HomeMy WebLinkAbout200519aJeffrey A. Cline, President
Terry L. Baker, Vice President
Krista L. Hart, Clerk
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
May 19, 2020
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 available for public viewing via the streaming manner in the customary fashion*****
10:00 AM CALL TO ORDER, President Jeffrey A. Cline
APPROVAL OF MINTUES: March 20, 2020
10:05 AM COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS
10:15 AM REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF
10:25 AM FY20 CORONAVIRUS EMERGENCY SUPPLEMENTAL FUNDING PROGRAM
GRANT – Cody Miller, Quartermaster/Grant Manager, Sheriff’s Office; Stephanie Lapole,
Senior Grant Manager, Office of Grant Management
10:30 AM PUBLIC HEARING: FY20 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT–
Stephanie Lapole, Senior Grant Manager, Office of Grant Management; Brooke Grossman,
Chief Missions Officer, Horizon Goodwill Industries
10:45 AM MARYLAND AGRICULTURAL LAND PRESERVATION FOUNDATION RE-
CERTIFICATION REPORT APPROVAL – Chris Boggs, Land Preservation Planner,
Planning and Zoning
10:50 AM FY21 HEALTHY FAMILIIES HOME VISITING GRANT – Allison Hartshorn, Grant
Manager, Office of Grant Management
10:55 AM CONTRACT AWARD (PUR1460) LOCAL CARE TEAM COORDINATOR – Rick
Curry, Director, Purchasing; Allison Hartshorn, Grant Manager, Office of Grant
Management
11:00 AM CONTRACT AWARD (PUR1467) STOP LOSS INSURANCE COVERAGE – Rick
Curry, Director, Purchasing; Rachel Brown, Director, Human Resources; Representative,
CBIZ Benefits & Insurance Services, Inc.
11:05 AM COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF WASHINGTON COUNTY PUBLIC
IMPROVEMENT BONDS OF 2020 AND REFUNDING BONDS OF 2020
AUTHORIZING RESOLUTION – Lindsay Rader, Bond Counsel for Washington County;
Sara Greaves, CFO
Wayne K. Keefer
Cort F. Meinelschmidt
Randall E. Wagner
Page 2 of 2
OPEN Session Agenda
May 19, 2020
Individuals requiring special accommodations are requested to contact the Office of the County Commissioners, 240.313.2200 Voice/TDD, to
make arrangements no later than ten (10) working days prior to the meeting.
11:20 AM REVIEW DRAFT OF WASHINGTON COUNTY AND CITY OF HAGERSTOWN
COVID-19 SMALL BUSINESS EMERGENCY RELIEF GRANT FUND – Susan Small,
Director, Business Development
11:30 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; or any other
personnel matter that affects one or more specific individuals; and to discuss public security, if the public body determines that
public discussion would constitute a risk to the public or to public security, including: (i) the development of fire and police
services and staff; and (ii) the development and implementation of emergency plan)
11:50 AM RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION
11:55 AM ADJOURNMENT
Open Session Item
SUBJECT: FY20 Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding Program Grant
PRESENTATION DATE: May 19, 2019
PRESENTATION BY: Cody Miller, Quartermaster/Grants Manager, Washington County
Sheriff Office and Stephanie Lapole, Senior Grant Manager, Office of Grant Management
RECOMMENDED MOTION: Move to approve the submission of the grant application for the
FY20 Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding Program to the US Department of Justice
in the amount of $55,015 and accept funding as awarded.
REPORT-IN-BRIEF: The Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding Program allows
states, tribes and local governments to support a broad range of activities to prevent, prepare for,
and respond to the coronavirus. Allowable projects and purchases include, but are not limited to,
overtime, equipment (including law enforcement and medical personal protective equipment),
supplies (such as gloves, masks, sanitizer), training, travel expenses (particularly related to the
distribution of resources to the most impacted areas), and addressing the medical needs of the
inmates in the state, local, and tribal prisons, jail and detention centers.
DISCUSSION: The Sheriff’s Office is projecting $20,000 in overtime, covering salary and fringe
benefits; as well as designating $35,015 for equipment. The Office of Grant Management has
reviewed the grant funding guidelines. The grants performance period is for two years and
recurring expenses are not expected. Matching funds or in-kind support is not required. There are
no unusual conditions or requirements attached to the acceptance of the grant.
FISCAL IMPACT: The grant will provide up to $20,000 in overtime expenses and $35,015 for
equipment related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
CONCURRENCES: Susan Buchanan, Director, Office of Grant Management
ALTERNATIVES: Deny approval for 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: Public Hearing – FY20 Community Development Block Grant Application
PRESENTATION DATE: May 19, 2020
PRESENTATION BY: Stephanie Lapole, Senior Grant Manager, Office of Grant Management
and Brooke Grossman, Chief Missions Officer, Horizon Goodwill Industries
RECOMMENDED MOTION: Move to approve a resolution of support authorizing the
submission of the County’s application for FY20 Community Development Block Grant funding
on behalf of Horizon Goodwill Industries requesting $100,000 for program activities and $5,000
Program Income Reuse for County administrative expenses and accept funding as awarded.
REPORT-IN-BRIEF: In accordance with 24 CFR 570.486(a)(5), Washington County must
provide a public hearing for the purpose of obtaining citizen’s view before submission of an
application to the Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG). Horizon Goodwill
Industries has requested that the County submit an application requesting $100,000 on their
behalf. Local governments are the required applicants on CDBG applications. The Department of
Housing & Community Development has given the County permission to utilize $5,000 of
CDBG Program Income on hand for administrative expenses.
DISCUSSION: The Maryland Community Development Block Grant Program is a federally
funded program designed to assist units of local government with activities directed toward
neighborhood revitalization, housing opportunities, economic development and improved public
facilities and services. The State of Maryland, specifically the Department of Housing and
Community Development (DHCD), has assumed the responsibility for the administration of the
program from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). During state
fiscal year 2020, the State of Maryland received an award of $7,778,516, a portion of this
funding is being utilized for COVID-19 activities.
The State provides CDBG funds for eligible projects based on meeting one of three national
objectives: 1) benefit to persons of low and moderate income 2) prevention or elimination of
slum or blight; or 3) meet an urgent need that is an immediate threat to community health, safety,
or welfare. During state fiscal year 2020, additional requests are being received for public
service activities related specifically to COVID-19 prevention, preparation and response for the
homeless population.
If approved today, the County will submit an application requesting funds to be used to offer
overnight emergency shelter to 10 of the most vulnerable persons on the coordinated entry list as
identified by the Continuum of Care shelter coordinators, evening and overnight shelter staffing,
shelter supplies, twice daily shelter cleaning, staff/participant PPE, full time case management
Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland
Agenda Report Form
services for 1 year to support the projected increase in need as a result of the COVID-19 crisis, and
emergency hotel stays when necessary.
The grant application is available for viewing on Washington County’s website at www.washco-
md.net.
FISCAL IMPACT: The grant will provide up to $100,000 for Horizon Goodwill Industries.
The Washington County Office of Grant Management will utilize up to $5,000 of CDBG
Program Income for the cost of administering and monitoring the grant.
CONCURRENCES: Susan Buchanan, Director, Office of Grant Management
ALTERNATIVES: Deny approval for submission of this request
ATTACHMENTS: Proposed Resolution of Support
AUDIO/VISUAL NEEDS: N/A
RESOLUTION NO. RS-2020-___
(Authorization to Seek Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funds in an
amount up to $100,000.00 and up to $5,000 of CDBG Program Income)
RECITALS
The State of Maryland, through the Department of Housing and Community
Development ("DHCD"), solicits applications from eligible jurisdictions to apply for funding
under the Maryland Community Development Block Grant (“CDBG”) Program.
The Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland, (the “Board”) is
eligible to apply for funds from the Maryland CDBG Program through the Maryland Department
of Housing and Community Development.
The Board has held the required public hearing related to the formulation of the Board
Board’s CDBG application.
The Board understands and acknowledges that it would be responsible for completion of
grant activities and any corrective actions including the repayment of funds if necessary.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of County Commissioners of
Washington County, Maryland, authorizes the submission of an application for Community
Development Block Grant funds in an amount of up to $100,000.00 and up to $5,000 of CDBG
Program Income for the following project(s):
Washington County COVID-19 Homeless Crisis Response
IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED, that the President of the Board of County Commissioners
of Washington County, Maryland is authorized and empowered to execute any and all
documents required for submission of the application and is further authorized and empowered
to execute any subsequent Grant Agreement relating to the above-mentioned application for
CDBG funds.
Adopted and effective this _____ day of _______________, 2020.
ATTEST: BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF
WASHINGTON COUNTY, MARYLAND
____________________________ _________________________________________
Krista L. Hart, Clerk Jeffrey A. Cline, President
Approved as to form
and legal sufficiency: Mail to:
Office of the County Attorney
_________________________ 100 W. Washington Street, Suite 1101
Kirk C. Downey Hagerstown, MD 21740
County Attorney
Open Session Item
SUBJECT: Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation (MALPF) Re-Certification Report
Approval
PRESENTATION DATE: May 19, 2020
PRESENTATION BY: Chris Boggs, Land Preservation Planner, Dept. of Planning & Zoning
RECOMMENDED MOTION: Move to approve the enclosed Final certification application of the
Washington County Agricultural Land Preservation Program to present to the Maryland Departments
of Planning (MDP) and Agriculture (MDA) for approval. (See note under Discussion).
REPORT-IN-BRIEF: Every 3 years the Land Preservation staff is required to prepare and submit a
certification report so as to retain an additional 42% (total 75% retention) of state agricultural transfer
taxes. Agricultural Preservation Staff will submit the certification report if approved by the Board of
County Commissioners to MDP and MDA. The certification report is based on questions developed at
the State level to assess the County’s Land Preservation Program and compliance with the
Comprehensive Plan. While the certification report addresses all the county land preservation
programs, Washington County has traditionally used 100% of the funds for the 60/40 match component
of MALPP. A sample under fiscal impact shows the multiplying effect of both the certification and the
60/40 match mechanism.
DISCUSSION: The County’s final certification report addresses several main items from the interim
certification report which the State feels need to be clarified. These items are located on page 4 item
III.A. (adoption of PPAs), page 6 item III.B.6(land use management practices and their effectiveness)
and page 7 item III.B.9 (include the PPA element in the agricultural land preservation program). The
report discusses our plans to achieve a goal of 50,000 acres in permanent preservation. MDA and MDP
understand that factors affecting our strategy will change over time and we will have on-going
opportunity to update and modify our land preservation plans.
FISCAL IMPACT: The certification process allows the county to retain an additional 42% of state
agricultural transfer tax. While the tax varies, in years of high farmland to residential use conversion
the additional 42% has yielded several hundred thousand dollars.
