HomeMy WebLinkAbout210223aJeffrey A. Cline, President
Terry L. Baker, Vice President
Krista L. Hart, Clerk
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
February 23, 2021
OPEN SESSION AGENDA
In response to the existing State of Emergency, this meeting of the Board of County Commissioners will be conducted with a
virtual component allowing for Commissioner and Staff participation via remote video conference. The meeting will be live
streamed on the County’s YouTube and Facebook sites.
9:00 AM MOMENT OF SILENCE AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
CALL TO ORDER, President Jeffrey A. Cline
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: February 9, 2021
9:05 AM CLOSED SESSION (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; any other personnel matter that affects one or more specific individuals; To consult with counsel to
obtain legal advice on a legal matter)
10:00 AM RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION
10:05 AM COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS
10:20 AM STAFF COMMENTS
10:30 AM DISCUSSION OF ETHICS OPINION – Board of County Commissioners
10:50 AM FY2021 BUDGET ADJUSTMENTS TO THE BOARD OF EDUCATION GENERAL
FUND BUDGET – Jeffrey Proulx, Chief Operating Officer; David Brandenburg, Executive
Director of Finance, Washington County Public Schools
11:10 AM BUDGET ADJUSTMENT FOR TRANSIT CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS
– Kevin Cerrone, Director, Transit Department
11:15 AM MARYLAND HERITAGE AREA AUTHORITY GRANTS PROGRAM – Andrew
Eshleman, Director, Public Works; Allison Hartshorn, Grant Manager, Office of Grant
Management
11:20 AM INTERGOVERNMENTAL COOPERATIVE PURCHASE (INTG20-0055)
ELECTRONIC MONITORING EQUIPMENT/SERVICES – Rick Curry, Director,
Purchasing; Major Craig Rowe, Warden, Washington County Detention Center
11:25 AM FY2022 BUDGET ADJUSTMENT – Sara Greaves, CFO, Budget & Finance
11:35 AM FY2022 BUDGET PREVIEW DISCUSSION – Sara Greaves, CFO, Budget & Finance
11:55 AM ADJOURNMENT
Cort F. Meinelschmidt
Randall E. Wagner
Open Session Item
SUBJECT: DISCUSSION OF ETHICS OPINION
PRESENTATION DATE: February 23, 2021
PRESENTATION BY: Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, MD
RECOMMENDED MOTION: N/A
REPORT-IN-BRIEF: The Board of County Commissioners will discuss the opinion of the Ethics
Commission.
DISCUSSION:
FISCAL IMPACT:
CONCURRENCES:
ATTACHMENTS: Ethics Opinion
Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland
Agenda Report Form
ETHICS OPINION
Cort F. Meinelschmidt, County Commissioner
On January 22, 2021, Commissioner Cort Meinelschmidt sent to the Ethics Commission
his request that the Commission "investigate and review [his] conduct" related to his
vote(s) on funding for the Restaurant Relief Grant Program for violation(s) of the Ethics
Ordinance. On February 1, 2021, the Washington County Democratic Central Committee
filed a Complaint with the Ethics Commission regarding the same conduct. Alan Levin,
a member of the Ethics Commission and the Democratic Central Committee, recused
himself from this matter.
Background
In November of 2020, Commissioner Meinelschmidt applied to Washington County
for a $20,000 Restaurant Relief Grant Program grant for Meinelschmidt Distillery, Inc., a
craft distillery originally planned to open in the former Masonic Temple in downtown
Hagerstown in late 2020, but plagued by COVID-related delays with construction and
suppliers.
On December 1, 2020, the Board of County Commissioners, meeting in regular
session, received the report of Susan Small, Director of the Department of Business
Development, on the Restaurant Relief Grant Program. Ms. Small reported that the initial
$1.35 million of funding from the State was exhausted, on a first -come, first -served basis,
with the first 74 grant applications, leaving 26 applications unfunded. Ms. Small
recommended that $210,000 of Federal CARES Act Funding previously allocated to the
Convention and Visitors Bureau be reallocated to the Restaurant Relief Grant Program to
be allocated evenly among the 26 unfunded applications. Commissioner Meinelschmidt
made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Keefer, to approve the recommendation to
reallocate the $210,000 to the Restaurant Relief Grant Program, resulting in each of the 26
remaining grant applicants receiving approximately $8,000. The vote passed
unanimously.
Later in the same session, the Board considered a staff recommendation regarding
reallocation of Federal CARES Act money the County received in reimbursement for
pandemic -related expenses. From this funding source, the Board voted to allocate just
over $1 million to reimburse the County and Municipal governments for fire/EMS
personnel wages, freeing up non -healthcare -related CARES Act funding. Commissioner
Meinelschmidt then initiated a discussion with Tom Brown, Emergency Manager, and
Sara Greaves, Chief Financial Officer, to determine whether funds ultimately amounting
to $439,020 could be reallocated from County CARES Act funding to the Restaurant Relief
Grant Program to fully fund the remaining 26 grant applications received. Upon
confirmation of the sum required for that purpose, Commissioner Meinelschmidt led a
discussion by the Board, then made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Keefer, to
rescind the previous vote to reallocate funding from the Convention and Visitors Bureau
and to allocate $439,020 of CARES Act funding to the Restaurant Relief Grant Program in
order to fully fund all remaining grant applications. The vote passed unanimously.
