024

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2024 State of the County

"Hello, Washington County! As we begin the 2024 State of the County presentation, I am honored to walk you through the remarkable journey we’ve undertaken together. Join us as we revisit the triumphs of 2023 and together, the Board of County Commissioners and I will outline the planned initiatives that are on the horizon for 2024. The goals that we have set for the upcoming year promise to be a testament to our collective resilience, community spirit, and forward-thinking mind-set that help shape our shared future. Get ready to explore the inner workings of Washington County as we reflect on our progress and set the stage for the exciting endeavors that lie ahead. Thank you for being an important part of our community’s story!"

In 2023, Washington County proudly welcomed many dynamic leaders to helm key positions across the county

Michelle Gordon

became Washington County’s first female County Administrator. She previously served in the role of CFO and brings a wealth of financial expertise and a fresh perspective to the position.

Dawn Marcus

took on the role of County Clerk, bringing her organizational expertise to the heart of our administrative operations.

Kelcee Mace

began her dedicated service with Washington County in 2014, initially joining the team as an accountant. Over the years, she has demonstrated unwavering commitment and outstanding financial acumen which led to her promotion to CFO.

Rachel Souders

received a well-deserved promotion to Director of Grant Management; she continues to channel her passion for community development into securing valuable resources for our county.

Greg Cartrette

a seasoned professional, stepped into the Director of Permits & Inspections position, ensuring our county’s growth aligns with safety and regulatory standards.

Chip Rose

an HR professional with a strong background, became the new Director of Human Resources, fostering a workplace culture that empowers our county’s greatest asset – our employees.

In May, the Board of County Commissioners held a budget hearing for the 2024 general fund budget. The fiscal year 2024 budget continues our work to prudently manage the County’s fiscal bottom line while strengthening our schools, protecting our citizens, and investing in future jobs and a growing tax base.

Did you know?

Education and public safety represented 71% of the General Fund at around $198 million dollars, highlighting our commitment to the community’s well-being. Here is a breakdown of where each general fund dollar is spent in Washington County, with percentages coming from the general fund budget.

General Fund Budget

“As the President of the Washington County Board of County Commissioners, I prioritize and understand the importance of infrastructure for our community. Infrastructure isn’t just about roads and bridges, it also includes ensuring that the community has reliable utilities. Routine expansion and maintenance of infrastructure are essential for a healthy community. Our reliable transportation networks and advanced utilities, form a solid foundation of infrastructure to ensure our citizens’ well-being, strengthen our economy, and lay the groundwork for future generations. Washington County is committed to strategic investments that enhance our infrastructure, foster resilience, and create an environment where businesses thrive and families flourish.

Together, let’s build a Washington County that stands strong for years to come.”

Division of Engineering

The Washington County Division of Engineering marked a year of impactful infrastructure improvements in 2023. Upon completion of the Professional Boulevard Bridge Over Antietam Creek, the County embarked on Phase II road construction, and the new connection between Yale Drive and Eastern Boulevard is now open to traffic.

Intersection improvements at the Showalter Road – Crayton Boulevard Intersection and the Stotler Road – Halfway Boulevard Intersection further exemplify the County’s commitment to pedestrian safety and efficient traffic flow. (May be getting from Engineering.)

The County replaced two culverts on Mousetown Road and began construction on the Dogstreet Road Culvert replacement, anticipated for completion in 2024.

A stream restoration project along Little Grove Creek off Leitersburg-Smithsburg Road was also completed in compliance with state and federal regulations.

The County’s pavement maintenance program continued in 2023 resurfacing 35 miles of pavement with hot mix asphalt and chip seal applications to preserve this critical infrastructure.

Current key projects include Crystal Falls Drive federal aid bridge, sidewalk – curb ramp and stormwater management improvements throughout the county, final phase of Professional Boulevard, and expansions of Eastern Boulevard and Halfway Boulevard.

In addition to these advancements in infrastructure, the Division of Engineering reviewed over 1,000 development plans and permits for compliance with grading, stormwater management, and traffic standards and regulations, and assessed all County buildings, parks, facilities, and sidewalks within public right-of-way to ensure compliance with current ADA accessibility standards. The comprehensive Self-Evaluation Survey and Transition Plan documents as well as summaries of capital improvement projects are conveniently posted on the County’s website. These initiatives collectively reflect the Division’s dedication to advancing infrastructure for the betterment of Washington County.

