HomeMy WebLinkAbout05.03.2016 MinutesBOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF
WASHINGTON COUNTY
Hagerstown, Maryland
May 3, 2016
INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Commissioners observed a moment of silence followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to
the Flag by the full assemblage.
CALL TO ORDER
Commissioner President Terry Baker called the regular meeting of the Board of County
Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland, to order at 10:24 a.m. at 100 West
Washington Street, Room 227, with the following members present: Commissioner Vice
President Jeffrey A. Cline and Commissioners Wayne K. Keefer and LeRoy E. Myers, Jr.
Commissioner John F. Barr was absent.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES — APRIL 19, 2016
Commissioner Myers, seconded by Keefer, moved to approve the minutes of April 19,
2016. The motion passed unanimously. (4-0, Commissioner Barr was absent.)
COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Commissioner Cline stated that he was proud of Commissioner Baker's congressional
election run.
REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF
Hammond Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program
Chris Boggs, Land Preservation Planner, Planning and Zoning, presented the David and
Karen Hammond Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) Easement
proposal. The Board of County Commissioners previously approved this project on
October 6, 2015. Due to a conflict with an existing Forest Conservation Easement, the
acreage of the CREP easement was changed from 73.41 acres to 62.89 acres. This would
also change the value of the easement from $246,089.25 to $211,680.19. Due to the
changes, a motion is required in order to move forward with the project.
Commissioner Myers, seconded by Keefer, moved to approve the change in acreage from
73.41 to 62.89 with corresponding change in value for the David and Karen Hammond
Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program Easement as presented and to move forward
with the project. The motion passed unanimously. (4-0, Commissioner Barr was absent.)
Public Relations and Community Affairs
Tabitha Porterfield, Marketing Specialist, Public Relations and Community Affairs,
presented the Commissioners with the latest State of the County newsletter. Ms. Porterfield
highlighted the Antietam Creek stream cleanup, Southern Airways announcement of Sun
Air Express and the Senior Center opening. She also mentioned the FY2017 Budget public
hearing scheduled for this evening.
May 3, 2016
Page 2
2016 Public Imurovement Bonds
Debra Murray, Chief Financial Officer, Budget and Finance, and Lester Guthorn, Financial
Advisor, Public Advisory Consultants, presented the preliminary results of the 2016 Public
Improvement Bonds. The low bids were presented on two series of 20 -year bonds to fund
$20.6 million in budgeted capital projects and to refinance past debt. Morgan Stanley and
Co. LLC, submitted 2.359 percent of the True Interest Cost for the County's Public
Improvement Bonds and Janney Montgomery Scott LLC, submitted a True Interest Cost of
1.759 percent for the 2016 Refunding Bonds. Ms. Murray stated that last year's rate was
3.106 percent on Public Improvement Bonds and 2.371 percent on the Refunding Bonds.
The County's current bond ratings and operational and financial management help drive
interest costs to the lowest rate on record.
CONTRACT RENEWAL - ELECTRICIAN SERVICES AT COUNTY FACILITIES
Rick Curry, Buyer, Purchasing, and Jim Sterling, Director, Public Works, requested to
renew the contract for Electrician Services at County Facilities (PUR-1251) with Kube
Electric Company, Inc. (KECI) of Williamsport, Maryland, per the rates included in its
letter dated March 23, 2016. KECI is requesting an approximate 3% increase above the
current hourly rates for work performed by an Electrician and an apprentice during regular
hours, evening, weekends and holidays we well as the rate for consulting and design
services. Funds are budgeted in various department line item accounts for these services.
KECI's rates are lower than the other bidder's original Total Base Bid.
Commissioner Myers, seconded by Keefer, moved to approve the contract renewal for
Electrician Services at County Facilities with Kube Electric Company, Inc. as presented.
The motion passed unanimously. (4-0, Commissioner Barr was absent.)
CONTRACT RENEWAL — HEATING, VENTILATING, AIR CONDITIONING
AND AUTOMATIC TEMPERATURE CONTROLS MAINTENANCE SERVICE
Rick Curry and Jim Sterling requested renewal of the contract for the Heating, Ventilating,
Air Conditioning and Automatic Temperature Controls Maintenance Services (PUR-1250)
with Miller & Anderson, Inc. of Clear Brook, Virginia, as requested in its letter dated April
8, 2016. Miller & Anderson had not requested any increases to the original contract last
year. They are not requesting any increase to the hourly labor rates for additional services
as needed, but they are requesting an approximate 11.8 % increase for specific services for
FYI 7. The contract is a one-year period that commenced on July 1, 2014 with an option by
the County to renew for up to four additional one-year periods. The Washington County
Health Department, Washington County Free Library and the Washington County
Museum of Fine Arts are also included in this contract. Funds are available in various
departmental budget line item accounts for these services.