At no time did Commissioner Meinelschmidt disclose his interest as an applicant to
the Restaurant Relief Grant Program or as a presumptive awardee as a result of the
allocated funding. He fully participated in both votes.
The Herald -Mail reported the matter on January 25, 2021, quoting Commissioner
Meinelschmidt as saying "I don't think I did anything wrong."
In his appearance before the Ethics Commission, Commissioner Meinelschmidt
acknowledged that he had applied to the County's Restaurant Relief Grant Program,
directly with the County, albeit somewhat late in the process. He noted that at the time
of the December 1, 2020, Commissioners' session, he had no knowledge of which grant
applications had been funded or which were among the 26 unfunded applications, and
he had no knowledge of the status of his own or other applications. He noted also that,
looking back, he should have acknowledged his interest in the process as a grant
applicant, though he noted that his vote had no effect on the outcome of the matter.
Commissioner Meinelschmidt told the Commission that he was familiar with the Ethics
Ordinance and that he had previously recused himself from a vote on a project in which
he had a financial stake, the Greenbacker Renewable Energy Corporation solar project.
He also stated that the Greenbacker project did not move forward as the result of a tie
vote among Commissioners after his recusal. He stopped short, however, of admitting a
violation of the Ordinance, deferring in that analysis to the Commission.
In her appearance before the Ethics Commission, Ms. Small, Director of the County's
Department of Business Development, confirmed that no application for the Restaurant
Relief Grant Program received by the County was denied; that is, 100 applications were
received and 100 grants were awarded and, ultimately, fully funded. While some of the
first 74 grant applicants funded with the initial allocation had by December 1, 2020, been
notified of their grant award, and some may have even been by then paid, no applicant
had by that date been notified of rejection for lack of funding or otherwise.
2
Question Presented
Did Commissioner Meinelschmidt's failure to disclose his personal financial interest
in Meinelschmidt Distillery, Inc., an applicant to the county's Restaurant Relief Grant
Program, and to recuse himself from discussion and voting on the funding of that Grant
Program, violate the Washington County Ethics Ordinance?
Discussion
The Washington County Ethics Ordinance was enacted in compliance with the
Maryland Public Ethics Law, Md. Code Ann., Gen. Prov. § 5-807. The provisions of the
Ethics Ordinance apply to Washington County elected officials, employees, and
appointees to County boards and commissions. Ethics Ordinance, § 3.
As we have noted before, "[pjublic confidence in the performance of government
officials is of paramount importance." State Ethics Comm'n v. Antonetti, 365 Md. 428,
447, 780 A.2d 1154, 1166 (2001) (citing Carrol County Ethics Comm'n v. Lennon, 119
Md.App. 49, 61, 703 A.2d 1338, 1344 (1998). The recognition of this principle by the
Maryland legislature is made express: "[t]he General Assembly of Maryland, recognizing
that our system of representative government is dependent on maintaining the highest
trust by the people in their government officials and employees, finds and declares that
the people have a right to be assured that the impartiality and independent judgment of
those officials and employees will be maintained. It is evident that the people's confidence
and trust are eroded when the conduct of the State's business is subject to improper
influence or even the appearance of improper influence." Maryland Public Ethics Law,
"Legislative Findings," Md. Code Ann., Gen. Prov. § 5-807. As the Maryland Court of
Appeals pointed out in Antonetti, "the need to investigate and sanction alleged ethical
violations is 'perhaps even more acute ... at the local government level, where the
government and its citizens have greater contact with one another."'
We conclude, as we have in previous matters, that the legislative intent underlying
the Maryland Public Ethics Law and the Washington County Ethics Ordinance are the
same.
Conflict of Interest; Participation Prohibitions
Section 4(c) of the Ethics Ordinance provides, in pertinent part:
Participation prohibitions. Except as permitted by Commission
regulation or opinion, an official or employee may not participate in:
3
(1) Except in the exercise of an administrative or ministerial duty that
does not affect the disposition or decision of the matter, any matter in
which, to the knowledge of the official or employee, the official or
employee, or a qualified relative of the official or employee has an interest.
(2) Except in the exercise of an administrative or ministerial duty that
does not affect the disposition or decision with respect to the matter, any
matter in which any of the following is a party:
(i) A business entity in which the official or employee has a direct
financial interest of which the official or employee may reasonably be
expected to know;
I...
(3) A person who is disqualified from participating under paragraphs
(1) or (2) of this subsection shall disclose the nature and circumstances of
the conflict and may participate or act if:
(i) The disqualification leaves a body with less than a quorum
capable of acting;
(ii) The disqualified official or employee is required by law to act; or
(iii) The disqualified official or employee is the only person
authorized to act.
Commissioner Meinelschmidt readily acknowledges his interest in Meinelschmidt
Distillery, Inc., and in his application for a $20,000 Restaurant Relief Grant. To his credit,
he admits he should have disclosed his interest as a grant applicant before the
Commissioners took up the matter of funding.
This Commission has in the past acknowledged, and does here again, that openness
and transparency are of critical importance in building and maintaining accountability
and trust in government. Financial disclosure requirements promote accountability
among public officials, increase citizen trust in public institutions, and help prevent
corruption in the public sector. Issues that may create a potential conflict of interest
commonly arise during the normal course of a local elected official's work, particularly
in a small community, and so disclosure-and-recusal rule provide a ready and accessible
framework for public officials to maintain the highest public trust while efficiently doing
the work of the people. Rules like those found in the Ordinance addressing conflict of
interest -related recusal requirements are common across the United States, and typically
excuse a legislator from any vote where recusal is required by a conflict of interest. The
duty to disclose and recuse arises when a reasonable person with knowledge of the
relevant facts would be concerned about the official's impartiality in the matter.