The Washington County Highway Department repaired 34 sections of drainage pipe and painted 1.2 million feet of line striping during 2023.

A few notable projects include the replacement of the:

bridges on Beaver Creek Church Road
and Keefer Road,
improvements to Fairview Church Road,
and Culvert Replacement at Highway department headquarters on Northern Ave.

Division of Planning & Zoning

Throughout the year, the Division of Planning & Zoning preserved several key parcels of land to maintain the county’s natural beauty and agricultural heritage.

Clear Spring

Smithsburg

Antietam Foundation

Boonsboro

Sharpsburg

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Notable additions to the preserved land include a 233-acre farm in Smithsburg, a 116-acre farm in Clear Spring, a 115-acre farm and a 241-acre farm both located in Boonsboro. Additional preservation projects included a 91-acre farm in Boonsboro, a 13-acre farm in Knoxville, an 11-acre farm in Williamsport, and numerous locations in Sharpsburg including a 109-acre farm, an 18-acre farm, and a 1-acre tract as part of the Save Historic Antietam Foundation’s American Battlefield Protection Program.

A noteworthy achievement was securing a $3,127,000 grant for the Rural Legacy Program, reinforcing our commitment to conserving the county’s rural character.

Additionally, the 2024 Comprehensive Plan was released in August which plays a pivotal role in shaping our county’s future. Meetings were conducted across the county to gather valuable input from our citizens, ensuring that the plan aligns with the aspirations and needs of the community. Hundreds of comments were received and are in the process of being reviewed by the Planning Commission who will present a finalized Comprehensive Plan to the Board of County Commissioners in early 2024. Together, we’re building a sustainable and vibrant future for Washington County

“Washington County continues to prioritize the safety and well-being of its residents. I am proud to highlight the significant strides we’ve made in bolstering public safety efforts. Our dedicated Sheriff Deputies in partnership with law enforcement agencies in the County, including our vigilant 911 dispatch team, have worked tirelessly to ensure the security of our communities, implementing proactive measures to address emerging challenges. Collaborative initiatives with fire and emergency medical service personnel have enhanced our ability to respond swiftly to medical emergencies, providing critical care when it’s needed most. Through strategic planning and community engagement, we remain steadfast in our commitment to creating a safer Washington County for all. Our first responders, there when you need them and perhaps even on the worst day of your life.“

The Office of Emergency Management

The Office of Emergency Management facilitated the purchase of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) for both municipal police departments and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. Municipal departments received AEDs through the State Homeland Security Grant, while the Washington County Sheriff’s Office AEDs were procured with funding from the County.

Emergency Management also updated the Hazard Mitigation plan for Washington County. Public participation was fostered via an online survey and a town hall meeting, gauging community concerns and garnering insights into favored mitigation projects. This forward-thinking initiative, approved by municipalities, the county, and relevant authorities, aligns with Washington County’s commitment to proactive disaster preparedness.

In September, Emergency Management tested the aviation component of a comprehensive Sarex drill, orchestrated by the Maryland Department of Emergency Management. In spring 2024, Emergency Management will participate in an extensive exercise along the Potomac River. The exercise will take place in Washington and Frederick Counties. The extensive drill will simulate large-scale flooding, presenting us with multifaceted challenges requiring precise responses.

In October, Hagerstown Regional Airport, in collaboration with Washington County Division of Emergency Services and Washington County Office of Emergency Management, completed a simulated aircraft emergency disaster exercise at the airport. This exercise was performed to improve interagency coordination, evaluate response plans, and foster unity within our community in managing large-scale disaster efficiently.

In 2023, the Emergency Communications Center responded to a total of 270,668 calls, comprising 104,094 emergency calls and 166,574 non-emergency calls. Emergency calls were received through various channels, including 2,950 wire-line calls, 92,204 wireless calls, 7,505 VoIP calls, 1,008 text messages, and 59 calls from unknown sources. Additionally, the center made 63,909 outgoing calls, involving coordination with other agencies, callbacks to disconnected calls, and incident transfers to neighboring counties. Remarkably, the average wait time for emergency calls was less than 7 seconds.