Example: Collection of tax w/o certification - $200,000 x 33% = $66,000 then leveraged through 60/40
match = $165,000. With certification - $200,000 x 75% = $ 150,000 then leveraged = $375,000.
CONCURRENCES: The Agriculture Advisory Board and the Planning Commission are both
required to sign off on the certification report. At this writing both the Advisory Board and Planning
Commission have approved the report.
ALTERNATIVES: Decline certification and not receive the 42% additional funds from agricultural
transfer tax.
ATTACHMENTS: Final Certification Report; PPA Map
Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland
Agenda Report Form
Based on COMAR Title 34 Department of Planning, Subtitle .03 Land Use, Chapter .03
Certification of County Agricultural Land Preservation Programs
DATE: October 24, 2019 COUNTY: Washington
DATE OF TRANSMITTAL: October 1, 2019
CHECKLIST FOR CERTIFIED COUNTIES' ANNUAL REPORTS 1 - FYs 2017-2019
I. The county agricultural preservation advisory board, the county office of planning, or
the county planning commission, as designated by the county, and the governing body
of the county:
A. Have approved the application for (re)certification of the county program (.05(A)(2)).
Letters will be coming from Jeffrey A. Cline, President, Board of County Commissioners
of Washington County, MD; and Robert Meyers, Chairman, Agricultural Land
Preservation Advisory Board
II. Financial Reporting. Both annual reports shall provide a financial report that
includes:
OK A. Estimated revenues and expenditures for the county's agricultural land transfer tax
account for fiscal years that have transpired in their entirety during the certification
period (.10(B)(1)(a));
Transfer Tax Remitted
to State Retained without through
TOTAL $323,109 $80,777 $242,332 $106,626 $135,706
OK B. Revenue sources for, and estimated expenditures of, any other fund used to purchase
development rights, provide financial enhancements to purchases of development
rights, or administer the county's agricultural preservation program (.10(B)(1)(b)).
Actual expenditures of county funds for the certification period are as follows:
1 Note: The first report is due on October 1 following the completion of the first full fiscal year of the certification period,
except as extended by MDP for reasonable cause.
The second report is due on October 1 following completion of the second full fiscal year of the certification period, except as
extended by MDP for reasonable cause.
$185,353 $193,024 $199,059
Review of Washington County Recertification Application
October 22, 2019
Page 2 of 12
OK C. Information necessary for MDP and MALPF to determine if the county is meeting its
commitment of qualifying expenditures in an amount at least equal to the additional
funds available to the county as a result of certification (a financial reporting form for
this purpose is available from MDP) (05(D); .10(B)(2)).
The figures above show that the County is more than meeting its matching requirements.
OK D. All expenditures reported shall be identified as qualifying or non-qualifying
expenditures (.10(B)(3)).
OK E. Financial reports shall be verified and signed by the county's chief financial officer or
by an independent auditor (.10(B)(4)).
The financial report for FY 2017 was signed by SB & Company, LLC. The financial
report for FY 2018 was signed by Todd L. Hershey, County Treasurer. The financial
report for FY 2019 was signed by SB & Company, LLC.
III. In addition to the financial report above, the FIRST and SECOND annual report of
each certification period shall include:
OK A. Demonstrate that the county has maintained a successful program of purchase of
development rights or financial enhancements related to the purchase of
development rights (11(B)(1)(a));
See III.C, below.
OK B. An inventory of properties which have been permanently preserved by an agricultural
land preservation easement during the reporting period (.10(C)(2)).
See Attachment D.
OK C. The total number of easements purchased and acreage preserved through the county
and State agricultural land preservation easement purchase programs during the
reporting period (.10(C)(3)).
During the certification period, Washington County preserved 3,383.4 acres:
* Installment Purchase Program of County PDR program.
** MARBIDCO’s Next Generation Farmland Acquisition Program
Review of Washington County Recertification Application
October 22, 2019
Page 3 of 12
Washington County Number of Easements Purchased FY 2017-2019
FY MALPF Rural Legacy MET CREP IPP NGFAP Other
2017 0 5 3 3 3 0 1
2018 1 3 0 2 0 3 0
2019 3 7 0 4 0 0 1
TOTAL 4 15 3 9 3 3 2
OK D. An update on progress made to reach the milestones established in the county's most
recent program development strategy (.10(C)(4)).
Provided elsewhere in checklist.
IV. In addition to the financial report and the information required in the first annual
report, above, the SECOND annual report of each certification period shall include:
A. A map of all agricultural lands preserved in the county, including those preserved
both during and before the certification period, showing those properties in relation to
priority preservation areas (.10(D)(2)).
Attachment A.
OK B. A description of the programs the county has established to encourage participation of
farmers in agricultural land preservation efforts, including purchase of development
rights or financial enhancements related to the purchase of development rights,
outside of MALPF (.05(B));
Washington County uses a full array of easement programs: MALPF, MET, Rural
Legacy, MARBIDO-NGFAP, local PDRs with an IPP option, CREP, and other federal
programs such as transportation scenic easements.
OK C. An update on: The method, evaluation, shortcomings, and future actions the county is
using or will use to achieve preservation goals (as required under Regulation .05E and
F) that demonstrates significant progress toward achievement of the preservation
goals in the priority preservation area (.11(B)(2));
Washington County’s PPA contains 72,693 acres of undeveloped land; its preservation
goal is 50,000 acres countywide. The great majority of the County’s easements are in the
PPA and location in the PPA adds points to easement ranking (though only 59% of
easements acquired during the reporting period were located in the PPA). When the state
approved Washington County’s initial certification application, the PPA was smaller and
the acreage goal there was 30,000 acres. Today, however, even if 50,000 acres were
preserved in the PPA alone, that would equal only 68.8% of the unprotected land there.
We encourage the county to expand its PPA preservation acreage goal to equal 80% of
the unprotected land in the current PPA.
That said, Washington County is well on its way to reaching its 50,000-acre goal. Based
on preservation and land conversion trends over the past decade, as the chart in IV.C.2
Review of Washington County Recertification Application
October 22, 2019
Page 4 of 12
shows, the county is projected to reach its goal in 2041, with 20,000 acres to spare. The
PPA will be expanded to incorporate the expansion of the Rural Legacy Area.
The PPA plan, adopted in 2008, included the following goals (updates follow in red font):
● Incorporate PPA into the Agricultural Preservation Priority Ranking System. Done.
The ranking system also allots 25% of the points for proximity to other easements,
which also favors easements in the PPA.
● “Continue to evaluate a 2007 consultant report with regard to whether TDRs are an
appropriate mechanism for land preservation in Washington County and coordinate
such a program to be compatible with the goals and objectives of land use and land
preservation programs and policies already existing in the County.” Chris, please
provide an update on this. The County is no longer actively working to implement a
TDR program in the County. We continue to monitor local needs and changes in
economy that may facilitate the need to revive this option.
● Maintain ten-year agricultural districts “to help protect against development
pressure. Ten-year districts have been maintained.
● “Amend the clustering provision section in the Zoning Ordinance to maximize
clustering options in the Rural Area zoning districts.” Chris, please provide an
update on this. The County has no plans to update the clustering provision in the
Zoning Ordinance.
The recommendations for agriculture in the 2002 Comprehensive Plan before the PPA
Plan element was adopted include the following:
● Establish a minimum target threshold of the total land area of the County to remain
in agricultural production. Continue efforts to develop permanent funding sources
that can sustain agricultural easement and development rights acquisition program.
Done. The PPA established the threshold of land area to remain in agricultural
production, and for funding the county has a 2% piggyback ag transfer tax.
● Continue the Agricultural District program as an interim program to support
agricultural preservation until agricultural easements can be acquired. Done.
● Develop setbacks, screening and buffering for residential development proposed
adjacent to agricultural preservation districts or easements that would require
mitigation to protect the integrity of the agricultural property and not the proposed
residential development. Chris, please provide an update on this. The County has
already adopted larger setbacks to agricultural easements and agriculturally
assessed land. We don’t have plans to expand that any further.
Review of Washington County Recertification Application
October 22, 2019
Page 5 of 12
Chris, please provide some text regarding any shortcomings or strengths of the program
development strategy, and whether the county will consider any different future actions
(i.e., a modified program development strategy) at this time.
1. The ability of the county's zoning and other land use management tools to do the
following in the county's priority preservation area (.05(E)(1)(a)):
OK a. Limit the amount and geographic distribution of subdivision and development
in accordance with established agricultural land preservation goals
(.05(E)(1)(a)(i));
When first certified, Washington County had a more liberal 1:1 or 1:3 lot allowance in
the rural areas. In 2005, the county made its zoning significantly more protective by
changing it from 1:1 (Agriculture) or 1:3 (Conservation) to the following:
1:5 (+3 lots) Agricultural zone,
1:20 (+ 3 lots) Environmental Conservation zone,
1:30 (+ 3 lots) Preservation (Rural Legacy) zone. Plus 2 more lots at 1:50.
Furthermore, the Growth Tier Map law allows for a maximum of only 7 development
rights per parcel in the above zoning districts.
IV. C. An update on: The method, evaluation, shortcomings, and future actions the county is
using or will use to achieve preservation goals (as required under Regulation .05E and F) that
demonstrates significant progress toward achievement of the preservation goals in the
priority preservation area (.11(B)(2));
1. The ability of the county's zoning and other land use management tools to do the
following in the county's priority preservation area (.05(E)(1)(a)) CONTINUED:
OK b. Stabilize the land base (.05(E)(1)(a)(ii));
The two charts below show that though Washington County has converted more farmland
than the average Maryland County, little land has been subject to ag land transfer tax in
the past ten years and that since spiking early in the aughts, Washington County has
usually lost less land per year than the average Maryland County.
Review of Washington County Recertification Application
October 22, 2019
Page 6 of 12
Acres converted 1990-2019:
Washington County: 16,003
Maryland County Avg.: 13,930
Review of Washington County Recertification Application
October 22, 2019
Page 7 of 12
OK c. Provide time for agricultural land preservation easement acquisition to
achieve State and local preservation goals before the agricultural land resource
is excessively compromised by development (.05(E)(1)(a)(iii)).
See IV.C.2 below.
OK 2. The ability of combined State, local, and other agricultural land preservation
easement acquisition programs to permanently preserve lands in the county's
priority preservation area at a rate sufficient to achieve State and local
preservation goals (.05(E)(1)(b)).
The chart below shows that over six acres were preserved for each acre subject to ag
land transfer tax for the last five fiscal years. The County reports that from 7/1/2014 to
6/30/2019 Washington County lost only 82 acres of converted farmland in the entire
PPA. [This measure may not be acres subject to ag land transfer tax. As the county
reports later, “A total of 59 parcels were subdivided in the PPA in the most recent 5-year
period, though the majority of those were not in the prime agricultural areas” (recertifi-
cation application, page 6).]