That duty unquestionably arose with respect to Commissioner Meinelschmidt in
4
this matter; indeed, he so much as admits so himself. Because Commissioner
Meinelschmidt acknowledges his familiarity with the Ordinance's imposition of a duty
to disclose and recuse in matters in which he had a direct financial interest, and had
previously so recused himself under not dissimilar circumstances, and because he was
well aware of his financial interest in the outcome of voting to fund the program, we are
compelled to conclude that his actions in this matter were knowing and willful.
Moreover, we find Commissioner Meinelschmidt's explanation that he did not
know that his application was one of the 26 as -yet unfunded applications unconvincing
of his lack of intent or as a mitigating factor because his application was without
question among the 100 applications full funding for which he was assuring with his
motion and vote (after previously assuring at least partial funding with the first vote).
We also find his assertion that his individual vote did not affect the outcome of either
motion, while true, to be cavalier about the issue of using one's elected position for
personal financial gain. We find in Commissioner Meinelschmidt's actions a troubling
breach of the public trust. Public officials should strive at all times to avoid putting
themselves in the position between advancing the public's interest or their own
financial interest; certain situations call for voluntary abstention to avoid even the
appearance of impropriety and to maintain the public trust and confidence. Clear
conflicts of interest, however, stringently require affirmative disclosure of the nature
and circumstances of the conflict and clearly mandate disqualification from
participation, thus avoiding not only the appearance of impropriety but the potential
for actual impropriety. We are not convinced that Commissioner Meinelschmidt
appreciates the breach of professional integrity his actions constitute or their potentially
deleterious effects on the public's perception of the Board's manner of exercise of their
authority for proper public purpose.
Here, Commissioner Meinelschmidt unequivocally engaged in conduct prohibited by
Section 4(c) of the Ethics Ordinance - he participated eagerly and fully in a matter in
which he had an undisclosed, direct financial interest.
Enforcement of the Ordinance
Section 9 of the Ordinance provides for its enforcement. The Commission may, upon
finding of a violation of a provision of the Ordinance:
(i) Issue an order of compliance directing the respondent to cease
and desist from the violation;
(ii) Issue a reprimand; or
(iii) Recommend to the appropriate authority other appropriate
5
discipline of the respondent, including censure or removal if that discipline
is authorized by law.
Thus, the Commission has a choice of enforcement mechanisms.
An order to cease and desist the violation, we believe, would be shutting the barn
door after the horse has bolted and would serve no retributive, deterrent or restitutive
purpose. Under the circumstances of this matter, the Commission believes that a mere
reprimand from the Commission would carry insufficient weight and consequence.
Because Commissioner Meinelschmidt's violation of the Ordinance is of the very type
that most directly erodes the public's trust in the governmental decision -making process,
and as the power to discipline and remove members is inherent to every legislative body,
we believe that the Board of County Commissioners itself is best suited to determine and
impose appropriate discipline of Commissioner Meinelschmidt. This Commission has
confidence in the Board of County Commissioners to fashion disciplinary measures
appropriate to the circumstances and significant of the breach of public trust committed.
Conclusion
The Commission concludes that Commissioner Meinelschmidt failed to disclose an
actual conflict of interest in the matter of the Restaurant Relief Grant Program funding
and participated in related decisions contrary to the prohibition of participation in such
matters set forth in Section 4 (c) of the Ordinance, in clear violation thereof.
The Ethics Commission believes that a Commission reprimand of Commissioner
Meinelschmidt carries insufficient weight and consequence.
The matter is hereby referred to the Board of County Commissioners with
recommendation under Section 9(b)(1)(iii) of the Ordinance for appropriate discipline of
Commissioner Meinelschmidt.
WASHINGTON COUNTY
ETHICS COMMISSION
By: J. Emmet Burke, Chair
Issued this JZ_'U- day of February, 2021.
0
Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland
Agenda Report Form
Open Session Item
SUBJECT: FY21 Budget Adjustments to the Washington County Board of Education’s
General Fund Budget
PRESENTATION DATE: February 23, 2021
PRESENTATION BY: Mr. Jeffrey Proulx, Chief Operating Officer, WCPS
Mr. David Brandenburg, Executive Director of Finance, WCPS
RECOMMENDED MOTION: Move to approve the requested adjustments to
the Board of Education’s FY2021 General Fund Budget.
REPORT-IN-BRIEF: The Annotated Code of Maryland requires local school systems to
periodically re-forecast their financial needs and make necessary changes to their budgets. To that
end, the Washington County Board of Education approved the attached list of changes to its
FY2021 General Fund Budget at its February 16, 2021 meeting.
DISCUSSION: The changes that the Board of Education approved on February 16, 2021, cross
major categories. Therefore, these requested adjustments must also be approved by the Board of
County Commissioners. The Board of Education has asked its Finance staff to review the requested
budget changes with the Commissioners and answer any questions that they may have.
FISCAL IMPACT: None. These proposed modifications merely adjust various categories of the
budget to reflect updated information on revenue and spending projections.
CONCURRENCES: The Board of Education’s Finance Committee reviewed the proposed
adjustments at their meeting on January 29, 2021, and recommended them for approval by the full
Board. The Board of Education unanimously approved these changes at their February 16, 2021
meeting.
