HomeMy WebLinkAbout180420BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF
WASHINGTON COUNTY, MARYLAND
Hagerstown, Maryland
April 20, 2018
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
President Terry L. Baker called a meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of
Washington County, Maryland, to order at 3:14 p.m. at 100 West Washington Street,
Room 1113, with the following members present: Vice President Jeffrey A. Cline and
Commissioner Wayne K. Keefer. (Commissioner LeRoy E. Myers, Jr. was absent from the
meeting and Commissioner John F. Barr was absent until 3:42 p.m.)
COMMISSIONER AND COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR COMMENTS
Commissioner Baker welcomed Comptroller Peter Franchot to Washington County.
Commissioner Keefer thanked the Comptroller for meeting with the Commissioners and
supporting Washington County.
Commissioner Cline thanked the Comptroller for his famous birthday calls to elected
officials.
County Administrator Rob Slocum thanked Comptroller Franchot for his efforts to assist
craft brewery businesses through a bill that did not pass during the recent legislative
session. Mr. Franchot thanked the commissioners for supporting the bill and expressed
confidence that it will pass next year with some additions.
COMMENTS BY MARYLAND COMPTROLLER PETER V. R. FRANCHOT
Mr. Franchot introduced his assistant, Emily Gontrum. He thanked the Commissioners for
a copy of the 2018 State of the County video that he planned to view at a later time. The
Comptroller reported visiting his branch office on the Dual Highway earlier today. He
recited statistics of calls and emails fielded by his offices the past few months and efforts
to fight tax fraud and protect consumers. Mr. Franchot stated that he insists on first rate
customer service from his employees. He mentioned his efforts to assist craft breweries,
noting that he would be visiting the Antietam Brewery in Hagerstown after the meeting.
He also commented on the General Assembly's tax relief bill that raises the standard
deduction for Maryland returns, noting that money potentially paid by taxpayers as a result
of lost deductions through the federal tax overhaul would be kept by the State and not
passed on to taxpayers.
GENERAL DISCUSSION
Delegate Paul Corderman personally thanked the Comptroller for his efforts, especially in
supporting craft breweries. Mr. Corderman noted that he voted in favor of the bill.
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Comptroller Franchot discussed the recent approval of a bill that removes the Board of
Public Works, made up of him, Governor Larry Hogan and Treasurer Nancy Kopp, from
the oversight of school construction projects. He stated that it was a valuable oversight
panel for fiscal matters and that the bill should be overturned.
Commissioner Keefer discussed the continued lobbying efforts by counties and
municipalities for the return of highway user revenue funds that were redirected by former
Governor Martin O'Malley to help balance the budget. Mr. Keefer and Rob Slocum
updated the Comptroller on Washington County's State -funded projects to expand
Interstate 81 and improve the Interstate 70 and Maryland Route 65 interchange.
(Commissioner John F. Barr joined the meeting at 3:42 p.m.)
Rob Slocum updated Comptroller Franchot on the progress of the Cascade Town Centre
and also the downtown Urban Improvement Project that should have a shovel in the
ground as early as this summer. Governor Hogan and Comptroller Franchot will be invited
to the ceremonies. Mr. Slocum stressed that customer service is also a priority with County
Government.
ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Cline, seconded by Keefer, moved to adjourn at 3:59 p.m. The motion
passed unanimously.
Robert J. Slocum, County Administrator
John M. Martirano, County Attorney
Vicki C. Lumm, County Clerk