Review of Washington County Recertification Application
October 22, 2019
Page 8 of 12
Washington County reports that 972 of 1,637 acres preserved in FY 2019 were inside the
PPA (59.4%). “This number is greater than previous years, mainly because the CREP
program has been opened up to the entire County (not just the Rural Legacy Area) and
funding has increased for MALPP easements, thereby providing the County with the abil-
ity to preserve more farms, some of which are outside of the PPA. That said, the County
has recently approved the expansion of the its Rural Legacy Area (RLA) by over 12,000
acres, more than three-quarters of which are in the PPA. The County expects the State to
add their approval to the expansion later in FY 2020, and will be able to follow that up
with several high-quality easements in the newly-configured RLA” (recertification
application, pages 5-6).
The
graph
above
shows that given the acreage already preserved in Washington County, and projecting
future land preservation and conversion based on ten-year trends, Washington County
should meet its 50,000-acre preservation goal by 2041, with plenty of land available
afterward for further preservation.
IV. C. An update on: The method, evaluation, shortcomings, and future actions the county is
using or will use to achieve preservation goals (as required under Regulation .05E and F) that
demonstrates significant progress toward achievement of the preservation goals in the
priority preservation area (.11(B)(2)) CONTINUED;
OK 3. The degree to which county land use and other ordinances and regulations restrict
or otherwise interfere with the conduct of normal agricultural activities in the
priority preservation area (.05(E)(1)(c)).
The county reports that in addition to the right-to-farm ordinance, “There are no
restrictions on normal agricultural activities” (recertification application, page 6).
Review of Washington County Recertification Application
October 22, 2019
Page 9 of 12
OK 4. The ability of county zoning, subdivision, and development regulations and
policies to minimize the degree to which development in the priority preservation
area interferes with normal agricultural activities ((.05)(E)(1)(d)).
The County has a right-to-farm law. As mentioned in IV.C.1.a above, the Growth Tier
Map law has countered the effects of the liberal 1:5 agricultural zoning, while the
Environmental Conservation zoning and Preservation zoning further limit development
in rural areas, including PPAs. “Further, the County has recently approved an
expansion of its Rural Legacy Area, in which more than three quarters of the expanded
area consists of Priority Preservation Areas” (recertification application page 5).
OK 5. The ability of county and other farming assistance programs to support profitable
agriculture and forestry activities in the priority preservation area (05.(E)(1)(e)).
Washington County reports that it administers “a complete package of farmer assistance
programs, including Soil Conservation, Farm Services Agency, Extension Service, an Ag
Marketing Specialist, as well as an active farmland preservation program. In addition,
the County has encouraged farm support services such as feed and equipment dealers to
maintain a strong presence in the County” (recertification application (page 5).
6. Statistics and other factual information necessary to evaluate the county's
agricultural land preservation program, such as:
OK a. A description of the amount of subdivision and development allowed on land
within zoning districts comprising the priority preservation area, including base
density and additional lots allowed for clustering, density transfers between
parcels, and any other provisions affecting lot yields (.05(E)(2)(a));
See IV.C.1.a, above
IV. C. An update on: The method, evaluation, shortcomings, and future actions the county is
using or will use to achieve preservation goals (as required under Regulation .05E and F) that
demonstrates significant progress toward achievement of the preservation goals in the
priority preservation area (.11(B)(2)) CONTINUED;
6. Statistics and other factual information necessary to evaluate the county's
agricultural land preservation program, such as CONTINUED:
OK b. The numbers and locations of residential parcels and acres subdivided and
developed within the priority preservation area during the most recent 5-year
period (.05(E)(2)(b));
IV.C.2 above shows that a total of 876 acres were subject to ag land transfer tax during
the most recent 5-year period. The county reports that “59 parcels were subdivided in the
PPA in the most recent 5-year period, though the majority of those were not in the prime
agricultural areas” (recertification application, page 6).
Review of Washington County Recertification Application
October 22, 2019
Page 10 of 12
OK c. The total acreage and locations of farms and parcels permanently preserved
through agricultural land preservation easements recorded in the land records
of the county during the most recent 5-year period (.05(E)(2)(c));
[An attachment to come in the final report will show 4,448.305 acres and list all the
easements] See Attachment D.
OK d. The constraints and restrictions placed by county ordinances and regulations on
normal agricultural activities, such as minimum setbacks from property
boundaries (.05(E)(2)(d)); and
There are no restrictions on normal agricultural activities. In fact, the County’s Right-
To-Farm Ordinance specifically protects agricultural activities from nuisance
complaints.
OK e. The constraints and restrictions placed by county ordinances and regulations on
non-agricultural development activities, in order to minimize conflicts with
normal agricultural activities within the priority preservation area
(.05)(E)(2)(e)).
Setbacks require a 50-foot buffer.
D. The Department and Foundation:
N/A 1. Planning has determined that the county update of its program development
strategy is adequate (.11 (3)(a));
Washington County has not updated its program development strategy.
2. Determine that the latest local plan update includes an evaluation of:
The 2002 Washington County Comprehensive Plan is still in effect, though it looks as if
an update is underway.
N/A (a) The county's progress toward meeting the goals of the Foundation (.11
(3)(b)(i));
N/A (b) Any shortcomings in the county's ability to achieve the goals of the
Foundation (.11 (3)(b)(ii)); and
N/A (c) Past, current, and planned actions by the county to correct any shortcomings
identified as part of the evaluation (.11 (3)(b)(iii)); and
OK 3. Determine that the priority preservation area identified in the priority preservation
area element of the county's local plan continues to meet the requirements of the
certification program (11.(3)(c)).
E. An inventory, in digital or tabular form, of the properties which have been
permanently preserved by a recorded conservation easement, which:
Review of Washington County Recertification Application
October 22, 2019
Page 11 of 12
An inventory will arrive with the final report. See Attachment C
_____ 1. If in digital form, is approved by MDP for content and format (.05(G)).
2. If in tabular form, includes, for each property:
_____ a. The number of each tax map on which each parcel comprising the easement
occurs (.05(G)(2)(a));
_____ b. Each grid cell number of each tax map for each parcel comprising the easement
(.05(G)(2)(b));
_____ c. Each parcel number through which the property can be identified on each tax
map (.05(G)(2)(c));
_____ d. The total number of acres of each easement property (.05(G)(2)(d));
_____ e. The date on which the easement became effective (.05(G)(2)(e));
_____ f. The preservation program which holds the easement (.05(G)(2)(f));
_____ g. The means through which the easement was acquired, such as purchase,
transfer of development rights between private parties, or another means
specified by the county (.05(G)(2)(g)); and
_____ h. The easement purchase price, if the easement was purchased through or with
financial assistance from a government program (.05(G)(2)(h)).
N/A F. A description of any changes in the county priority preservation area and the
priority preservation area element of the local plan (.10(D)(4)).
G. During the certification period, the county:
OK 1. Has made reasonable progress on the recommendations and improvements
scheduled in its most recent program development strategy, or can justify
deviation from that strategy (.11(1)(B)(1)(c)).
See IV.C, above. Also, the county reports the following: “Washington County
continues to make great strides in all programs since the last reporting period. The
County has surpassed 34,000 acres of preserved land. Funding and interest in our
programs continues to rise and we are optimistic of reaching our 50,000-acre goal of
permanently preserved land in the next 20 years” (recertification application, page
7).
OK 2. Has been reasonably successful in preserving agricultural land and controlling
subdivisions and conversion of agricultural land consistent with State and
Review of Washington County Recertification Application
October 22, 2019
Page 12 of 12
county goals and plans to preserve agricultural land and to protect
environmental quality (.11(1)(B)(1)(d)).
See IV.C.2, above.
OK 3. Has made significant attempts to coordinate agricultural preservation efforts
with those of neighboring counties, when appropriate, and MDP and MALPF
(.11(1)(B)(1)(e)).
Page 8 of the recertification application reports the following:
Washington County works with other Maryland counties on a regular basis through a
variety of programs. Generally, it is in the form of providing guidance for, and trouble-
shooting, different nuances of the many preservation programs available. We especially
have a great working relationship with our Frederick County counterparts whom we
speak with regularly. Further, Chris Boggs [program administrator] has volunteered to
sit on the MALPF EVS Committee, and has been involved with the Heart of Maryland
RCP initiative.
Hagerstown
Williamsport
Smithsburg
Boonsboro
Keedysville
Sharpsburg
Funkstown
ClearSpring
Hancock
VIRGINIA AVE
SHARPSBURG
PIKE
INTERSTATE81
FAIRVIEWRD
INTERSTATE 70
INTERSTATE68
NATIONAL PIKE
HOLLOW
RD
ROHRERSVILLE
RD
LAPPANSRD
RINGGOLD
PIKE
USHWY
340
HARPERS FERRY
RD
Roads
Perm an ently Pre served Lands
Prio rity Prese rvation Areas
Lo cal, State or Fede ral Property Ownership
Rural Le gac y Area Boundary
County Bo undary
Curre nt Growth Area Boundaries
Munici palities
Protected LandsProtected Lands
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Miles
WARNING! : This m ap was created by the Washington
County Planning Department and is intended for the
recipients use only. It is not for general distribution to the
public, and should not be scaled or copied. Any
modifications or changes to this map are prohibited
without the express prior written approval of the Planning
Department GIS. Sources of the data contained hereon are
from various public agencies which may have use¹
Prepared By:
Washington County Department of Planning and Zoning
Geographic Information Systems
Print Date:
Wednesday, September 4, 2019
Washington County, MD
Open Session Item
SUBJECT: FY21 Healthy Families Home Visiting Grant – Approval to Submit Application
PRESENTATION DATE: May 19, 2020
PRESENTATION BY: Allison Hartshorn, Grant Manager, Office of Grant Management
RECOMMENDED MOTION: Move to approve the submission of the grant application to the
Maryland State Department of Education in the amount of $277,993 and to accept funding as
awarded.
REPORT-IN-BRIEF: The Washington County Office of Grant Management on behalf of and
at the direction of the Local Management Board is seeking approval to submit a Fiscal Year 2021
Healthy Families Home Visiting grant application to the Maryland State Department of
Education.
DISCUSSION: The Healthy Families Home Visiting Program is a comprehensive program
modeled after a nationally renowned initiative Healthy Families America. The goals of the
program are to prevent child maltreatment through early intervention, promote healthy growth,
development, and strengthening of the parent-child relationship. The Washington County Health
Department is the vendor contracted to provide this service. Funding in the amount of $6,606 is
included in the award for County administrative support. No County funds are involved in this
award.
FISCAL IMPACT: Provides $6,606 for County administrative expenses.
CONCURRENCES: Susan Buchanan Director, Office of Grant Management
ALTERNATIVES: Deny submission of the application
ATTACHMENTS: N/A
AUDIO/VISUAL NEEDS: N/A
Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland
Agenda Report Form
Open Session Item
SUBJECT: Contract Award (PUR-1460) – Local Care Team Coordinator
PRESENTATION DATE: March 19, 2020
PRESENTATION BY: Rick Curry, CPPO – Director of Purchasing and Allison Hartshorn,
Grant Manager – Washington County Office of Grant Management (OGM)
RECOMMENDED MOTION: Move to award the contract for the Local Care Team
Coordinator in Washington County, Maryland to the responsible proposer with the responsive
proposal.