ALTERNATIVES: None
ATTACHMENTS:
• FY2021 general fund budget adjustments
AUDIO/VISUAL NEEDS: None
Value The primary reason for variance is:
Revenue 186,608
Other Instructional Costs 194,600
Total Expense
Reductions/Additional Revenue 3,267,154
Instructional Salaries 229,680 Anytime Learning program, partially offset by savings in substitutes and additional pay
Instructional Textbooks and
Supplies 387,810
3,267,154
0
Open Session Item
SUBJECT: Budget Adjustment for Transit Capital Improvement Projects (CIP)
PRESENTATION DATE: February 23, 2021
PRESENTATION BY: Kevin Cerrone, Director of Transit
RECOMMENDED MOTION: To approve budget adjustments due to a reduction in Maryland
State funding match.
REPORT-IN-BRIEF: The Maryland Department of Transportation / Maryland Transit
Administration / Office of Local Transit Support (MDOT/MTA/OLTS) has notified the County
they will not be providing matching dollars for Federal Transit Administration (FTA) capital
grant awards in FY ’21 and potentially beyond. The State share had been 10% of the awarded
FTA amount with the County providing the remaining 10% as Local Match. The County must
now provide 20% in matching funds for approved FTA capital funding awards.
DISCUSSION: The budget adjustment removes the State Grant funding that we will no longer
be receiving and moves some previously approved local money out of the Fixed-route Bus
Project to cover the matching requirement. The availability of the local funds is a result of some
fixed-route buses currently on order coming in at a lower total cost than originally planned.
FISCAL IMPACT: $55,000 previously budgeted and approved – no additional funds requested
CONCURRENCES: CFO, Director of Public Works
ALTERNATIVES: Do not transfer the funds and risk the loss of previously approved Federal
grant awards.
ATTACHMENTS: Budget Adjustment Form
AUDIO/VISUAL NEEDS: None
Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland
Agenda Report Form
Department Head Authorization
Budget & Finance Director Approval
County Administrator Approval
Required > $ 25,000 with date
Washington County, Maryland
Budget Adjustment Form
Explain
Budget Adjustment
Budget Transfer - Moves revenues or expenditures from one account to another or between budgets or funds.
Budget Amendment - Increases or decrease the total spending authority of an accounting fund or department
County Commissioners Approval
Transaction/Post -Finance
Deputy Director - Finance
Preparer, if applicable
Expenditure /
Account Number
Fund
Number
Department
Number Project Number Grant Number Activity Code Department and Account Description Increase (Decrease)
+ / -
Required approval with date
Required approval with date
If applicable with date
Required approval with date
Division Director / Elected Official Authorization
Required Action by
County Commissioners No Approval Required Approval Required Approval Date if
Known
Print Form
Kevin Cerrone Digitally signed by Kevin Cerrone
Date: 2021.01.29 09:16:22 -05'00'
he Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) has notified all Statewide transit systems, previously recipients of State capital grant match dollars that for FY21
(and potentially out-years) will receive zero (0) State match funds. It is up to the local entities to absorb the State's reduction. The adjustment noted above
will balance all ca ital ro ects related to Transit. Local funds were reviousl a roved.
Kelcee Mace Digitally signed by Kelcee Mace
Date: 2021.01.26 16:50:05 -05'00'
498710 34 44010 EQP021 0000 Capital Transfer - General 38,000
498410 34 44040 EQP021 0000 Capital Grant - State -38,000
498710 34 44010 VEH014 0000 Capital Transfer - General 1,848
498410 34 44010 VEH014 0000 Capital Grant - State -8,000
599999 34 44010 VEH014 VHCL Support Vehicles -6,152
498710 34 44010 VEH005 0000 Capital Transfer - General 8,508
498410 34 44010 VEH005 0000 Capital Grant - State -9,000
599999 34 44010 VEH005 VHCL ADA Bus Replacement -492
498710 34 44010 VEH003 0000 Capital Transfer - General -48,356
Andrew Eshleman Digitally signed by Andrew Eshleman
Date: 2021.01.29 10:43:52 -05'00'
Expenditure /
Account Number
Fund
Number
Department
Number Project Number Grant Number Activity Code Account Description Increase (Decrease)
+ / -
599999 34 44010 VEH003 VHCL Fixed Route Bus Replacement Program -48,356
Open Session Item
SUBJECT: Maryland Heritage Area Authority Grants Program – Approval to Submit Application and
Accept Awarded Funds
PRESENTATION DATE: February 23, 2021
PRESENTATION BY: Andrew Eshleman, Director, Public Works and Allison Hartshorn, Grant
Manager, Office of Grant Management
RECOMMENDED MOTION: Move to approve the submission of the grant application for the
Maryland Heritage Area Authority Grants Program, in the amount of $74,000 and to accept awarded
funding.
REPORT-IN-BRIEF: The Maryland Heritage Areas Authority Grant Program is a source of funding
designed to assist and encourage the preservation of historical, archeological, natural, and cultural
resources and support economic development through heritage tourism within heritage areas certified
by the Authority.
DISCUSSION: The grant will support the development of the Antietam Creek Water Trail by creating
public access locations and non-motorized boat ramps to the creek. The grant will be used as matching
funds for a FY21 Appalachian Regional Commission Grant. Both of these grants in combination will
allow for the site development of the official starting point of the Water Trail at Antietam Drive that
would include a parking area and boat ramp. Grant funds would be used to install information and
historical marker kiosks and signs along the entire Water Trail. Several commercial outfitters operate
along the Antietam Creek and the development of the Water Trail will support and enhance the County's
outdoor recreation economy and improve access for local citizens to enjoy as well.