Commissioner Myers, seconded by Keefer, moved to approve the contract renewal for the
Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning and Automatic Temperature Controls Maintenance
May 3, 2016
Page 3
Services with Miller & Anderson, Inc. of Clear Brook, Virginia, as presented. The motion
passed unanimously. (4-0, Commissioner Barr was absent.)
MARYLAND COMMERCIAL VEHICLE LICENSING EXCLUSION FOR FIRE
AND EMERGENCY APPARATUS OPERATORS
David Hays, Director, Emergency Services, and Dale Hill, Washington County Volunteer
Fire and Rescue Association (WCVFRA), requested that Washington County participate in
the Maryland Commercial Vehicle Licensing Regulation Exclusion for Fire and
Emergency Apparatus Operators (over 26,001 lbs.) program. Participation will allow
exclusion of the requirement to obtain a Maryland Commercial Vehicle Operators Permit
for fire and emergency apparatus operators. All fire and emergency apparatus operators
will receive operator training that will be provided by the individual fire and emergency
services departments. The recommendation from the chief of a department will be
forwarded with a request for the issuance of an emergency vehicle operator's card. The
designated County Program Administrator (the WCVFRA) will issue emergency Vehicle
Operator Cards. There are no initial or recurring expenses.
Commissioner Cline, seconded by Keefer, moved to approve the requested
recommendation for participation in the Maryland Commercial Vehicle Licensing
Regulation Exclusion for Fire and Emergency Apparatus Operators program as presented.
The motion passed unanimously. (4-0, Commissioner Barr was absent.)
CONTRUCTION BID AWARD — UNDERPASS WAY AND RAILWAY LANE —
INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS CONTRACT
Scott Hobbs, Deputy Director, Engineering and Construction Management, requested
award of the bid for the Underpass Way and Railway Lane Intersection Improvements
contract to the lowest responsive, responsible bidder, Huntzberry Brothers, Inc. of
Smithsburg, Maryland, for $658,995.00. The project was advertised in The Herald Mail,
on the County's website, and the State of Maryland's website, e -Maryland Marketplace.
Three bids were received on Wednesday, March 30, 2016. The low bid by Huntzberry
Brothers, Inc. is in order. The engineer's estimate is $718,143.
The project involves intersection improvements including the installation of a traffic signal
at Underpass Way and Railway Lane. The improvements involve adding dedicated turn
lanes (westbound left and northbound right), ADA accessible sidewalks and ramps, audible
pedestrian signals, concrete curbing, storm drain, stormwater management, asphalt paving,
pavement markings, and signs. A traffic signal is warranted under existing conditions and
will result in an acceptable level of service for all movements. This is a budgeted Capital
Improvement Plan project with an unencumbered balance of $989,800.00. Total expenses
are estimated at $886,995.00, including $658,995.00 for the proposed bid award;
$195,000.00 for design, inspection, testing, utilities, and right-of-way; and $33,000.00 or
5% for construction contingency.
May 3, 2016
Page 4
Commissioner Myers, seconded by Keefer, moved to award the bid for the Underpass Way
and Railway Lane Intersection Improvements contract to Huntzberry Brothers, Inc. of
Smithsburg, Maryland, for $658,995.00 as presented. The motion passed unanimously.
(4-0, Commissioner Barr was absent.)
WILLIAM NEILL KEFAUVER AND JOHN WAYNE CANFIELD
CONSERVATION RESERVE ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM EASEMENT
PROPOSAL
Chris Boggs, Land Preservation Planner, Planning and Zoning, requested approval of the
William Neill Kefauver and John Wayne Canfield Conservation Reserve Enhancement
Program (CREP) Easement project, paid for 100% by the State, in the amount of
$220,783.50 for 70.09 easement acres, to adopt an ordinance approving the easement
purchase, and to authorize the execution of the necessary documentation to finalize the
easement purchase. The CREP easement program is administered by the Land Acquisition
and Planning Unit and is funded from Program Open Space funds. The completed recorded
easements are held jointly by the County and the Department of Natural Resources. For FY
2016, the State of Maryland is awarding CREP grants to eligible properties. The Kefauver-
Canfield CREP Easement uses a portion of those funds. Easement applicants are chosen
from those who are already enrolled in a 15 -year CREP contract. CREP funds are 100%
State dollars, mainly from Program Open Space funds. In addition to the easement funds,
the County receives up to 3% of the easement value for administrative costs, a mandatory
1.5% for compliance/monitoring costs and funds to cover all of our legal/settlement costs.