In 2023 the Public Safety Training Center initiated the planning phase for construction of a Burn Building, Training Tower, Tactical Village, and Defensive Drivers Track. These developments signify the next phase of the Public Safety Training Center buildout, creating a cutting-edge training hub for our first responders.

The ongoing sessions of the Paramedic Academy and other academies at the Public Safety Training Center continues to increase the number of skilled public safety professionals in Washington County.

The acquisition of four new Division of Emergency Services boats through Capital Improvement Project reserves, reinforce our ability to navigate emergency situations efficiently. These new boats have been strategically located in Hancock, Sharpsburg, Potomac Valley, and Funkstown Fire Departments. The Williamsport Volunteer fire/EMS and Clear Spring Volunteer Fire Department each also purchased new rescue boats which were placed in service.

The Division of Emergency Services conducted many successful training sessions in 2023 including:

A Hazmat Drill with DOT Foods, and several Emergency Boat Rescue training drills in March.
High angle rescue training drills were completed at the Martin Marietta Quarry in Pinesburg with several of our partner agencies.

Annual Hose, Pump, and Ladder Testing was completed in April 2023 for all County volunteer and the Hagerstown Fire Departments fire apparatus.

The Division of Emergency Services was also successful in securing a $1.9M Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) that has helped provide upgrades of the portable radios that are used by our first responders. With receipt of the new radios, Washington County now has portable radios that are also compliant with the new NFPA 1802 Standard for all firefighters and EMS responders.

Beginning in February 2024, Volunteer EMS Companies are set to become an integral part of the Washington County Division Emergency Services through a staffing transition. The transition will bring in 17 new employees to the County, will strengthen our force and further strengthen our partnerships with our volunteer companies. Plans are underway to station an EMS transport unit at the Rohrersville Fire Station. This initiative is part of a strategic collaboration with the First Hose Company of Boonsboro and the Boonsboro Ambulance and Rescue Service, who will station an ambulance within the Boonsboro Fire Department’s Rohrersville Station. The flexibility of our existing County career staff ensures optimized emergency responses, whether it’s staffing fire apparatus or the ambulance, depending on the nature of the dispatched call.

“Our commitment to community safety has never been stronger. Through strategic initiatives and community engagement programs, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office has bolstered our efforts to create safer neighborhoods for you. Our focus on training and professional development ensures that deputies are equipped with the latest tools and techniques.From specialized training programs to adopting cutting-edge technologies, we’re training and equipping our deputies to better serve you.”

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office welcomed two new K-9 recruits during 2023: K-9 Kevin, a 1-year-old Belgian Malinois/Dutch Shepherd mix, trained in narcotics detection, patrol work, and tracking and K-9 Rose, a 2-year-old Yellow Lab, trained in narcotics detection, scent articles, and tracking.

In 2023 the Sheriff’s office held their first Trunk or Treat event, which was extremely well attended. The Sheriff’s office looks forward to continuing this event in 2024.

The Sheriff’s Office also introduced a new Buddy the Elf Singing Holiday Gram as a way to help sponsor the Shop with a Sheriff Program. Buddy visited offices across the county delivering his humorous songs and spreading holiday cheer. The annual Shop with a Sheriff event saw 16 children participating, the most to participate in the program to date.

During 2023, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office handled 84,303 calls ensuring our community remained safe and supported.

“In 2023, our county experienced significant growth in economic development. We’ve witnessed the success of new businesses, from small enterprises to larger ventures. The County is committed to identifying opportunities and solutions that will keep Washington County’s economy moving forward. We’ve invested in projects that enhance our community and I create an environment conducive to business growth. Moreover, our workforce development initiatives are shaping a skilled and dynamic workforce ready for the demands of the future job market. As we celebrate these accomplishments, we recognize that economic development is a continuous journey. Our focus remains on creating opportunities that benefit everyone in our community.”

2023 was another groundbreaking year for business and economic development in Washington County. Let’s dive into some of the highlights that have shaped our community.