REPORT-IN-BRIEF: The purpose of the service is to fulfill the requirements of a
Community Partnership Agreement (CPA) for fiscal year 2020 with the Governor’s Office for
Children (GOC). The award of funds for Local Care Team Coordinator shall commence upon
receipt of a fully executed contract between the Board of County Commissioners of Washington
County and the awarded vendor. The awarded contract shall expire on June 30, 2020, with an
option to renew up to two (2) consecutive one-year periods through 2022.
The Coordinating Committee was comprised of the following members: Director of Purchasing,
OGM Director designee, OGM Grant Manager (Chairman Designee), LMB Board Chairperson,
or designee and LMB Community Planning and Review Committee Chairperson or designee. The
RFP was advertised locally in the newspaper and on the County’s web site, as well as on the State’s
“eMaryland Marketplace Advantage” (eMMA) web site. Notice of the RFP was e-mailed to those
individuals/firms on the OGM’s e-mail list. Sixteen (16) persons/firms accessed the RFP
document from the web site. One (1) provider was represented at the pre-proposal conference.
DISCUSSION: N/A
FISCAL IMPACT: Funding from the Maryland Governor’s Office for Children in the
amount of $49,000.
CONCURRENCES: Award as unanimously recommended by the Coordinating
Committee.
ALTERNATIVES: N/A
ATTACHMENTS: Scope of Work (excerpt from RFP document).
AUDIO/VISUAL NEEDS: N/A
Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland
Agenda Report Form
PUR-1460
Local Care Team Coordinator
The Children’s Cabinet has determined there is a need to strengthen the system of
care for children and youth at the local level through a coordinated approach to
interagency case management. The goal of a coordinated approach is to return or
divert children and youth from preventable out-of-home and out-of-state
placements through the provision of community-based services. The Local Care
Team (LCT) will serve as the point of access to services for children and youth.
The Local Care Team is a forum for families of children with intensive needs to
receive assistance with the identification of individual needs and potential resources
to meet the identified needs. The Local Care Team provides interagency
discussions and problem solving for individual child and family needs and systemic
needs. Parents, family members or agencies will be able to make referrals directly
to the Local Care Team through the Local Management Board to seek assistance
with accessing services, to develop plans of care for community-based services and
to coordinate services from multiple agencies.
The Washington County Local Management Board (LMB) seeks to fund a Local
Care Team Coordinator in Washington County. The person in this position will
provide contracted staff support to the Local Care Team. Any agency that is
included as a mandated member of the Local Care Team will be ineligible for this
contract. The Local Care Team agencies with mandated members include the
Department of Juvenile Services, Development Disabilities Administration, Local
Core Service Agency, Local School System, Local Health Department, Local
Department of Social Services, and Division of Rehabilitative Services.
This staff person will ensure a coordinated system for case referral to the Team to
include tracking referrals and services, maintaining a comprehensive resource
database, collecting and reporting data and ensuring follow up services. The
Coordinator will be responsible for facilitating a coordinated approach to services
and ensure parent involvement in Local Care Team meetings. This will be a grant
funded contractual position which will be required to report at least monthly to the
LMB through the Office of Grant Management. The Local Care Team Coordinator
shall work an average of twenty (20) to twenty-five (25) hours per week.
1. Essential functions of the Local Care Team Coordinator include:
a. Maintain detailed notes from each case discussion that
outline the plan of care and agency commitments to be
reviewed and provided to the parents/guardians at the end of
the Local Care Team meetings.
b. A record from each Local Care Team meeting is to include:
i. Attendance record with signatures
ii. List of cases discussed that specifies whether the
case:
a) Is new or a review;
b) Was referred for out-of-State placement,
in-State placement or a voluntary placement;
and;
c) Was recommended for out-of-State
placement, in-State Placement, community
services, or voluntary placement agreement;
and
iii. Any official Local Care Team business,
including, votes, recommendations or actions taken.
c. Coordinate/track referrals and representation from child
serving agencies (required and those needed for specific
issues), schedule meetings, prepare agendas, administer and
keep minutes of the meetings. This position is required to
follow-up with families and agencies to ensure an action
plan has been established.
d. Referring or alerting families to resources (public and
private sector). This includes providing guidance in
completing forms and applications and supporting basic
needs including housing, food, benefits and other emergency
services.
e. Reviewing documents to ensure families understand;
documents include but are not limited to: Individualized
Education Programs (IEPs)/504 Plans, Mental Health
Assessments and Court Orders.
f. Developing and presenting training modules to small and
large groups.
g. Maintaining and acquiring knowledge of resources
available; sharing knowledge with various agencies on a
system-wide level and individual family or child level;
researching other systems throughout the state and country;
researching availability of flexible funds for families.
h. Designing, implementing and overseeing evaluation
methods based on the Results Accountability model that
meets the GOC and LMB needs.
2. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
The Local Care Team Coordinator should have the ability to read, analyze,
and interpret documents and respond effectively to children, caretakers,
Local Care Team members, service providers, office staff, and others.
Coordinator should be able to communicate effectively and in a concise
manner, both verbally and in writing. Good listening skills are imperative.
The Coordinator should be able to work collaboratively and respectfully
with diverse groups of individuals.
The Coordinator should be able to maintain, analyze and produce written
reports from various data systems, as well as, develop policies and
procedures based on written reports. The Coordinator should have the
ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, solve defined
problems, draw valid conclusions, and be able to focus on results. Skills in
case management, human services, strategic planning, negotiation, team
building, and networking with other professionals is an advantage. The
Coordinator must be able to develop and present training modules to small
and large groups.
Proficiency with various computer programs including Windows 7 or later,
Microsoft Word, excel, Internet, outlook, Google Drive and statistical,
results tracking, and case management programs. The ability to manage
time effectively and be organized are necessary. Familiarity with
Washington County resources and educational programs is preferred.
3. Education, Experience, Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:
The position of Local Care Team Coordinator requires an individual who
has experience with child placement systems and a clinical or special
education background. Due to the need for specialized understanding of
complex behavioral health or disabilities as well as the system of care for
children and families, the position prefers a master’s degree. Individuals
with a bachelor’s degree in a comparable field and significant experience
will also be considered for the position. In addition, the position requires
the possession of a valid class C Motor Vehicle Operator’s License.
4. Performance Measures:
The following table details the minimum amount of required data measures
to track. Additional measures may be added by the Local Management
Board as directed and/or the Governor’s Office for Children. Collection of
data is the responsibility of the selected Contractor. Data measures can vary
and maybe revised each fiscal year by the OGM in consultation with the
Contractor.
Performance Measures
• Number of new cases referred to the Local Care Team each month and
year
• Number of cases reviewed by the Local Care Team each month and year
• Number of Local Care Team trainings provided each year
•
How well we do it:
•
least 75% of Local Care Team meetings
• Percentage of all Local Care Team reviews (new, follow-up, and annual
Is anyone better off?
•
are alternatively served through community-based services.
• Percentage of new cases referred for out-of-state placement that are
alternatively serviced through in-state community-based services or in-
Open Session Item
SUBJECT: Contract Award (PUR-1467) – Stop Loss Insurance Coverage
PRESENTATION DATE: May 19, 2020
PRESENTATION BY: Rick Curry, CPPO, Director of Purchasing, Rachel Brown, Director of
Health and Human Services, and a representative from the County’s consultant, CBIZ Benefits &
Insurance Services, Inc.
RECOMMENDED MOTION: Motion to award a contract for Stop Loss Insurance to the
responsive, responsible proposer, Sun Life Financial of Wellesley Hills, MA (incumbent) who
submitted a total annual premium for Option 1 of $1,039,933.08 with specific stop loss @
$175,000 per claimant.
REPORT-IN-BRIEF: The Request for Proposal (RFP) was advertised on the State’s “eMaryland
Marketplace Advantage” (eMMA) web site, on the County’s web site, and in the local newspaper.
Direct notice of the solicitation was e-mailed to twelve (12) potential providers of the insurance.
Proposals were received before the deadline on April 24, 2020 from twelve (12) companies that
are providers of Stop Loss Insurance.
DISCUSSION: N/A
FISCAL IMPACT: The proposed budget for health insurances and stop loss insurance coverage
in FY 2021 is $16,415,890
CONCURRENCES: As recommended with the concurrence of the Director of Health and
Human Services
ALTERNATIVES: N/A
ATTACHMENTS: The attached Summary will be reviewed and discussed by the County’s
consultant at the meeting.
AUDIO/VISUAL NEEDS: N/A
Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland
Agenda Report Form
Board of Washington County Commissioners
Request for Proposal Analysis and Recommendations2020-2021
Presented by: CBIZ Employee Services Organization
PUR-1467
Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland
Effective Date:July 1, 2020
Bid Due Date:April 24, 2020
All bids were requested net of commissions.
Overview
The Board of County Commissioners of Washington County,Maryland (BCC)
provides health insurance via Aetna/Aetna’s care management programs and
prescription drug coverage with CVS Caremark.Stop-Loss coverage is currently
with Sun Life and is bid on an annual basis.
2
Background
Board of County Commissioners of Washington County,Maryland provides
medical and prescription drug coverage to active employees,agencies,
COBRA members,and pre-Medicare retirees on a self-insured basis.
Medical Vendor:Aetna effective 7/1/2016
Drug Vendor:CVS/Caremark effective 7/1/2019
Stop-Loss policies are insurance that protects the plan from significant
claim costs associated with individual members (specific)or for the entire
group (aggregate).Currently,Board of County Commissioners of
Washington County,Maryland has a Stop-Loss policy with Sun Life that
limits the medical and prescription drug plan costs to a maximum of
$175,000 per member per year.