A survey was needed for this project and the State will pay 100% of the survey cost.
Commissioner Myers, seconded by Cline, moved to approve the William Neill Kefauver
and John Wayne Canfield Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program Easement project
in the amount of $220,783.50 for 70.09 easement acres, to adopt an ordinance approving
the easement purchase, and to authorize the execution of the necessary documentation to
finalize the easement purchase. The motion passed unanimously. (4-0, Commissioner Barr
was absent.) (Ordinance No. ORD -2016-09 is recorded among the Acts, Ordinances, and
Resolutions of Washington County and the original is located in the County
Commissioners' Office.)
JOB CREATION AND CAPITAL INVESTMENT REAL PROPERTY TAX
CREDITS ORDINANCE
Kassie Lewis, Director, Business Development, requested the Commissioners adopt the
Job Creation and Capital Investment Real Property Tax Credits Ordinance. The Maryland
General Assembly has authorized Washington County to grant, by law, a property tax
credit on real property owned or leased by certain business entities that meet certain
requirements. The impact to County real property tax revenue would be dependent upon
the extent and nature of the credits claimed. The Commissioners discussed the matter.
Commissioner Myers, seconded by Keefer, moved to approve the enactment of the Job
Creation and Capital Investment Real Property Tax Credits Ordinance for Washington
County, Maryland. The motion passed unanimously. (4-0, Commissioner Barr was absent.)
May 3, 2016
Page 5
(Ordinance No. ORD -2016-10 is recorded among the Acts, Ordinances, and Resolutions of
Washington County and the original is located in the County Commissioners' Office.)
CONTRACT AWARD #2 HEATING FUEL
Rick Curry, Buyer, Purchasing, and Jim Sterling, Director, Public Works, requested
concurrence of the recommendation of the Washington County Public Schools (WCPS) to
award the contract for Washington County Government's #2 heating fuel oil to the
responsive, responsible low bidder, A. C. & T., Company, Inc. of Hagerstown, Maryland,
for tank wagon deliveries at a bidder factor of $0.149. Washington County Government
and the City of Hagerstown cooperatively bid heating fuel requirements with the WCPS.
At its meeting on Tuesday, March 15, 2016, the WCPS awarded its contract for tank
wagon loads to the responsive, responsible bidder, A. C. & T., Company, Inc. with the
lowest bid of $0.149 per gallon over the weekly wholesale average price for #2 (high
sulfur) heating oil as published in the Oil Price Information Service bulletin (OPIS, Pad 1,
Baltimore gasoline and distillate reseller prices). The contract is effective August 1, 2016
and will end July 31, 2017 with an option by WCPS to renew the contract for up to two
additional one-year periods, based on satisfactory product and service. WCPS may request
a fixed price quote at any time to be exercised by the mutual consent of the parties.
Commissioner Cline, seconded by Myers, moved to approve the awarded contract for
Washington County Government's #2 heating fuel oil to the responsive, responsible low
bidder, A. C. & T., Company, Inc. of Hagerstown, Maryland, for tank wagon deliveries at
a bidder factor of $0.149. The motion passed unanimously. (4-0, Commissioner Barr was
absent.)
BID AWARD — HAULING/RECYCLING OF SCRAP METALS AND REMOVAL
RECOVERY OF REFRIGERANT GASES
Rick Curry and Dave Mason, Deputy Director, Solid Waste, requested award of the
contract for Hauling/Recycling of Scrap Metals and Removal of Refrigerant Gases (PUR-
1301) to the responsible, responsive bidder Joseph Smith & Sons, Inc. of Washington,
D.C., which submitted a rebate percentage of 40% per gross ton. The County shall be
compensated at the rate of 40% of the posted Consumer Buying Price for No. 2 bundles at
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as quoted in the American Metal Market monthly publication.
The percentage rate shall remain fixed throughout the term of the contract. The work to be
performed by the Contractor under this project generally includes but is not limited to
furnishing all labor, materials, equipment, services, loading, recovery/disposal of
refrigerant gases, removal and hauling of the scrap metal from the County's Forty West
Landfill site.