In January, the Maryland Department of Commerce officially approved the County’s application to renew and expand the Hagerstown/Washington County Enterprise Zone. This program provides qualifying businesses with State income tax credits and local real property tax credits in return for job creation and capital investments made.

In May, The Board of County Commissioners approved the implementation of the Small Business Impact Grant program, made possible by the allocation of $5,000,000 of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding.

The Department of Business and Economic Development sponsored the inaugural Hagerstown Start-Up Week and a Career Expo at Hagerstown Community College, where local innovators and entrepreneurs converged to spark the next wave of business ventures, fostering career growth and community development.

In October, the United States Department of Commerce’s Foreign-Trade Zones Board, approved the county’s application to restructure under the Alternative Site Framework. It encompasses 2,000 acres of already existing industrial property throughout the county and solidified our position as a global business hub.

Conair’s announcement of 700 new jobs added a significant chapter to our economic success, while the continued development of the new Hitachi Rail facility, which began in 2022, is on track to open in 2024 and is expected to create up to 460 new full-time manufacturing jobs in our county.

The Black and Decker facility, is set to undergo significant enhancements, as revealed by recent permit approvals. Black and Decker plans to create at least 100 new jobs with a capital investment of $140 million into our county.

In July, the Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved funding of $300,000 from the Washington County Hotel Rental Tax Fund for the Agricultural Innovation and Equipment Grant. This grant program is exclusively designed for agricultural businesses, farms, and farm owners in Washington County, Maryland. The grant program aims to support agricultural business growth and development.

Creek Bound Farms earned recognition as the 2023-2024 Farm of the Year, this designation is a testament to the excellence and dedication within our agricultural community.

The Office of Grant Management awarded over $2.5 million in allocations to local businesses through the Gaming Commission, secured $1,082,052 for community-based programs that benefit youth and families and administered the County Surplus Funding grant, providing $1,831,447 to local non-profit organizations.

As we look ahead, let’s build on this momentum to create a future that’s prosperous and inclusive for all. Thank you to our businesses, farmers, and citizens for contributing to the success of Washington County.

“In his 1795 address to local elected officials, President George Washington, our county’s namesake, spoke the following:

‘In every act of my administration, I have sought the happiness of my fellow-citizens. My system for the attainment of this object has uniformly been to overlook all personal, local, and partial considerations: to contemplate the United States, as one great whole: to confide, that sudden impressions, when erroneous, would yield to candid reflection: and to consult only the substantial and permanent interests of our country’

What President Washington spoke about in regards to a young nation holds equally true to Washington County nearly 250 years later. Working in the best interests of our citizens – and our county as a whole not just for the present but for future generations-often requires putting our own motivations aside. We can always do better on this front.

In order to bring about more transparency in local government, it is incumbent upon the residence of our community to become engaged citizens.

Attend a meeting. Be respectful, but ask those difficult questions, especially where you think we have a county government can do better in representing our constituents. After all, we are only human, and get it wrong sometimes!

Have you considered joining one of the counties more than 35 advisory boards and commissions? In such a role, you can give input to the county commissioners, and help make a difference in an area of Local government important to you. Your individual and collective input can create positive change.”

Parks & Recreation

The Washington County Parks & Recreation department celebrated several remarkable achievements in 2023.

New playground equipment was installed at several parks, including Devil’s Back Bone, Doub’s Woods, Pen Mar, and a new Multi-Sport Court was constructed at Regional Park.

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Combining efforts with the GIS Department and Public Relations & Marketing Department, a new interactive county parks map was created to help citizens locate county amenities best suited for their adventures.

The Senior Center was also completed during 2023, creating an invaluable space for our elderly citizens to exercise.

Our county witnessed an impressive participation in recreation programs during 2023.