The Office of Grant Management has reviewed the grant application and funding guidelines. There is
dollar-for-dollar match requirement associated with this funding request.
FISCAL IMPACT: If awarded, the Maryland Heritage Area Authority grant will provide $74,000 for
the development of the Antietam Creek Water Trail by creating public access locations and non-
motorized boat ramps to the creek. Funding is a capital grant with multiple year expenditure period to
use funds. The County has received an Appalachian Regional Commission (Federal) FY21 Area
Development Grant for the Antietam Creek Water Trail. Both grants require a 50% funding match and
if awarded this request would provide the 50% match portion for the ARC grant.
CONCURRENCES: Susan Buchanan, Director, Office of Grant Management
ALTERNATIVES: Deny approval for the submission of this request
ATTACHMENTS: N/A
AUDIO/VISUAL NEEDS: N/A
Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland
Agenda Report Form
Open Session Item
SUBJECT: Intergovernmental Cooperative Purchase INTG-20-0055 (Rental) of Electronic
Monitoring Equipment/Services for Washington County Sheriff’s Office and Day Reporting
Center
PRESENTATION DATE: February 23, 2021
PRESENTATION BY: Rick Curry, CPPO, Director of Purchasing and Major Craig Rowe,
Warden, Washington County Detention Center
RECOMMENDED MOTION: Move to authorize by Resolution, the approval of rental of
electronic monitoring equipment/services from BI Correctional Services, Inc. of Boulder,
Colorado at unit prices of: $3.50 per unit/day per ExacuTrack One (GPS), $3.65 per unit/day
per LOC8 (GPS); and $5.45 per unit/day per SL2 and SL3 (Alcohol), based on the contract
awarded by OMNIA Partners of Stanislaus, CA (RFP #0790A, Contract #201844994).
REPORT-IN-BRIEF: Section 106.3 of the Public Local Laws of Washington County
grants authorization for the County to procure goods or services under contracts entered into by
other government entities. On items over $50,000, a determination to allow or participate in an
intergovernmental cooperative purchasing arrangement shall be by Resolution and shall indicate
that the participation will provide cost benefits to the county or result in administrative efficiencies
and savings or provide other justification for the arrangement.
Acquisition of the equipment by utilizing the OMNIA Partners RFP and eliminating our County’s
bid process would result in administrative efficiencies for both the Sheriff’s Department and the
Purchasing Department as well as overall better pricing due to economies of scale offered by the
subject contract. OMNIA Partners is a widely used national cooperative purchasing contract
option that many agencies use. OMNIA Partners processed an RFP for electronic monitoring
equipment/services and received one (1) proposal with BI Correctional Services, Inc. being
awarded the contract. The contract term commenced February 1, 2019 ending January 31, 2022
with an option to renew for two (2) additional one-year periods through January 31, 2024.
DISCUSSION: N/A
FISCAL IMPACT: Funding is budgeted in FY’21 as follows: $35,000 in 535055-10-11321
(Day Reporting Center) and $11,320 in 535055-10-11320 (Detention Center)
CONCURRENCES: Sheriff
ALTERNATIVES: The County processes its own bid/proposal
ATTACHMENTS: N/A
AUDIO/VISUAL NEEDS: N/A
Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland
Agenda Report Form
Save Time & Reduce the Cost of Procurement
BI Incorporated is proud to have been awarded the Offender Monitoring Services contract
(#201844994) available through OMNIA Partners, Public Sector. Through this national
cooperative contract competitively solicited and publicly awarded by City and County
of Denver (CO), BI offers participants of OMNIA Partners a broad portfolio of electronic
monitoring solutions at some of the industry's most competitive prices. Plus, participating
agencies save valuable time and effort by skipping the lengthy RFP process.
With more than 40 years serving the public sector, BI Incorporated offers a full continuum
of monitoring technologies and related supervision services for parolees, probationers, and
pretrial defendants. Our innovative products and services assist more than 1,400 agencies.
ABOUT OMNIA PARTNERS
OMNIA Partners, Public Sector is the nation's largest and most experienced cooperative
purchasing organization dedicated to public sector procurement. OMNIA's immense
purchasing power and world -class suppliers have produced a comprehensive portfolio
of cooperative contracts and partnerships, making OMNIA Partners a valued and trusted
resource for purchasing agencies nationwide.
WHAT IS A PURCHASING COOPERATIVE?
A "purchasing cooperative" is a type of cooperative arrangement, often among businesses
or government agencies, to agree to aggregate demand to get lower prices from selected
suppliers. It is often used by local and state government agencies to reduce the cost and
effort of procurement.
CONTRACT SERVICES
BI offers correctional agencies more than a dozen compliance technologies including:
• Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) technology to enhance compliance.
• Court admissible, transdermal and breath alcohol monitoring devices to accurately test
sobriety.
• Accurate radio frequency solutions, ideal for monitoring compliance to curfews and other
defined locations.
• Mobile app and web -based software solutions designed to effectively enhance
community supervision.
• Equipment -free, automated voice verification system to effectively monitor individuals
using biometric voiceprints.
• An array of monitoring services, including monitoring operations, administrative support,
and data management to meet each agency's unique needs and budgets.