Commissioner Cline, seconded by Myers, moved to award the contract for
Hauling/Recycling of Scrap Metals and Removal of Refrigerant Gases to the responsible,
M responsive bidder Joseph Smith & Sons, Inc. of Washington, D.C., which submitted a
rebate percentage of 40% per gross ton as presented. The motion passed unanimously.
(4-0, Commissioner Barr was absent.)
May 3, 2016
Page 6
CONTRACT AWARD - CONSTRUCTIONBUILDING INSPECTION SERVICES
REOUIREMENTS CONTRACT
Karen Luther, Director, Purchasing, and Scott Hobbs, Deputy Director, Engineering and
Construction Management, requested award of the primary contract for
Construction/Building Inspection Services (PUR-1309) to Development Facilitators, Inc.
of Millersville, Maryland, the incumbent, based on the responsive, responsible proposal
dated March 31, 2016 with the lowest price proposal amount of $181,112.50; and, as
permitted in the Request for Proposals, to award a stand-by contract to A. Morton Thomas,
of Baltimore, Maryland, the incumbent, based on the responsive, responsible proposal
dated March 31, 2016 with the next lowest price proposal amount of $183,250.00, at the
specified unit costs and estimated hours (no minimum or maximum guaranteed.) The
services under this contract consist of providing construction/building inspection services,
as well as field and laboratory services for various projects located throughout the County.
The projects may include maintenance and construction of roads, traffic signals, bridges,
drainage structures, waterlines, sewer lines, buildings or any similar public improvements
projects. The duration of the contract shall be for a period of one-year tentatively to begin
June 1, 2016, with an option by the County to renew for up to four additional one-year
periods. Under the terms of the contract, other political jurisdictions within the County
may utilize the services provided as a result of this contract. This is a requirements
contract; therefore, services will be utilized on an as -needed basis at the respective hourly
unit prices for each class of inspector and at the unit price for each test as specified in their
Price Proposals with no guarantee of a maximum or minimum number of hours or tests.
Funds are budgeted in various project accounts for these services. The Commissioners
discussed the matter.
Commissioner Cline, seconded by Myers, moved to award the primary contract to
Development Facilitators, Inc. of Millersville, Maryland, the incumbent, based on the
responsive, responsible proposal dated March 31, 2016 with the lowest price proposal
amount of $181,112.50; and, as permitted in the Request for Proposals, to award a standby
contract to A. Morton Thomas, of Baltimore, Maryland, the incumbent, based on the
responsive, responsible proposal dated March 31, 2016 with the next lowest price proposal
amount of $183,250.00, at the specified unit costs and estimated hours (no minimum or
maximum guaranteed) as presented. The motion passed unanimously. (4-0, Commissioner
Barr was absent.)
CLOSED SESSION
Commissioner Myers, seconded by Keefer, moved to convene into closed session in 11:30
a.m. to discuss the appointment, employment, assignment, promotion, discipline,
demotion, compensation, removal, resignation, or performance evaluation of appointees,
employees or officials over whom this public body has jurisdiction; or any other personnel
matter that affects one or more specific individuals in accordance with the Section 3-
305(b) (1) of the General Provisions Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland. The
motion passed unanimously. (4-0, Commissioner Barr was absent.) ',
May 3, 2016
Page 7
In closed session, the commissioners discussed specific County personnel
recommendations/personnel recommendations/employee matters with County staff.
During closed session, the Commissioners provided specific direction to staff regarding
County personnel recommendations/employee matters.
Present during closed session were Commissioners Terry L. Baker, Jeffrey A. Cline,
Wayne K. Keefer and LeRoy E. Myers, Jr. Also present were Gregory Murray, County
Administrator; Sarah Sprecher, Assistant County Administrator; John M. Martirano,
County Attorney; Katie Yoder, Executive Office Assistant; and Stephanie Stone, Director,
Health and Human Services.
RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION
Commissioner Myers, seconded by Cline, moved to reconvene in open session at 11:49
a.m. The motion passed unanimously.
GOVERNOR'S OFFICE FOR CHILDREN FISCAL YEAR 2017 COMMUNITY
PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT PROPOSAL SUBMITTAL
Susan Buchanan, Senior Grant Manager, and Jim Hovis, Director, Community Grant
Management, requested approval of the submission of the FY 17 Community Partnership
Agreement proposal to the Governor's Office for Children requesting $794,447 and to
accept the funding as awarded. The Washington County Office of Community Grant
Management, on behalf of and at the direction of the Local Management Board, requests
approval to submit a Community Partnership Agreement Proposal to the Governor's Office
for Children for fiscal year 2017 in response to their FYI Notice of Funding Availability.