Stop-Loss policies do not automatically renew at the same rate. This year
Benefit Mall was brought into the Stop-Loss marketing process to better
leverage the bids. 3
Washington County Commissioners
Effective Date: 07/01/2020
Stop Loss (Reinsurance)Marketing Results
Carrier Financial
Rating Quoted Declined Comments
Sun Life A+x
Liberty Mutual A x
PACE -Gerber A x Uncompetitive greater than +35%to
current
HCC A++x
Voya A x Uncompetitive greater than +35%to
current
Swiss RE A+x Uncompetitive greater than +50%to
current
Berkley A x
Anthem A x
Aetna A x
KRMA -Garden State A x Unable to quote over ASO buisness
Evolution Risk -Pan American A x Uncompetitive greater than +35%to
current
Sutton Special Risk A x Uncompetitive greater than +35%to
current
4
Stop-Loss Specific Premium Current Renewal Option 1 Option 2
NNL 50%RC NNL 50%RC
Carrier:
Carrier Rating:
Sun Life
A+
Sun Life
A+
Sun Life
A+
Anthem
A+
NNL 50%RC NNL 50%RC
TPA:Aetna Aetna Aetna Aetna
PPO Network/UR Vendor:Aetna choice Aetna choice Aetna choice Aetna choice
Stop Loss Commission:
Benefits Included: Specific
Deductible:
Aggregating Specific:
Specific Contract:
0%
Med/Rx
$175,000
$0
Paid
0%
Med/Rx
$175,000
$0
Paid
0%
Med/Rx
$175,000
$0
24/12
0%
Med/Rx
$175,000
$0
24/12
Specific Policy Year Maximum:Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited
Firm Through:FIRM 5.15.20 FIRM 5.15.20 Illustrative
Lasers:None None None Pending Large Claim Review
Total Reinsurance Expense $954,075.24 $954,075.24 $1,039,933.08 $1,089,22.68
Annual Fixed Premium
%Difference 0.00%9.00%14.14%
Washington County Commissioners
Effective Date:07/01/2020
Propriertary &Confidential
5
NNL = No New Laser
50% RC = 50% Rate Cap
Stop-Loss Specific Premium Option 3 Option 4 Option 5 Option 6 Option 7
NNL 50%RC NNL 50%RC NNL 50%RC NNL 50%RC
Carrier:
Carrier Rating:
Berkley
A
Liberty Mutual
A
Aetna
A
Aetna
A
HCC
A++
NNL 50%RC NNL 50%RC NNL 50%RC NNL 50%RC
TPA:Aetna Aetna Aetna Aetna Aetna
PPO Network/UR Vendor:Aetna choice Aetna choice Aetna choice Aetna choice Aetna choice
Stop Loss
Commission:
Benefits Included:
Specific Deductible:
Aggregating Specific:
Specific Contract:
0%
Med/Rx
$175,000
$0
24/12
0%
Med/Rx
$175,000
$0
24/12
0%
Med/Rx
$175,000
$0
24/12
0%
Med/Rx
$175,000
$0
24/12
0%
Med/Rx
$175,000
$0
24/12
Specific Policy YearMaximum:Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited
Firm Through:Illustrative Illustrative Firm Firm Illustrative
Lasers:Pending Large Claim Review Pending Large Claim Review None None Pending Large Claim Review
Total Reinsurance Expense $1,309,826.04 $1,105,668.96 $1,046,109.72 $942,472.92 $1,305,331.08
Annual Fixed Premium
%Difference 37.29%15.89%9.65%-1.22%36.82%
Propriertary &Confidential
Washington County Commissioners
Effective Date:07/01/2020
6
NNL = No New Laser
50% RC = 50% Rate Cap
Recommendation
•Remain with Sun Life at $175,000 Specific Stop Loss level
•Move to Option 1 adding no new laser and 50% rate cap
–Moving to a no new laser will be advantageous for
FY22
–Moving to a +50% rate cap will reduce the risk of an
colossal increase for FY22
7
1
Open Session Item
SUBJECT: County Commissioners of Washington County Public Improvement
Bonds of 2020 and Refunding Bonds of 2020 Authorizing Resolution
PRESENTATION DATE: May 19, 2020
PRESENTATION BY: Lindsey A. Rader, Bond Counsel for Washington County,
and Sara L. Greaves, Chief Financial Officer
RECOMMENDED MOTION: Move to approve the resolution authorizing County
Commissioners of Washington County (the “County”) to issue and sell, at public sale, upon its
full faith and credit, two separate series of general obligation bonds in the original aggregate
principal amount not to exceed $26,835,000 for the purpose of financing or reimbursing costs of
certain public facilities and projects and currently refunding certain outstanding County general
obligation bonds, as presented.
REPORT-IN-BRIEF: Certain Chapter Laws of Maryland, County Code
provisions and provisions of the Annotated Code of Maryland, as applicable, authorize the
County to issue and sell at public sale, upon its full faith and credit, two separate series of
general obligation bonds for the purpose of (1) financing or reimbursing the cost of certain
public facilities and projects (see attachment) and (2) currently refunding in whole or in part the
outstanding County Commissioners of Washington County Public Improvement Bonds, Taxable
Build America Bonds (Direct Payment) Series 2010B. Bonds issued for financing purposes (also
referred to as for new money purposes) will not exceed $15,335,000 in original aggregate
principal amount and bonds issued for refunding purposes will not exceed $11,500,000 in
original aggregate principal amount (the amortization schedule for the refunding bonds set forth
in the resolution assumes an original aggregate principal amount of $9,505,000). Certain details
of each series of the bonds are subject to adjustment based on market conditions, due to legal or
tax considerations or for other reasons identified in the resolution. The Chief Financial Officer is
authorized to make certain determinations and adjustments with respect to each series of the
bonds prior to release of the Preliminary Official Statement provided for in the resolution or
following such release but prior to the sale of the bonds, including (without limitation)
adjustments to the original aggregate principal amount of each series and the amortization
schedule for each series, changing the principal, interest and, with respect to the new money
bonds, optional redemption dates if the sale date is moved from June 9, 2020, and, with respect
to the series of bonds issued for refunding purposes, determining the prior bonds to be refunded,
and/or determining that none of the identified prior bonds will be refunded (and, accordingly,
that no series of bonds will be issued for refunding purposes). In addition, authority to award or
Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland
Agenda Report Form
2
reject each series of the bonds at the sale, and to make certain post-sale adjustments to either
series contemplated by the resolution, is delegated to the Chief Financial Officer, who shall act
by order.
DISCUSSION: Proceeds from the series of bonds issued for new money purposes
will be used to fund costs of certain infrastructure, public facilities, environmental and
educational projects. The max original aggregate principal amount of the authorized new money
bond proceeds has been reduced from the $16,669,000 originally contemplated in the County
budget to $15,335,000 due to project changes or authorized reallocation of unspent prior bond
proceeds. The max original aggregate principal amount of the new money bonds as issued may
be further reduced from $15,335,000 due to a determination prior to the sale of the bonds that
loan funding from the Maryland Water Quality Financing Administration will be available for
two of the projects and/or by the availability of original issue premium resulting from the
successful bid for such series for application to project costs. Issuance costs are expected to be
funded from pay-go funds or from the net original issue premium received from the successful
bidder for each series of the bonds or other available funds of the County.
FISCAL IMPACT: Annual bond issuance has been included in the County’s annual
debt affordability analysis.
CONCURRENCES: Interim County Administrator and County Attorney
ALTERNATIVES: If the resolution is not approved, it will be necessary to eliminate
the public facilities and projects to be funded from the series of new money bonds as detailed in
the Capital Improvement Plan. Also, it will be necessary to determine alternative funding for
such public facilities and projects already in progress. Depending on market conditions at the
time of sale, the County could forego potential debt service savings if refunding bonds are not
issued.
ATTACHMENTS: Resolution, schedule of public facilities and projects to be funded
from the new money series of bonds, and draft Preliminary Official Statement. (Financial
Statements and Supplemental Schedules together with Report of Independent Public Accountants
available online at www.washco-md.net under Budget and Finance Department.)
AUDIO/VISUAL NEEDS: N/A
1
RESOLUTION NO. RS-2020-____
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AND EMPOWERING COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF
WASHINGTON COUNTY (THE “COUNTY”) TO ISSUE AND SELL AT PUBLIC SALE,
UPON ITS FULL FAITH AND CREDIT, TWO SEPARATE SERIES OF ITS GENERAL
OBLIGATION BONDS DESIGNATED, RESPECTIVELY, “COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF
WASHINGTON COUNTY PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT BONDS OF 2020” AND “COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS OF WASHINGTON COUNTY REFUNDING BONDS OF 2020”,
PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF, AS APPLICABLE, CHAPTER 99 OF THE LAWS OF
MARYLAND OF 2018, TITLE 6 OF THE CODE OF PUBLIC LOCAL LAWS OF
WASHINGTON COUNTY (2019 EDITION), CHAPTER 392 OF THE LAWS OF MARYLAND
OF 2007, AND SECTION 19-207 OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ARTICLE OF THE
ANNOTATED CODE OF MARYLAND, EACH AS AMENDED AS APPLICABLE, FOR THE
PUBLIC PURPOSES OF (1) FINANCING THE COST OF CERTAIN PUBLIC FACILITIES
AND PROJECTS IN WASHINGTON COUNTY, INCLUDING THE COST OF ACQUISITION,
ALTERATION, CONSTRUCTION, RECONSTRUCTION, ENLARGEMENT, EQUIPPING,
EXPANSION, EXTENSION, IMPROVEMENT, REHABILITATION, RENOVATION,
UPGRADING AND REPAIR OF VARIOUS INFRASTRUCTURE, PUBLIC FACILTIIES,
ENVIRONMENTAL AND EDUCATIONAL PROJECTS, TOGETHER WITH ANY RELATED
ARCHITECTURAL, FINANCIAL, LEGAL, PLANNING OR ENGINEERING SERVICES,
AND (2) SUBEJCT TO THE FURTHER PROVISONS OF THIS RESOLUTION, CURRENTLY
REFUNDING ALL OR A PORTION OF THE OUTSTANDING COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
OF WASHINGTON COUNTY PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT BONDS, TAXABLE BUILD
AMERICA BONDS (DIRECT PAYMENT) SERIES 2010B; SPECIFYING THE MAXIMUM
ORIGINAL AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNTS OF SUCH SERIES OF BONDS,
SUBJECT TO ADJUSTMENT AS PROVIDED HEREIN; PRESCRIBING THE TERMS AND
CONDITIONS OF EACH SERIES OF THE BONDS AND THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS
UPON WHICH EACH SERIES OF THE BONDS SHALL BE ISSUED AND SOLD AND
OTHER INCIDENTAL DETAILS WITH RESPECT THERETO; PLEDGING THE FULL
FAITH AND CREDIT AND UNLIMITED TAXING POWER OF THE COUNTY TO THE
PAYMENT OF THE BONDS AND PROVIDING THAT, IN THE EVENT FUNDS
AVAILABLE TO THE COUNTY ARE INSUFFICIENT TO PAY THE PRINCIPAL OF AND
INTEREST ON THE BONDS, THE COUNTY SHALL LEVY AND COLLECT AD VALOREM
TAXES UPON ALL THE LEGALLY ASSESSABLE PROPERTY WITHIN WASHINGTON
COUNTY SUFFICIENT TO PROVIDE FOR SUCH PAYMENTS WHEN DUE; PROVIDING
FOR, AS APPLICABLE, A BOND REGISTRAR AND PAYING AGENT, AN ESCROW
DEPOSIT AGENT, AN ESCROW DEPOSIT AGREEMENT, A BIDDING AGENT AND A
VERIFICATION CONSULTANT WITH RESPECT TO THE PROCEEDS OF THE
REFUNDING BONDS; PROVIDING FOR THE DISBURSEMENT OF THE PROCEEDS OF
THE BONDS; APPROVING A PRELIMINARY OFFICIAL STATEMENT AND
AUTHORIZING THE PREPARATION AND DISTRIBUTION OF AN OFFICIAL
STATEMENT IN CONNECTION WITH THE ISSUANCE AND SALE OF SAID BONDS;
MAKING CERTAIN FINDINGS CONCERNING DEBT LIMITATIONS OF WASHINGTON
COUNTY; MAKING OR PROVIDING FOR THE MAKING OF CERTAIN ELECTIONS,
COVENANTS OR DETERMINATIONS PERTAINING TO THE TAX-EXEMPT STATUS OF
2
SAID BONDS; PROVIDING FOR THE REDEMPTION OF THE REFUNDED BONDS;
PROVIDING THAT THE PROVISIONS OF THIS RESOLUTION SHALL BE LIBERALLY
CONSTRUED; AND GENERALLY PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE OF SAID BONDS.