BENEFITS OF COOPERATIVE
CONTRACTS
• Cooperatives utilize Public Sector
compliant bidding processes that
meet the procurement standard,
thus saving you time and resources
by skipping the RFP process
• Reduces the costs of goods and
services by leveraging the power of
public agencies
• Strategic value and significant time
efficiencies related to contract
development
• Access to the combined knowledge
of all its members
SKIP THE RFP PROCESS AND
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BI LOC8® XT
BI SL30
BI HomeGuard° 20120
BI SmartLINK°
131 Agency Assist®
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To learn more, visit public.omniapartners.com/suppliers/bi-incorporated/overview
or contact your BI Partnership Development Director today.
�""' BI Incorporated 6265 Gunbarrel Avenue, Suite B - Boulder, CO 80301 • www.bi.com OMNIA®
P A R T N E R S
131 Incorporated is a registered trademark. 11120
a GG-O Group Company''
Bllncorporated
6265 Gunharrel Avenue, Suite 8
Boulder, CO 80301
TeI: 303,218. 1000
800,241,2911
Fax:303.218.1250
December 2, 2020
Major Craig Rowe / Warden
Washington County Sheriff's Office
Detention Division
500 Western Maryland Parkway
Hagerstown, MD. 21740
Re: Omnia Partners Cooperative Contract Pricing
Dear Major Rowe:
Thank you for your continued interest in our services. Below is a price quote and contract price comparison to
use our services via the cooperative purchasing contract with Omnia Partners.
Omnia Partners is a widely used national cooperative purchasing contract option that many agencies use for
our services. It was publically procured originally and it includes all of our products and services.
IPS Produets
ExacuTrack One (GPS)
•:• GPS Service Plan— 1.30.A30.ZX— $3.50 per unit/day
LOC8 and LOC8 XT (GPS)
•:• GPS Service Plan— 1.30.W5.C30.ZX — $3.65 per unit/day
Includes:
30% Spare Shelf Allowance
0% Lost & Damaged Allowance
24/7 Monitoring Services / Remote and On -Site Training
•:• Bracelet, Beacon, Charger, Batteries & Supplies
GPS Additional Lost & Damaged Allowance Options
5% Lost Allowance Premium = $.20 per unit/day
10% Lost Allowance Premium = $.40 per unit/day
100% Lost Allowance Premium = $.60 per unit/day
wv:�w.hf_com
Alcohol Detection Products
SL2 (Mobile Breath)
❖ $5.45 per unit/day
SL3 (Mobile Breath)
❖ $5.45 per unit/day
Includes:
❖ 30% Spare Shelf Allowance
❖ 0% Lost & Damaged Allowance
❖ 24/7 Monitoring Services / Training On -Site and Remote
❖ Device, Breath Tubes, Case & Charging Cord
❖ Calibration @ 1,500 Tests
Alcohol Additional Lost & Damaged Allowance Options
❖ 5% Lost Allowance Premium = $.15 per unit/day
❖ 10% Lost Allowance Premium = $.25 per unit/day
❖ 100% Lost Allowance Premium = $.95 per unit/day
Mobile Application
BI SmartLINK
❖ Connect — No Charge
❖ Report — $.25 per active unit/day
❖ Verify — $.50 per active unit/day
Below is a contract rate comparison between your existing Stanislaus County CA contract and that of the
proposed Omnia Partners contract.
Product
Stanislaus CA Contract
Omnia Partners Contract
ExacuTrack One GPS
$3.25
$3.50
LOC8 / LOC8 XT GPS
$4.45
$3.65
SL2 Mobile Breath Alcohol
$5.95
$5.45
SL3 Mobile Breath Alcohol
n/a
$5.45
Lost / Damaged Allowance
5%
0%
Spare Shelf Allowance
20%
30%
Note that the LOC8 XT and SL3 are newer versions of their original products. These versions have been
approved via the lead agency and Omnia Partners as approved upgrades and are offered at the same rates.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
s
Todd Porter
Partnership Development Director
Mobile: (410) 303-3830 / Email: Todd.Porter@bi.com
Open Session Item
SUBJECT: FY2022 Budget Adjustment
PRESENTATION DATE: February 23, 2020
PRESENTATION BY: Sara Greaves, Chief Financial Officer
RECOMMENDED MOTION: To approve the budget adjustment as provided.
REPORT-IN-BRIEF: Prior to each bond issuance, county projects are reviewed to ensure that the
funding is needed and bonded at the appropriate time.
DISCUSSION: Several adjustments have been made to the bonds that were approved in the FY21
Capital Budget.
Tax Supported Bonds
Reductions - The Eastern Boulevard II construction has been delayed due to timing of the first phase.
Wright Road is planned for FY21-24 and is able to use bonds in later years. Eastern Boulevard Phase
II and Wright Road will receive redirected funding in Draft 2 of the Capital plan for completion of
those projects.
Increases – Bonds will be redirected from the above projects for the completion of Professional
Boulevard Phases 2-4.
Self-supported Bonds
Reductions – Close out Cap Rubble can be funded with solid waste cash reserves instead of debt. Pump
station upgrades- various locations currently has sufficient funding and bonds are not needed. Bonds
for the capacity management project and Smithsburg WwTP upgrade should be issued next year, as
construction begins, rather than now. This will also provide time for the state to make a decision on
possible loan funding which could provide a savings in debt service cost to the fund.