The proposal requests $674,447 in funding for five programs impacting the well-being of
children, youth and families in Washington County as well as support for County
administrative expenses.
The funding requested by the Local Management Board includes the following
programmatic strategies and their respective vendors: Rural Out of School Time Initiative
(vendor to be determined) $105,000; Clinical Services and Community Outreach to
Reduce Teen Pregnancy and STI (Community Free Clinic) $139,060; School Based
Mental Health Services (Brook Lane Health Services, Inc.) $211,560; Early Childhood
Advisory Council Coordinator (Washington County Department of Social Services)
$49,200; Family Centered Support Services (Department of Social Services) $69,060;
Competitive Planning Request (vendor to be determined) $120,000; Office of Community
Grant Management Administration Expenses $100,567.
Commissioner Cline, seconded by Myers, moved to approve the submission of the FYI
Community Partnership Agreement proposal to the Governor's Office for Children as
presented. The motion passed unanimously. (4-0, Commissioner Barr was absent.)
May 3, 2016
Page 8
NATIONAL SMALL BUSINESS WEEK - MAY 1-7,2016
Kassie Lewis, Director, Business Development, and Julie Rohm, Vice Chair, Economic
Development Commission, discussed National Small Business Week in Washington
County, Maryland, observed May 1-7, 2016. In its observance, Washington County's
municipalities were asked to nominate one business in their jurisdiction that represents
outstanding entrepreneurship. The following businesses were nominated and received
proclamations from the Board of County Commissioners: Town of Boonsboro — Josie's on
Main; Town of Williamsport — Canal View Candle and Barrel Co.; Town of Smithsburg —
Dixie Diner; City of Hagerstown - James and Jess' House of Goods and Kendall Taylor
Home; Town of Hancock - Potomac Auto Parts with a special recognition given to Aubrey
Wingert; Town of Funkstown - Aladdin Awards; Town of Sharpsburg - B&B Automotive.
The Commissioners thanked and congratulated all businesses nominated and commended
their hard work to achieve success.
HAGERSTOWN-WASHINGTON COUNTY TOURISM WEEK AND
WASHINGTON COUNTY 13TH ANNUAL MUSEUM RAMBLE
Dan Spedden, Director, Hagerstown -Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau,
and William Knode, President, Washington County Association of Museums and
Historical Sites, provided details on the Hagerstown -Washington County Tourism Week
and the Washington County 13th Annual Museum Ramble. The Commissioners presented
proclamations to Mr. Spedden for Tourism Week and to Mr. mode to recognize the 13th
Annual Museum Ramble in Washington County.
PUBLIC HEARING — AGRICULTURAL PRESERVATION DISTRICT
APPLICATIONS
President Baker convened a Public Hearing at 1:30 p.m. to obtain public comment on the
ten-year term County Agricultural Land Presentation District Applications. Eric Seifarth
and Chris Boggs, Agricultural Planners, Planning and Zoning, presented the provided
applications. Mr. Seifarth stated that on January 13, 2009, the Board of County
Commissioners voted to continue with ten year District Agreements to maintain the tax
credit program, and as a means of landowners showing a commitment to agriculture while
waiting for funding for an easement sale. If approved, the listed applicants will be
restricted to agricultural use only on their farms for a period of ten years. In exchange, the
landowners will not pay county property tax on their agricultural land or buildings and
they will receive a credit of up to $711 on their farmhouse. The cost of tax credits for these
properties for the ten-year period equal about $12/acre per year for a total of approximately
$159,600 for the full ten-year period for 1,330 acres. This will be in the form of property
taxes not collected. The Agricultural Advisory Board approved the Districts and found the
applications to be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan.