Our Girls Youth Volleyball League boasted 229 players across three age divisions.
Meanwhile, the High School Basketball League and High School Soccer League saw robust engagement with approximately 600 and 120 players, respectively.
Our Summer Camps, spanning four locations, hosted 1,183 energetic campers.
At Marty Snook Pool, the summer swim programs proved immensely popular, with around 9,000 patrons cooling off in its refreshing waters, and 160 children mastering the art of swimming.
Other youth rec programs held brought in approximately 604 young individuals involved in 60 diverse programs
Adults were not left out in the fun either. A total of 1,088 participants actively joined 83 diverse Adult Sports and Fitness programs.
Our commitment to community engagement extended to families, with 587 participants enjoying special events like the Superhero Party, Park at Dark/Bonfire Night, and Family Paint Nights.
In collaboration with the City of Hagerstown and the Community Free Clinic, the St. Patrick’s Day Run Fest became a highlight, attracting 588 participants and reinforcing our commitment to both fitness and community service.

Black Rock Golf Course

Black Rock Golf Course held a ribbon cutting ceremony for the newly renovated clubhouse.

2023 saw 31,295 of rounds played, and the introduction of a new Winter Simulator League for community engagement.

Black Rock won the Tri-State’s Best of the Best Award for Favorite Local Golf Course for the third year in a row!

Transit Department

In 2024, The Transit Department will complete its 5 year Transit Development Plan (TDP) outlining current service levels and potential future needs. The new plan will serve as a guide for the local transit system and the region it serves, providing a roadmap for implementing service, organizational changes, improvements, potential route enhancements or service expansion.

In 2023 The Division of Permits and Inspections completed:

30,437 inspections
421 service requests
1,944 plan reviews
6,327 permits processed
5,546 permits issued
1,090 certificate of occupancy’s issued

A new online license and registration renewal process was implemented to streamline and enhance convenience and efficiency for licensed trade contractors. In June, an informative outreach meeting was held to provide citizens with a comprehensive overview of the online permit application process.

In December, the Maryland Building Officials Association awarded Washington County Inspector Dave Kerns with the Inspector of the Year award for the State of Maryland.

The Washington County Division of Environmental Management took strides towards a cleaner, greener community. Our Clean County initiative hit a remarkable milestone, successfully removing a staggering 5 million pounds of waste.

We united our community through County Clean-Up Events and collaborated on 9 impactful cleanup projects with the group, Creek Cleanup Project.

The Department of Solid Waste & Recycling hosted an Agricultural Tire Recycling Event and 96 local farmers participated by dropping off 122.66 tons of ag tires to be recycled.

Our Free Scrap Tire & Goodwill Collection Event was a success and 372 citizens participated by dropping off 51.67 tons of scrap tires.

To ensure the purity of our water sources, our Water Quality team conducted a thorough Water Service Line Survey, a crucial step in safeguarding the well-being of our community.

Hagerstown Regional Airport

The Hagerstown Regional Airport (HGR) was awarded $755,000 from the Maryland Department of Commerce, Rural Maryland 50 Economic Development Grant program. Funds will be used to extend electric and fiber optic conduit lines along Air Park Road, and water to the south side of the road enhancing the “shovel-ready status” of 40 acres of developable land in the airport’s Northwest Quadrant.

A digital airpark sign at the western end of Air Park Road will also be installed. The new digital sign will be visible to over 70,000 vehicles daily traveling I-81.

Other improvements coming in 2024 include a $7.4 million project involving new asphalt pavement, LED lights and signs for to Taxiway Foxtrot and a $752,000 project replacing lights and airfield signs on the primary airport runway with modern, energy-efficient LED technologies.

In March, The Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics Hagerstown campus announced it would receive $750,000 in federal funding to support a future expansion of its facilities at HGR. The upcoming project will extend the hangar space where training aircraft are housed by approximately 10,000 square feet, add an additional parking apron, and expand the Powerplant workshop. PIA’s Hagerstown campus currently features more than 18,000 square feet of classrooms, workshops, labs and hangar space designed to offer an effective hands-on training environment for aircraft technicians.

In April, the passenger checkpoint at HGR received upgraded screening equipment; and Computed Tomography X-ray scanners and Credential Authentication Technology machines were installed. These new machines were funded by TSA. To expedite the screening process for checked baggage, Hagerstown will install automated machines in an expanded TSA area situated behind the ticketing counter.

Notable achievements by HGR’s staff included being named Division XI Champions for Allegiant Air’s 2023 Field Summer Performance Contest. This award recognizes the hard work of HGR’s staff who consistently achieve 100% on-time performance with no aircraft damage or mishandled bags.

