HomeMy WebLinkAbout07.28.2000 Minutes - DelegationJuly 28, 2000
Hagerstown, Maryland
Meeting with the Washington County Delegation to the
General Assembly
A special meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of
Washington County, Maryland, was called to order at 12:00
p.m. at the Hagerstown Regional Airport terminal by
President Gregory I. Snook with the following members
present: Vice President Paul L. Swartz and Commissioners
Bertrand L. Iseminger, Jr., John L. Schnebly, and William
J. Wivell.
Members of the Washington County Delegation to the General
Assembly in attendance included Senator Donald Munson and
Delegates Robert McKee, John Donoghue, Joseph Bartlett,
Louise Snodgrass, Christopher Shank, and Sue Hecht.
County Bond Rating
Commissioner Snook informed the Delegation that Washington
County currently holds an A+ rating from Moody’s and an A1
bond rating from Standard and Poors. He stated that the
County Commissioners would like to make a presentation to
these agencies this year in an attempt to upgrade the
rating to AA. Commissioner Snook explained that the higher
bond rating would help to lower the interest rates the
County would pay on bond issues in the “out years.”
The Commissioners stated that the passage this year of
House Bill 1417 included a mandated contribution from the
general fund budget to the pretreatment fund. Debra
Bastian, Director of Budget & Finance, explained the rating
agencies do not like to see a general fund contribution
committed to a proprietary fund activity. She also stated
that it would be noted on the County’s financial statement.
Ms. Bastian informed the delegation that the County would
save 20-25 basis points with a higher bond rating. Although
the County does not intend to eliminate the general fund
contribution, the State mandate is an impediment to an
increase in the bond rating. The Commissioners asked
whether the law could be restructured to allow the County
more flexibility. Commissioner Iseminger stated that it is
the County’s goal to eliminate all general fund
contributions over time and that the pretreatment facility
is on track with the five-year plan to become financially
self-sufficient. Ms. Bastian also outlined the debt
affordability policy adopted by the County Commissioners.
The meeting was then opened for discussion and questions.
Airport Issues – Capital Improvement and Future Plans
Carolyn Motz, Airport Manager, provided background
information on the current operation and assets of the
Hagerstown Regional Airport. She informed the delegation
that the runway was moved back 500 feet and that they are
operating with a waiver from the FAA. She stated that this
has limited the type of aircraft that could use the Airport
because some aircraft require a longer runway for take-off
and landing. She indicated that the County has begun an
aggressive capital improvement program to address the
future needs of the Airport. Ms. Motz reviewed the
existing features and infrastructure that may need to be
expanded. She referred to a 1995 State study that showed
that the Airport brings $48 million in economic impact to
the County every year.
Ms. Motz outlined the plans to construct an extension to
the existing taxiway. She stated that an extension of the
runway would require changes to Route 11 and that a bridge
has been “pencil sketched.” Ms. Motz explained that it is
a lengthy process to obtain the authorization and funding
from the FAA. The County has a consultant working on an
environmental assessment at this time. She explained the
funding mechanism of the FAA and indicated that they are
willing to help with the future extension of the runway and
taxiway but want to see assistance from other sources of
funding for the road improvements that will be needed to
Route 11. Ms. Motz estimated that the funding for the
changes to Route 11 could run from $2.5 million to $20
million, depending on the amount of discretionary funding
they could obtain from FAA. She stated that the funding
for the road work would be necessary in fiscal years 2003
and 2004. Ms. Motz indicated that she has been meeting
with the State Highway Administration and they have been
coordinating their work on the project with the Maryland
Aviation Administration. The Commissioners asked the
Delegation for their help in lobbying for financial support
for the project.
JULY 28, 2000
PAGE TWO
State Funding Formula for Education
The Commissioners provided the Delegation with copies of
the comments made at the Thornton Commission public hearing
regarding the State’s funding formula for education.
Commissioner Snook stated that the County’s student
population is not growing and, therefore, the State funding
for education has been decreasing. The Commissioners
provided information showing the funding supplied by the
County and the amount given by the State. Commissioner
Iseminger stated that increased funding for education is
one of the County’s top priorities. Commissioners Schnebly
and Wivell reported on the joint committee with the Board
of Education that is reviewing facilities and “right-
sizing” of schools.
Gaming Commission Procedures
Delegate McKee expressed concerns regarding the
interpretation the law exempting fire and rescue companies
from the sticker fees for tip jars. The Commissioners
discussed the issue and suggested that a fire or rescue
company be exempt from the $1 sticker fee. They requested
that the staff research the law and develop a method to
either refund or exempt the fire and rescue companies from
the sticker charge.
After discussion, the Commissioners and Delegation agreed
to meet on September 29 at Hagerstown Community College and
again on November 17 to review legislative requests for the
2001 session.
The meeting was adjourned at 1:20 p.m.
__________________________,
County Administrator
,
County Attorney
, County
Clerk