The 2016 Washington County Agricultural Preservation District Applicants are as follows:
Bowers, Phillip (AD -16-003) tax map 66, parcel 35, consisting of 52.09 acres; 8321 &
8317 Lazy Acres Lane, Williamsport, MD 21795
Hastings Farm LLC (AD -15-008) tax map 21, parcel 10, consisting of 117.694 acres;
May 3, 2016
Page 9
13734 Mercersburg Road, Clear Spring, MD 21722
Forsythe, Mark A. (AD -16-005) tax map 47, parcel 25, consisting of 75.56 acres; 14923
Clear Spring Road, Williamsport, MD 21795
Naile, Gary & Renee (AD -16-001) tax map 33, parcel 19, consisting of 192.66 acres;
13020 Indian Springs Road, Big Pool, MD 21711
Strite, Joel D. & Evalinda (AD -16-004) tax map 39, parcel 44, consisting of 119.26 acres;
12968 Rowe Road, Smithsburg, MD 21783
Weddle, James K. & Bonnie J., and Weddle Jeremiah A. & Janelle R. (AD -16-007) tax
map 62, parcels 65 & 66, consisting of 348.575 acres; 9313 & 9219 Garis Shop Road,
Hagerstown, MD 21740
Horst, John A. & Linda F., and Horst, Brent E. & Mary E. (AD -16-002) tax map 46, parcel
29, consisting of 120.69 acres; 13526 Big Pool Road, Clear Spring, MD 21722. 1.5 acres
excluded for future lot.
Horst, John A. & Linda F., and Horst, Keith A. & M. Rosanne (AD -16-010) tax map 46,
parcel 33, consisting of 193.61 acres; 13626 Big Pool Road, Clear Spring, MD 21722
JA Horst & Sons LLP (AD -16-011) tax map 46, parcel 318, consisting of 109.44 acres;
Ashton Road, Clear Spring, MD 21722
Clearview Acres LLC (AD -16-013) tax map 35, parcel 231, consisting of 128.09 acres;
12111 Saint Paul Road, Clear Spring, MD 21722
The hearing was opened for public comment. No individuals offered comment. The public
hearing was closed at 2:00 p.m.
Commissioner Cline, seconded by Keefer, moved to approve the ten-year term
Agricultural Land Preservation District applications as presented. The motion passed
unanimously. (4-0, Commissioner Barr was absent.)
CITIZENS PARTICIPATION
Ann Corcoran of Keedysville addressed the Commissioners regarding the Refugee
Admissions Program and the Refugee Resettlement Program. Ms. Corcoran distributed
materials on the subject matter.
ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Cline, seconded by Myers, moved to adjourn at 2:05 p.m. The motion
passed unanimously.
Gregory B. Murray, C unty Administrator
Y-
John
M. Martirano, County Attorney
Katie R. Yode
Executive Office Assistant
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF
WASHINGTON COUNTY
Hagerstown, Maryland
May 3, 2016
PUBLIC HEARING FOR PROPOSED FISCAL YEAR 2017 BUDGET AND
TAX RATE
A public hearing of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County was held
at 7:07 p.m. in the Kepler Theatre at Hagerstown Community College to consider the
proposed Tax Rate for Fiscal Year (FY) 2017 pursuant to Maryland law as well as the
FY proposed 2017 budget for Washington County. In attendance were President Terry L.
Baker, Vice President Jeffrey A. Cline, and Commissioners Wayne K. Keefer and LeRoy
E. Myers. Commissioner John F. Barr was absent.
County Administrator Gregory Murray announced that the public hearing was being held
pursuant to and to satisfy the specific requirements of Maryland law, the requirements of
the Constant Yield Tax Rate law, as described in the notice published in The Herald -Mail
on Tuesday, April 19, 2016, and to consider and obtain public comment on the proposed
FY 2017 budget for Washington County as advertised. During the PowerPoint
presentation, Mr. Murray referred to the Citizen's Guide to the Budget for Fiscal Year
2017, which was available at the public hearing and on the County's website and shall be
added into the recorded minutes. Mr. Murray stated that property tax rate for Fiscal Year
2017 will not increase and will remain at a rate of 94.8 cents per $100 of assessed value.
The 2017 Washington County budget totals $300,286,970, which is $3,944,895 or 1.30%
below the 2016 approved budget. The County received the bond ratings of AA+/AA1 and
received positive comments on operational and financial management, helping drive
interest costs to the lowest rate on record. The 2017 budget provides base services,
maintains low debt levels, and preserves our cash operating reserves so the County can
meet challenges and opportunities in the upcoming years.
Commissioner President, Terry L. Baker, opened the hearing for public testimony. Six
individuals spoke on issues concerning the budget. Commissioner Baker adjourned the
hearing at 8:07 p.m.
Greg ry . M�rray, Coity
John M. Martirano, County
Administrator
Attorney mi Vj
.
Katie R. Yoder
Executive Office Assistant