R E C I T A L S
Chapter 99 of the Laws of Maryland of 2018 (the “2018 Act”) authorizes and empowers
County Commissioners of Washington County (the “County”) to issue and sell bonds upon its full
faith and credit in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $70,000,000 to provide funds to
finance the cost of the construction, improvement or development (within the meaning of such
Act) of certain public facilities in Washington County. The County has previously issued
$514,278 original aggregate principal amount of its County Commissioners of Washington County
Public Improvement Bonds of 2019 pursuant to the authority of the 2018 Act.
Title 6 of the Code of Public Local Laws of Washington County, Maryland, as amended to
date, including, without limitation, the 2019 Edition (the “Water and Sewer Act”), authorizes and
empowers the County to issue bonds upon its full faith and credit to provide funds for the purpose
of paying the cost of a water system, sewerage system or drainage system or any part of such
system that the County owns, constructs or operates (referred to as “projects” in the Water and
Sewer Act).
Pursuant to the authority of the 2018 Act and the Water and Sewer Act, as applicable, the
County has determined to issue and sell its general obligation bonds in an original aggregate
principal amount not to exceed $15,335,000 (the “New Money Bonds”) to finance the cost of the
construction, improvement or development (within the meaning of the 2018 Act) of certain public
facilities in Washington County and the cost of certain projects (within the meaning of the Water
and Sewer Act). The New Money Bonds are being issued to finance the cost of certain public
facilities and projects as more particularly described in Section 3 herein. The issuance of the New
Money Bonds shall not cause the County to exceed the debt limitation provided for in the Water
and Sewer Act.
The New Money Bonds, as authorized to be issued and sold by this Resolution, are a single
series of bonds for the purposes of financing the cost of certain public facilities and projects in
Washington County, all as described herein.
Pursuant to the authority of Chapter 392 of the Laws of Maryland of 2007 (the “2007 Act”),
the Water and Sewer Act, and the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
(“ARRA”), each as then in effect, the County previously issued upon its full faith and credit its
County Commissioners of Washington County Public Improvement Bonds, Taxable Build
America Bonds (Direct Payment) Series 2010B, dated June 2, 2010, in the original aggregate
principal amount of $10,915,000 (the “2010B Bonds”). As originally issued, the 2010B Bonds
are scheduled to mature on July 1 in the years 2021-2030, inclusive.
Pursuant to the authority of the 2007 Act, the Water and Sewer Act and Section 19-207 of
the Local Government Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland (the “Refunding Act”), as
applicable and as amended to date, the County has determined to currently refund all or a portion
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of the outstanding 2010B Bonds as set forth on Exhibit A attached hereto, subject to the further
provisions of this Resolution.
Any refunded 2010B Bonds will be currently refunded from proceeds of the issuance and
sale of a series of the County’s general obligation bonds in an original aggregate principal amount
not to exceed $11,500,000 (the “2020 Refunding Bonds”), subject to the further provisions of this
Resolution.
The County has determined that the total debt service cost to the County with respect to
the refunded 2010B Bonds will be reduced by the County issuing the 2020 Refunding Bonds and
applying proceeds thereof to discharge and satisfy the indebtedness evidenced by such refunded
bonds, thereby satisfying a requirement of the Refunding Act by realizing savings in the total cost
of debt service on a direct comparison or present value basis.
The New Money Bonds and the 2020 Refunding Bonds are together referred to in these
Recitals as the “2020 Bonds” (and as the “Bonds” in the Sections of this Resolution).
The 2007 Act, the 2018 Act, the Water and Sewer Act and the Refunding Act are together
referred to herein as the “Acts”.
The 2020 Bonds, as authorized to be issued and sold by this Resolution, are two separate
series of bonds for the purposes of financing the cost of certain public facilities and projects in
Washington County and currently refunding certain outstanding obligations, all as described
herein.
References in this Resolution to “principal amount” or “principal amounts” shall be
construed as “par amount” or “par amounts”, respectively. References in this Resolution to
“finance” or “financing” are deemed to include “reimburse” or “reimbursing”, respectively.
These Recitals constitute an integral part of this Resolution. Capitalized terms used in
these Recitals and not otherwise defined in the following Sections of this Resolution shall have
the meanings given to such terms in these Recitals.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS OF WASHINGTON COUNTY:
Section 1. The County hereby determines that it is necessary to borrow money and incur
indebtedness pursuant to the authority of the 2018 Act and the Water and Sewer Act, as applicable,
to finance the cost of the public facilities and projects described in Section 3 hereof.
Pursuant to the authority of the 2018 Act and the Water and Sewer Act, as applicable, the
County shall borrow on its full faith and credit the aggregate sum of not to exceed $15,335,000 in
order to provide funds to finance the cost of the construction, improvement or development of
certain public facilities in Washington County (within the meaning of the 2018 Act) and to finance
the cost of certain projects (within the meaning of the Water and Sewer Act), as further described
in Section 3 hereof, and shall evidence such borrowing by the issuance of a series of its general
4
obligation bonds in the original aggregate principal amount not to exceed $15,335,000 and
designated “County Commissioners of Washington County Public Improvement Bonds of 2020”
(the “Public Improvement Bonds”).
The Chief Financial Officer of the County (who constitutes the Director of the Office of
Budget and Finance for purposes of the County Code, the “Chief Financial Officer”), on behalf of
the County, with the advice of the financial advisor to the County and bond counsel to the County,
is hereby authorized from time to time prior to the sale of the Public Improvement Bonds to adjust
the original aggregate principal amount of the Public Improvement Bonds as set forth in Section 4
hereof upward or downward (so long as such original aggregate principal amount, as adjusted,
does not exceed $15,335,000), to eliminate one or more of the maturities of the Public
Improvement Bonds provided for in Section 4 hereof and/or to adjust the original aggregate
principal amounts of each maturity of the Public Improvement Bonds upward or downward, due
to tax considerations, due to market considerations, in order to restructure the amortization
schedule for the Public Improvement Bonds to meet financial considerations impacting the
County, to account for anticipated original issue premium so as to avoid an over-issuance problem
and/or to reduce the par amount of the Public Improvement Bonds needed due to anticipated
original issue premium, and/or in order to reduce the proceeds of the Public Improvement Bonds
to be applied to any of the contemplated public facilities or projects provided for in Section 3
hereof due to the availability of other funds for such projects, including, but not limited to, the
availability of funding through the Maryland Water Quality Financing Administration with respect
to the environmental projects generally referred to by the County as the Capacity Management
Project and the Smithsburg WWTP ENR Upgrade, and any such adjustment (i) shall be reflected
in the Preliminary Official Statement provided for in Section 24 hereof if such determination is
made prior to the release of such Preliminary Official Statement or (ii) shall be communicated in
accordance with the provisions of the official Notice of Sale provided for in Section 12 hereof if
such determination is made after the release of such Preliminary Official Statement. It is the stated
intention of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County (the “Board”) that, to the
extent available for such purpose, any original issue premium provided for in the successful
bidder’s bid for the Public Improvement Bonds be applied to reducing the par amount of the Public
Improvement Bonds needed for the purposes contemplated in Section 3 of this Resolution after
giving effect to the payment of underwriter’s discount and any amount of such original issue
premium that may be applied to costs of issuance of the Public Improvement Bonds.
The final original aggregate principal amount of the Public Improvement Bonds, the final
maturities of the Public Improvement Bonds, and the final original aggregate principal amount of
each maturity of the Public Improvement Bonds, if any, will be determined in accordance with an
order or orders of the Chief Financial Officer delivered in conjunction with the award of the sale
of the Public Improvement Bonds in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 hereof.
Section 2. Subject to the further provisions of this Resolution, the County hereby
determines that it is necessary to borrow money and incur indebtedness pursuant to the authority
of the 2007 Act, the Water and Sewer Act and the Refunding Act, as applicable, to currently refund
all or a portion of the 2010B Bonds identified on Exhibit A hereto. The final maturities or portions
of maturities of the 2010B Bonds to be so refunded, if any, will be determined prior to or upon the
sale of the Refunding Bonds identified in the next paragraph in accordance with the further
5
provisions of this Resolution. Any such 2010B Bonds that are finally determined to be currently
refunded in accordance with the provisions of this Resolution are referred to herein collectively as
the “Refunded Bonds”. The potential Refunded Bonds are the outstanding maturities of the 2010B
Bonds.
Pursuant to the authority of the 2007 Act, the Water and Sewer Act and the Refunding Act,
as applicable, the County has determined to borrow on its full faith and credit an original aggregate
principal amount not to exceed $11,500,000 in order to provide for the current refunding of the
Refunded Bonds, and shall evidence such borrowing by the issuance of a single series of its general
obligation bonds in an original aggregate principal amount not to exceed $11,500,000 and
designated “County Commissioners of Washington County Refunding Bonds of 2020” (the
“Refunding Bonds”).