FISCAL IMPACT: N/A
CONCURRENCES: Not applicable
ALTERNATIVES: Not Applicable
ATTACHMENTS: Budget Adjustment
AUDIO/VISUAL NEEDS: Not applicable
Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland
Agenda Report Form
Department Head Authorization
Budget & Finance Director Approval
County Administrator Approval
Required > $ 25,000 with date
Washington County, Maryland
Budget Adjustment Form
Explain
Budget Adjustment
Budget Transfer - Moves revenues or expenditures from one account to another or between budgets or funds.
Budget Amendment - Increases or decrease the total spending authority of an accounting fund or department
County Commissioners Approval
Transaction/Post -Finance
Deputy Director - Finance
Preparer, if applicable
Expenditure /
Account Number
Fund
Number
Department
Number Project Number Grant Number Activity Code Department and Account Description Increase (Decrease)
+ / -
Required approval with date
Required approval with date
If applicable with date
Required approval with date
Division Director / Elected Official Authorization
Required Action by
County Commissioners No Approval Required Approval Required Approval Date if
Known
Print Form
Prior to each bond issuance, county projects are reviewed to ensure that the funding is needed and bonded at the appropriate time. Several changes are
being requested.
Kelcee Mace Digitally signed by Kelcee Mace
Date: 2021.02.08 17:15:58 -05'00'
498017 30 11620 RDI044 0000 Bond Fund - 2021 -2,081,000
599999 30 11620 RDI044 CNST Eastern Boulevard Widening Ph II -2,081,000
498017 30 11620 RDI056 0000 Bond Fund - 2021 500,000
599999 30 11620 RDI056 CNST Professional Boulevard Extended Ph II 500,000
498017 30 11620 RDI064 0000 Bond Fund - 2021 1,135,000
599999 30 11620 RDI064 CNST Professional Boulevard Extended Ph III 1,135,000
498017 30 11620 RDI071 0000 Bond Fund - 2021 800,000
599999 30 11620 RDI071 CNST Professional Boulevard Extended Ph IV 800,000
498017 30 11620 RDI070 0000 Bond Fund - 2021 -354,000
Sara Greaves Digitally signed by Sara Greaves
Date: 2021.02.11 11:00:38 -05'00'
Expenditure /
Account Number
Fund
Number
Department
Number Project Number Grant Number Activity Code Account Description Increase (Decrease)
+ / -
599999 30 11620 RDI070 CNST Wright Road -354,000
498017 31 21010 CAP003 0000 Bond Fund - 2021 -190,000
498721 31 21010 CAP003 CNST Capital Transfer - Solid Waste (Reserves)190,000
498017 32 42010 LIN034 0000 Bond Fund - 2021 -275,000
599999 32 42010 LIN034 CNST Pump Station Upgrades - Various Stations -275,000
498017 32 42010 LIN042 0000 Bond Fund - 2021 -6,440,000
599999 32 42010 LIN042 CNST Capacity Management Project -6,440,000
498017 32 42010 TRP021 0000 Bond Fund - 2021 -3,000,000
599999 32 42010 TRP021 CNST Smithsburg WWTP ENR Upgrade -3,000,000
Open Session Item
SUBJECT: FY2022 Budget Preview Discussion
PRESENTATION DATE: February 23, 2021
PRESENTATION BY: Sara Greaves, Chief Financial Officer
RECOMMENDED MOTION: None, for informational purposes only
REPORT-IN-BRIEF: The FY22 operating budget requests are currently under review. This
discussion serves as an overview of what to expect for budget FY2022 as compared to FY2021.
DISCUSSION: The operating budget for FY2022 will take into account many items that were removed
from the FY2021 budget. The FY2021 budget was conservative and approved to safeguard the County
against over obligating taxpayer funds. The County was prepared to continue to provide needed
services to citizens, but did not approve many of the other budget requests. Many requests were either
put on hold to be evaluated at a later date or removed from the budget without a re-evaluation.
In addition, the County’s income tax increase that was effective 1/1/2020 was not fully budgeted in
FY21. This increase was for costs related to public safety, education, and capital needs. Because of
these unique circumstances, the increase in budget over FY21 will be more substantial than in prior
years.
The County looks forward to the FY2022 budget with the following in mind:
- Restore Capital funding for needed infrastructure
- Reserve operating funds within budget for future commitments
- Consider the Relief Bill and impact to County revenues
- Consider state cost shifts
- Consider legislation that impacts the County
FISCAL IMPACT: N/A
CONCURRENCES: Not applicable
ALTERNATIVES: Not Applicable
ATTACHMENTS: Powerpoint; FY2022 Budget Schedule
AUDIO/VISUAL NEEDS: Not applicable
Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland
Agenda Report Form
Budget & Finance
Budget Preview FY2022
Budget Schedule
Budget Preview FY2022 1
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT
BUDGET (CIP)
OPERATING
BUDGETS
Budget Released November 2, 2020 Budget Released December 11, 2020
Budget Due to
Budget & Finance
December 28, 2020 Budget Due to
Budget & Finance
January 8, 2021
BUDGET PRESENTATIONS
February 9, 2021 –April 20, 2021
For detailed information regarding the Budget Schedule, please see the attached schedule
documentation within the Agenda Report Form (ARF).
Public Hearing -May 11, 2021 (Tentative)
General Fund Budget Allocations
Function of Budget Percent
Education 48%
Outside Entities 6%
Other County Funds 5%
Operating 6%
Debt Service and Capital 9%
Wages & Benefits 26%
The County General Fund departments
operate on approximately 6% of the
budget or $15M annually
The County provides more than 50%
of the budget to outside entities.