HGR also successfully completed its annual Airport Certification inspection conducted by the Federal Aviation Administration. The inspection, known as Federal Aviation Regulation Part 139, was concluded with zero findings or discrepancies, and this annual certification outlines that our airport has an exceptional level of commercial performance for safety emergency planning and airfield maintenance.

In collaboration with the Public Relations and Marketing team, HGR ended the year by adopting a new logo and slogan: Travel Elevated.

This transformation reflects the airport’s commitment to innovation and growth and reinforces its dedication to providing an elevated travel experience for passengers.

Looking into 2024, Allegiant has doubled its summer flights to Myrtle Beach, offering four weekly flights along with two flights to Orlando/Sanford and St. Petersburg/Clearwater as well. This expanded schedule represents a new air service peak for HGR, with summer flights reaching eight per week.

“Throughout 2023, our dedicated county staff has been nothing short of exceptional. Their commitment to excellence has shaped the successes we’ve achieved together. In public safety, our first responders have shown unwavering dedication. Their quick response, professionalism, and courage during emergencies are commendable. Our public works team has tirelessly worked on projects, enhancing our infrastructure, ensuring smooth roads, and contributing to the overall aesthetics of our community. The achievements of our administrative staff, from clerks to planners, have streamlined processes, making county services more accessible and efficient for you, the residents. These are just a glimpse of the many accomplishments made by our county staff. Their dedication doesn’t go unnoticed, and we express our deepest gratitude for their hard work.“

The Human Resources Department, in collaboration with Public Relations & Marketing, unveiled a new, fillable, online job application form to help streamline the hiring process for both applicants and internal staff.

In 2023, Washington County invested in comprehensive training programs for its workforce, emphasizing employee well-being and professional development. This included CPR/First Aid/AED training for over 200 employees across all departments, safety-related training benefiting more than 300 employees, customer service-focused training for 50 county employees, and essential Civility/Harassment training completed by Labor Counsel, reaching over 500 employees. A total of 23 department directors underwent a County Leadership Class designed specifically to improve and develop leadership skills and qualities. These initiatives ensure our team is well-equipped, fostering a safer and more inclusive work environment.

Washington County Government partnered with Antietam Broadband to provide citizens another way to get involved with County Government by replaying our Tuesday Board of County Commissioner meetings at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesdays.

Public Relations & Marketing

The Public Relations & Marketing team along with the Department of Business and Economic Development hosted another successful year for the Washington County Ice Cream trail. Citizens across the county participated in the trail to promote local ice cream shops, with Sharpsburg favorite Nutter’s Ice Cream taking home the prize as the favorite stop on the trail.

The Public Relations team also began a series of informative videos providing citizens with accurate and timely information on county news and services.

County staff participated in the 32nd United Way Day of Caring, which saw over 900 volunteers donating their time and efforts for various projects across the county.

Wrapping up the year on a festive note, our incredible team came together to celebrate the season with a Holiday Spirit Week! From Ugly Sweater laughs to cozy Sweater Day vibes, it was a week filled with joy, unity, and shared holiday spirit.

“As we wrap up this review of the milestones and achievements of 2023, I am inspired by the dedication of the Washington County community. Together, we’ve tackled challenges, celebrated victories, and charted a course for an even brighter future. Our accomplishments are not just a testament to the hard work of our county departments but also to the engagement and support of our citizens. Your voices, concerns, and aspirations are the driving force behind the progress we’ve made. As we step into 2024, let’s carry forward the spirit of collaboration and community involvement. Washington County is not just a place on the map; it’s a collective effort, and a home we all share.”

"As we wrap up this review of the milestones and achievements of 2023, I am inspired by the dedication of the Washington County community. Together, we've tackled challenges, celebrated victories, and charted a course for an even brighter future. Our accomplishments are not just a testament to the hard work of our county departments but also to the engagement and support of our citizens. Your voices, concerns, and aspirations are the driving force behind the progress we've made. As we step into 2024, let's carry forward the spirit of collaboration and community involvement. Washington County is not just a place on the map; it's a collective effort, and a home we all share."