It is the current intention of the Board, subject to market conditions, to currently refund all of
the currently outstanding potential Refunded Bonds identified on Exhibit A hereto and to redeem such
Refunded Bonds on a date no later than 45 days after the date of issuance of the Refunding Bonds.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Resolution, in the event the Chief
Financial Officer, on behalf of the County, with the advice of the financial advisor to the County
and bond counsel to the County, determines from time to time prior to the sale of the Refunding
Bonds that legal or tax considerations limit the County’s ability to refund a portion of the potential
Refunded Bonds identified on Exhibit A hereto, that sufficient savings cannot be achieved or the
goals of the applicable Acts will not be met by refunding a portion of the potential Refunded Bonds
identified on Exhibit A hereto, that other funds of the County are available for application to the
current refunding of the Refunded Bonds, that anticipated original issue premium is expected to
be available for application to the current refunding of the Refunded Bonds, and/or that the
amortization schedule for the Refunding Bonds should be adjusted in order to maximize debt
service savings in any particular fiscal year or years, to avoid an over-issuance problem and/or due
to market considerations, such official may adjust the original aggregate principal amount of the
Refunding Bonds as set forth in Section 4 hereof upward or downward (so long as such original
aggregate principal amount, as adjusted, does not exceed $11,500,000), and correspondingly adjust
one or more of the original aggregate principal amounts of the maturities of the Refunding Bonds
set forth in Section 4 hereof upward or downward, and to the extent necessary, eliminate one or
more of the maturities of the Refunding Bonds provided for in Section 4 hereof, in order to reflect
such overall adjustment in the original aggregate principal amount of the Refunding Bonds, and
any such adjustment (i) shall be reflected in the Preliminary Official Statement provided for in
Section 24 hereof if such determination is made prior to the release of such Preliminary Official
Statement or (ii) shall be communicated in accordance with the provisions of the official Notice
of Sale provided for in Section 12 hereof if such determination is made after the release of such
Preliminary Official Statement. It is the stated intention of the Board that, to the extent available
for such purpose, any original issue premium provided for in the successful bidder’s bid for the
Refunding Bonds be applied to reducing the par amount of the Refunding Bonds needed for the
purposes contemplated in this Section 2 after giving effect to the payment of underwriter’s
discount and any amount of such original issue premium that may be applied to costs of issuance
of the Refunding Bonds.
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In addition, notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Resolution, in the
event the Chief Financial Officer, on behalf of the County, with the advice of the financial advisor
to the County and bond counsel to the County, determines from time to time prior to the sale of
the Refunding Bonds that legal or tax considerations limit the County’s ability to currently refund
any portion of the potential Refunded Bonds identified on Exhibit A hereto and/or that sufficient
savings cannot be achieved or the goals of the applicable Acts will not be met by refunding any
portion of the potential Refunded Bonds identified on Exhibit A hereto, such official may
determine that the Refunding Bonds shall not be issued, and such determination (i) shall be
reflected in the Preliminary Official Statement provided for in Section 24 hereof if such
determination is made prior to the release of such Preliminary Official Statement or (ii) shall be
communicated in accordance with the provisions of the official Notice of Sale provided for in
Section 12 hereof if such determination is made after the release of such Preliminary Official
Statement. In such event, all provisions of this Resolution relating to the issuance of the Refunding
Bonds and the current refunding and redemption of the Refunded Bonds shall be construed to be
inapplicable.
The final actual maturities or portions of maturities of the potential Refunded Bonds
identified on Exhibit A hereto to be currently refunded from the proceeds of the Refunding Bonds,
if any, shall be determined in accordance with an order of the Chief Financial Officer delivered in
conjunction with the award of the sale of the Refunding Bonds in accordance with the provisions
of Section 13 hereof.
The final original aggregate principal amount of the Refunding Bonds, the final maturities
of the Refunding Bonds, and the final original aggregate principal amount of each maturity of the
Refunding Bonds, if any, will be determined in accordance with an order or orders of the Chief
Financial Officer delivered in conjunction with the award of the sale of the Refunding Bonds in
accordance with the provisions of Section 13 hereof.
The Refunding Bonds, together with the Public Improvement Bonds, are referred to herein
collectively as the “Bonds”.
Section 3. Subject to adjustments made in connection with the sale of the Public
Improvement Bonds (including as contemplated in Section 1 hereof or to provide for the
application of net original issue premium received in connection with the sale and issuance of the
Public Improvement Bonds), the projects and purposes on account of which the Public
Improvement Bonds are issued and the approximate amount of the par value of proceeds of the
Bonds allocated to each class of projects are identified as follows:
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Notwithstanding the foregoing allocation, the County, without notice to or the consent of the
registered owners of the Public Improvement Bonds, may reallocate the approximate amount of the
par value of the proceeds of the Public Improvement Bonds to be spent among the projects referenced
above (as such projects may be further identified in materials provided or available to the Board or in
resolutions of the Board) in compliance with applicable County budgetary procedures or applicable
law. If the original aggregate par amount of the Public Improvement Bonds is re-allocated prior to or
in connection with the sale of the Bonds as contemplated in this Resolution, such reallocation shall
be reflected in the certificate executed and delivered by authorized County officials in accordance
with the provisions of Section 18 of this Resolution.
Section 4. Each series of the Bonds shall be dated their dated date and shall be issued in
the denominations of $5,000 each or any integral multiple thereof. Each series of the Bonds shall
bear interest from its dated date. Subject to the further provisions of this Section 4, interest on
each series of the Bonds shall be payable on January 1, 2021 and on each July 1 and January 1
thereafter until maturity or, as applicable, prior redemption. Each January 1 or July 1 on which
interest is due on either series of the Bonds is referred to herein as an “Interest Payment Date”.
Interest shall be calculated on a 30-day month/360-day year basis.
Subject to the provisions of this Resolution, the Public Improvement Bonds shall mature
or be subject to mandatory sinking fund redemption as designated by the successful bidder for the
Public Improvement Bonds, on July 1 of the years and in the amounts as follows:
PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT BONDS*
* The original aggregate principal amount of, and original aggregate principal amount of each
maturity of, the Public Improvement Bonds, is subject to adjustment prior to sale as provided in
Section 1 hereof and in the official Notice of Sale provided for in Section 12 hereof. In addition,
8
the original aggregate principal amount of, and/or the original aggregate principal amount of each
maturity of, the Public Improvement Bonds is subject to adjustment after receipt of bids in
accordance with the provisions of the official Notice of Sale provided for in Section 12 hereof;
provided that, only that portion of the par amount of the Public Improvement Bonds (if any)
allocable to the projects generally referred to as the Capacity Management Project and the
Smithsburg WWTP ENR Upgrade may be amortized over the period July 1, 2040 – July 1, 2049,
inclusive.
Subject to the provisions of this Resolution, the Refunding Bonds shall mature or be subject
to mandatory sinking fund redemption as designated by the successful bidder for the Refunding
Bonds, on July 1 of the years and in the amounts as follows:
REFUNDING BONDS*
* The principal amortization schedule for the Refunding Bonds set forth above is based on market
conditions as of May 4, 2020 and provides for the Refunding Bonds to be issued in the original
aggregate principal amount of $9,505,000. The original aggregate principal amount of, and
original aggregate principal amount of each maturity of, the Refunding Bonds, is subject to
adjustment or elimination as provided in Section 2 hereof and in the official Notice of Sale
provided for in Section 12 hereof. In addition, the original aggregate principal amount of, and/or
the original aggregate principal amount of each maturity of, the Refunding Bonds is subject to
adjustment after receipt of bids in accordance with the provisions of the official Notice of Sale
provided for in Section 12 hereof. The final original aggregate principal amount of the Refunding
Bonds, as issued, shall not exceed $11,500,000.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Section 4, in the event the Chief
Financial Officer determines at or prior to the date of sale of the Refunding Bonds in accordance
with the provisions of Section 2 hereof not to refund one or more maturities of the potential
Refunded Bonds, the Chief Financial Officer, with the advice of the financial advisor to the County
and bond counsel to the County, is hereby authorized and empowered to (i) change the principal
payment dates for the Refunding Bonds from July 1 to January 1 if such change would better serve
the interests of the County and comply with the provisions of the Code (as defined in Section 15
hereof), (ii) determine the first and last such principal payment dates for the Refunding Bonds, and
(iii) change the first Interest Payment Date for the Refunding Bonds, and any such adjustments (i)
shall be reflected in the Preliminary Official Statement provided for in Section 24 hereof if such
determination is made prior to the release of such Preliminary Official Statement or (ii) shall be
9
communicated in accordance with the provisions of the official Notice of Sale provided for in
Section 12 hereof if such determination is made after the release of such Preliminary Official
Statement.
The foregoing provisions of this Section 4 are also subject to the provisions of Sections 2,
12 and 13 hereof.
Subject to the provisions of Section 12 hereof, each Bond shall bear interest from its dated
date if no interest payment has been paid or from the most recent Interest Payment Date to which
interest has been paid or duly provided for; provided, however, that each Bond authenticated after
the Record Date (as hereinafter defined) for any Interest Payment Date, but prior to such Interest
Payment Date, shall bear interest from such Interest Payment Date. Interest on each series of the
Bonds shall be paid at the rate or rates named by the successful bidder for such series of the Bonds
in accordance with the terms of the official Notice of Sale hereinafter provided for.
The County hereby appoints Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company, a New York state
banking corporation, as bond registrar and as paying agent for each series of the Bonds (the “Bond
Registrar and Paying Agent”).
The principal of and interest on the Bonds shall be payable in such money of the United
States of America as is lawful at the time of payment.
So long as a series of the Bonds is maintained in Book-Entry Form (as hereinafter defined),
payments of principal or redemption price (if any) of such series of the Bonds shall be made as
described in Section 6 hereof. At any other time, the principal or redemption price (if any) of each
Bond shall be paid upon presentment and surrender of such Bond on the date such principal or
redemption price (if any) is payable or if such date is not a Business Day (as hereinafter defined)
then on the next succeeding Business Day at the designated corporate trust office of the Bond
Registrar and Paying Agent.
Interest on each Bond shall be payable to the person in whose name such Bond is registered
(the “Registered Owner”) on the registration books for such series of the Bonds as of the close of
business on the 15th calendar day of the month immediately preceding each Interest Payment Date
(the “Record Date”). So long as a series of the Bonds is maintained in Book-Entry Form, payment
of interest on such series of the Bonds shall be made as described in Section 6 hereof. At any other
time, payment of the interest on each Bond shall be made by check mailed on the date such interest
is payable or, if such date is not a Business Day, then the next succeeding Business Day to the
address of such Registered Owner as it appears on said registration books for such series of the
Bonds (with respect to each series, the “Bond Register”).
“Business Day” means a day other than a Saturday, Sunday or day on which the Bond
Registrar and Paying Agent is authorized or obligated by law or required by executive order to
remain closed.
The interest on any Bond which is payable, but is not punctually paid or duly provided for,
on the appropriate Interest Payment Date shall forthwith cease to be payable to the Registered
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Owner thereof by virtue of having been such Registered Owner on the relevant Record Date; and
such interest shall be paid by the Bond Registrar and Paying Agent to the person in whose name
the Bond (or its predecessor Bond) is registered at the close of business on a date to be fixed by
the Bond Registrar and Paying Agent for the payment of such interest, notice thereof being given
by first class mail (postage prepaid) to said person not fewer than 30 days prior to such record date,
at the address of such person appearing on the applicable Bond Register, or may be paid at any
time in any other lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements of any securities exchange
on which the Bonds may be listed and upon such notice as may be required by such exchange.
Section 5. Each series of the Bonds shall be issued as fully registered bonds registered on
the applicable Bond Register kept for that purpose by the Bond Registrar and Paying Agent, and
shall be registered and transferred in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in such
series of the Bonds. Each series of the Bonds shall be initially issued in the form of separate,
single, authenticated, fully registered Bonds in the amount of each separate maturity of such series
of the Bonds.