Budget Preview FY2022 2
General Fund Budget Snapshot
Budget Preview FY2022 3
FY21
•Approved budget during early phases
COVID-19 Pandemic
•Conservative Budget, safeguard against
over obligating county funds
•$0 General Fund appropriation for
Capital Projects
FY22
•Budget for FY21 and FY22 Step
and COLA (3.5% each year -$4M)
•Restore Capital Funding ($5M)
•Cost of Firefighters, offset by
SAFER grant ($2.8M)
*The values presented for FY22 are estimates
Additional Revenue
Budget Preview FY2022 4
PUBLIC SAFETY EDUCATION INFRASTRUCTURE
Then and Now
Budget Preview FY2022 5
No revenue Increase Revenue Increase
•Eliminate employee steps/COLAs
•10% reduction to outside agencies
•Reduce funding to EMS
•Deny SAFER grant and do not hire firefighters
•Reduce workforce though hiring freeze or additional
steps
•Accepted SAFER grant and responsibility to fund 33
firefighters
•Provided additional public safety staffing
•Provided funding for health insurance reimbursement to
EMS companies
•Maintained workforce –no layoffs
•Provided step/COLA to employees
•Prepared for future education increases related to Kirwan
•Prepared for future costs related to Police, Fire and
Emergency Services Training Facility
•Provided funding for Infrastructure
FY22 General Revenues
Budget Preview FY2022 6
Projection Comparison using 5-year plan
Major Revenue 2019 Projection for FY2022 2021 Projection for FY2022 –
Preliminary Draft 1
Real Estate/Property Tax 133,897,014 132,213,070
Income Tax 94,906,253 94,268,512
Disparity Grant 6,000,000 6,688,676
*Revenue projections are expected to change over the course of the budget season as new
information is provided.
Future Commitments
Budget Preview FY2022 7
Fire Fighter costs –grant
expires 2023 –$2.7M
Kirwan/WCPS funding –
Unknown -$2M
P25 10-year Radio Lease -
$800K
Police, Fire, EMS Training
Facility -$415K -
1,000,000
2,000,000
3,000,000
4,000,000
5,000,000
6,000,000
Recurring Future Commitments
Fire-fighter Costs Kirwan/Education P25 Lease Training Facility
Infrastructure
Budget Preview FY2022 8
FY2018 FY2019 *FY2020 *FY2021
5,000,000 $5,041,00 $0 $0
* Removed funding related to Police, Fire, and Emergency Services Training Facility (Restricted funding)
General Fund Appropriation to Capital Plan
Approach for FY2022
Budget Preview FY2022 9
•Governor Relief Bill –0% income tax on unemployment
benefits
•Potential State cuts to local governments
•Legislative changes could increase local costs
•State anticipates commercial assessment appeals and
reductions in property tax
•Increase in healthcare costs as a result of FY2020 delays is
expected
•The pandemic is ongoing -other potential unknown impacts
Maintain Flexibility in Budget
Requests/Feedback
Budget Preview FY2022 10
•Commissioner Requests
•Feedback
Thank you
Sara Greaves, C.P.A.
Chief Financial Officer
Washington County, MD
(240) 313-2303
Connect with us
www.washco-md.net
1
Fiscal Year 2022 Tentative Budget Schedule
0BUCapital Improvement Budget (CIP) 1BUOperating Budgets
Budget released November 2, 2020 Budget released December 11, 2020
Budget due to Budget & Finance December 28, 2020 Budget due to Budget & Finance January 8, 2021
Public Hearing Notice:
- Required notice of proposed property tax rate (constant yield).
- Tax change, if applicable, is not to exceed 21 days but no less than seven days. This includes
the day of the public hearing but not the day of the notice.
Tentative Date Budget Item Presentation By
February 9, 2021 Capital Improvement Capital Improvement Committee
February 16, 2021 No BOCC Meeting
February 23, 2021 Budget Preview Sara Greaves
March 2, 2021 General Fund Sara Greaves
Law Enforcement Sheriff Mullendore
Emergency Services David Hays
Humane Society Colin Berry
Board of Education Elected Board
Capital Improvement Capital Improvement Committee
March 9, 2021 General Fund Sara Greaves
Community Funding Susan Buchanan
Museum of Fine Arts Sarah Hall
Commission on Aging Amy Olack
March 16, 2021 General Fund Sara Greaves
Personnel Requests TBD
Highway Andrew Eshleman & Zane Rowe
Hagerstown Community College Board of Trustees
March 23, 2021 General Fund Sara Greaves
Airport Fund Garrison Plessinger
Water Quality Funds TBD
Washington County Free Library Sara McCall
March 30, 2021 No BOCC Meeting
Tentative Date Budget Item Presentation By
2
April 6, 2021 General Fund Sara Greaves
Capital Improvement Sara Greaves
Solid Waste Fund Dave Mason
Golf Course Fund Ryan Crabtree
Transit Fund Kevin Cerrone
April 13, 2021 General Fund Sara Greaves
Capital Improvement Sara Greaves
Public Hearing – Rate Changes County Legal Department
April 20, 2021 General Fund Sara Greaves
Capital Improvement Sara Greaves
May 11, 2021 Public Hearing, TBD
May 18, 2021 Adoption of Budget Sara Greaves and BOCC