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HomeMy WebLinkAbout880926 September 26, l988 Hagerstown, Maryland 21740 A Special Meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County was called in order to meet with the members of the Washington County Delegation to the General Assembly regarding proposed legislation. The meeting was called to order at 2:00 p.m. by the President Ronald L. Bowers with the following members present: Vice President Richard E. Roulette, and Commissioner Linda C. Irvin. Delegation members present were: Senator Victor Cushwa, and Delegates Peter Callas, Donald Munson and Bruce Poole. Barry Teach, County Administrator, distributed packets and support letters for the proposed legislation to be discussed. At this time Commissioner Downey arrived at the Meeting. Salaries - County Commissioners - the Commissioners are proposing an increase in this salary to $l8,500, which is the average salary in the State of Maryland for County Commissioners; State's Attorney - $63,000, this figure which was arrived at by using the Salary Grade for the new County Attorney position plus eight years experience on this scale; Sheriff - proposed to be raised to $35,000; and Judges of the Orphans Court to $6,500. All salaries would be effective for the next term of office beginning in l990. At this time Senator John Derr and Delegate James McClellan arrived at the Meeting. The Delegation indicated that the salaries proposed for County Commissioners and Sherrif were in line but they would discuss the proposed salaries for the State's Attorney and Judges of the Orphans Court. Also discussed was a cost of living increase for the Commissioners. Sanitary District Legislation - The Sanitary District is requesting legislation allowing them to use condemnation procedures outside the boundaries of a subdistrict. This has been a problem in the past if the Sanitary Commission needs to acquire property outside the boundaries of a subdistrict, usually for pumping stations or treatment plants, they are prohibited from using condemnation procedures to obtain the land. Delegate Callas stated that some legislators may be hesitant to pass this since it may have implications in other jurisdictions. Delegate Taylor requested that the County draw up a bill detailing exactly what the Sanitary Commission wants and the Delegation would follow through and discuss the proposed legislation. The matter was taken under advisement. Also discussed was proposed legislative changes regarding billing, clarification of service areas for Commission representatives, and accounting changes to allow the Sanitary District to transfer funds in the form of loans from one subdistrict to another, with interest, to be repaid. Bonding Authority - The Commissioners are requesting bonding authority in the amount of $l0,050,000 for the following projects: Board of Education (roofing and renovation) - $5,000,000, County Office Space - $l,250,000; Roads - $l,050,000, and Detention Center expansion - $l,750,000. Delegate Callas requested information regarding each item and that this will be drafted in the manner it was last year. The Commissioners also discussed a possible change in legislation to allow a deed to be recorded by a government agency on a property with delinquent property taxes if it is being done for a public improvement. Barry Teach suggested that it may be a good idea to place a restriction on the amount of tax due in order to have a deed recorded. Delegation members indicated that this would have Statewide implications but they would check into the possibility. Museum of Fine Arts - The Commissioners are requesting $250,000 in State support which would allow the Museum to complete their expansion project. The Commissioners also asked the Delegation to look into the reuglation that both housing and non-housing allocations must be expended before discretionary funds may be requested from the Secretary of Department of Economic & Employment Development. The Delegation indicated that if Washington County has problems with this policy that other jurisdictions may also have problems. The Delegation indicated that they will get information to the Commissioners regarding this policy. Other topics discussed included the request for harsher penalties for minors attempting to purchase alcoholic beverages, the water system in Boonsboro, greyhound racing and additional space for the Health Department. Commissioner Bowers asked if it would be possible to include the Health Department's request at a later date as an addition to the $l0,000,000 bonding authority. Delegate Callas stated that they would accept it. SEPTEMBER 26, 1988 MINUTES, CONT'D. Delegate Munson expressed his dissatisfaction that the Sanitary Commission is moving their offices out of the City limits of Hagerstown. Commissioner Roulette explained that this would enable them to be more efficient by being at the site, but Delegate Munson felt that it would give the wrong impression to developers. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Irvin, seconded by Roulette to adjourn at 4:05 p.m. Unanimously approved. County Attorney , Clerk