Section 6. The provisions of this Section 6 shall apply to each series of the Bonds so long
as such series of the Bonds shall be maintained in Book-Entry Form with a Depository (as
hereinafter defined), any other provisions of this Resolution to the contrary notwithstanding.
A system for registration of each series of the Bonds in Book-Entry Form with a
Depository, which shall initially be The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”), shall be in effect on
the date of the issuance and delivery of the Bonds.
(a) Upon initial issuance and delivery, one fully registered bond for the original
aggregate principal amount of each maturity of each series of the Bonds will be registered in the
name of Cede & Co., as nominee for DTC, and immobilized in the custody of DTC or held by the
Bond Registrar and Paying Agent on DTC’s behalf through DTC’s “FAST” system.
(b) Transfer of ownership interests in a series of the Bonds will be accomplished by
book entries made by the Depository and, in turn, by the direct or indirect participants (the
“Participants”) who act on behalf of the ultimate purchasers of such series of the Bonds (the
“Beneficial Owners”). The Beneficial Owners will not receive certificates representing their
ownership in such series of the Bonds, except as hereafter provided.
(c) The principal or redemption price (if any) of and interest on a series of the Bonds
shall be payable to the Depository, or registered assigns, as the registered owner of such series of
the Bonds, in same day funds on each date on which the principal or redemption price (if any) of
or interest on such series of the Bonds is due as provided for in this Resolution and in such series
of the Bonds or as otherwise required by the Depository. Such payments shall be made to the
offices of the Depository specified by the Depository to the Bond Registrar and Paying Agent in
writing. Without notice to or the consent of the holders of a series of the Bonds, the County, the
Bond Registrar and Paying Agent and the Depository may agree in writing to make payments of
principal and interest on such series of the Bonds in a manner different from that set out herein; no
such written agreement shall be required if a change is provided for in the Depository’s operational
arrangements. Neither the County nor the Bond Registrar and Paying Agent shall have any
11
obligation with respect to the transfer or crediting of the appropriate principal and interest
payments to the Participants or the Beneficial Owners or their nominees.
(d) The County may replace any Depository as the securities depository for a series of
the Bonds with another Depository or discontinue the maintenance of a series of the Bonds with
any Depository if (i) the County, in its sole discretion, determines that any (A) such Depository is
incapable of discharging its duties with respect to such series of the Bonds, or (B) the interests of
the Beneficial Owners of such series of the Bonds might be adversely affected by the continuation
of the Book-Entry System (as hereinafter defined) with such Depository as the securities
depository for such series of the Bonds, or (ii) such Depository determines not to continue to act
as a securities depository for such series of the Bonds or is no longer permitted to act as such
securities depository. Notice of any determination pursuant to clause (i) shall be given to such
Depository at least 30 days prior to any such discontinuance (or such fewer number of days as
shall be acceptable to such Depository). Neither the County nor the Bond Registrar and Paying
Agent will have any obligation to make any investigation to determine the occurrence of any events
that would permit the County to make any determination described in this paragraph.
(e) If, following a determination or event specified in subsection (d) above, the County
discontinues the maintenance of a series of the Bonds in Book-Entry Form, the County will issue
replacement bonds (the “Replacement Bonds”) directly to the applicable Participants as shown on
the records of the Depository or, to the extent requested by any Participant, to the Beneficial
Owners of such series of the Bonds as further described in this Section. The Bond Registrar and
Paying Agent shall make provisions to notify the applicable Participants and the applicable
Beneficial Owners by mailing an appropriate notice to the Depository, or by other means deemed
appropriate by the Bond Registrar and Paying Agent in its discretion, that the County will issue
Replacement Bonds directly to the Participants shown on the records of the Depository or, to the
extent requested by any Participant, to Beneficial Owners of such series of the Bonds shown on
the records of such Participant, as of a date set forth in such notice, which shall be a date at least
10 days after receipt of such notice by the Depository (or such fewer number of days as shall be
acceptable to the Depository).
In the event that Replacement Bonds are to be issued to the Participants or to the Beneficial
Owners with respect to a series of the Bonds, the Bond Registrar and Paying Agent shall promptly
have prepared Replacement Bonds registered in the names of such Participants as shown on the
records of the Depository or, if requested by such Participants, in the names of the Beneficial
Owners of such series of the Bonds, as shown on the records of such Participants as of the date set
forth in the notice delivered in accordance with the immediately preceding paragraph.
Replacement Bonds issued to Participants or to Beneficial Owners shall be in the authorized
denominations, be payable as to principal and interest on the same dates as the applicable series of
the Bonds, with interest being payable by check or draft mailed to each registered owner at the
address of such owner as it appears on the applicable Bond Register and principal being payable
upon presentation to the Bond Registrar and Paying Agent, and be in fully registered form.
Replacement Bonds issued to a Depository shall have the same terms, form and content as
the series of the Bonds initially registered in the name of the Depository to be replaced or its
nominee except for the name of the record owner.
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(f) The Depository and its Participants and the Beneficial Owners, by their acceptance
of each series of the Bonds, agree that neither the County nor the Bond Registrar and Paying Agent
shall have any liability for the failure of the Depository to perform its obligations to the Participants
and the Beneficial Owners, nor shall the County or the Bond Registrar and Paying Agent be liable
for the failure of any Participant or other nominee of the Beneficial Owners to perform any
obligation to the Beneficial Owners of such series of the Bonds.
For purposes of this Section 6, the following words have the following meanings:
“Book-Entry Form” or “Book-Entry System” means a form or system, as applicable, under
which (i) the ownership of beneficial interests in a series of the Bonds may be transferred only
through a book-entry and (ii) physical bond certificates for such series of the Bonds in fully
registered form are registered only in the name of a Depository or its nominee as holder, with the
physical bond certificates “immobilized” in the custody of the Depository or in the custody of the
Bond Registrar and Paying Agent on behalf of the Depository.
“Depository” means any securities depository that is a “clearing corporation” within the
meaning of the New York Uniform Commercial Code and a “clearing agency” registered pursuant
to the provisions of Section 17A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, operating
and maintaining, with its participants or otherwise, a Book-Entry System to record ownership of
beneficial interests in municipal bonds, and to effect transfers of municipal bonds, in Book-Entry
Form, and includes and means initially The Depository Trust Company.
Section 7. (a) The Public Improvement Bonds that mature on or before July 1, 2030 are
not subject to redemption at the option of the County prior to their maturities. The Public
Improvement Bonds maturing on and after July 1, 2031 shall be redeemable at the option of the
County, in whole or in part, on any date on or after July 1, 2030, in any order directed by the
County, at a redemption price of the principal amount of the Public Improvement Bonds (or
portions thereof) to be redeemed, plus accrued interest on the principal amount being redeemed to
the date fixed for redemption, without premium or penalty. The particular maturities or portions
of maturities of the Public Improvement Bonds to be so redeemed shall be determined in the sole
discretion of the County.
The Refunding Bonds are not subject to redemption prior to their stated maturities at the
option of the County.
(b) Additional provisions relating to the optional redemption of the Public
Improvement Bonds and the mandatory sinking fund redemption of either series of the Bonds (if
applicable) are provided for in the form of Bond set forth in Section 9 hereof.
(c) Notwithstanding any provisions contained herein, during any period in which a
series of the Bonds is maintained pursuant to a Book-Entry System, any redemption of the Bonds
of such series shall occur in accordance with the Depository’s standard procedures for redemption
of obligations such as the applicable series of the Bonds.
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The provisions of this Section 7 are also subject to the provisions of Section 12 hereof.
Section 8. Each series of the Bonds, when issued, shall be executed in the name of the
County by the manual or facsimile signature of the President or the Vice President of the Board
and the seal of, or a facsimile of the seal of, the County shall be imprinted thereon, and the Bonds
shall be attested by the manual or facsimile signature of the County Clerk and authenticated by the
manual signature of the Bond Registrar and Paying Agent.
In the event any official of the County whose signature shall appear on any Bond described
in this Resolution shall cease to be such official prior to the delivery of said Bond, his/her signature
shall nevertheless be valid, sufficient and binding for the purposes herein intended.
There shall be printed on or attached to each of the Bonds the text of or a copy of the
applicable approving legal opinion of Bond Counsel with respect to such series of the Bonds. Such
printed text or opinion copy shall be certified by the manual or facsimile signature of the President
or the Vice President of the Board to be a true and complete copy of such text or opinion as
delivered to the County on the date of delivery of the applicable series of the Bonds to the original
purchasers thereof.
Section 9. Each series of the Bonds shall be in substantially the following form, which
form together with all of the terms, covenants and conditions therein contained, is hereby adopted
by the County as and for the respective forms of obligation to be incurred by it, and said terms,
covenants and conditions are hereby made binding upon the County, including the promise to pay
therein contained, in accordance with said form:
[CONTINUED ON FOLLOWING PAGE]
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(Form of Face of Bond)
Note: Bracketed language is intended to reflect that such provisions apply only to one series of
the Bonds or only in certain circumstances, and such language shall be deleted from or included
in the final form of Bonds for the series of Bonds to which it is inapplicable or applicable, as
appropriate.
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
STATE OF MARYLAND
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
[PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT BOND OF 2020]
[REFUNDING BOND OF 2020]
No. R-___ $______________________
Annual Interest Rate Maturity Date Bond Date CUSIP Number
July 1, ____ ______, 2020 ______________
Registered Owner: Cede & Co.
Principal Amount: Dollars
County Commissioners of Washington County, a body politic and corporate organized and
existing under the Constitution and laws of the State of Maryland (the “County”), hereby
acknowledges itself indebted for value received and, upon surrender hereof, promises to pay to the
Registered Owner shown above, or his registered assigns, on the Maturity Date shown above,
[unless, to the extent applicable, this bond shall have been called for prior redemption and payment
of the redemption price made or provided for,] the Principal Amount shown above, and to pay
interest on the outstanding principal amount hereof from the later of the Bond Date shown above
and the most recent Interest Payment Date (as hereinafter defined) to which interest has been paid
or provided for; provided, however, if this bond is authenticated after a Record Date (as hereinafter
defined) for any Interest Payment Date and before such Interest Payment Date, it shall bear interest
from such Interest Payment Date.
Interest on this bond shall be paid at the Annual Interest Rate shown above, payable on
January 1, 2021 and semiannually thereafter on July 1 and January 1 in each year (the “Interest
Payment Dates”) until payment of such Principal Amount shall be discharged as provided in the
Resolution (as hereinafter defined). Such interest shall be paid to the person in whose name this
bond is registered on the registration books for the series of bonds of which this bond is one (the
“Bond Register”) maintained by the Bond Registrar and Paying Agent (as hereinafter defined) at
15
the close of business on the 15th calendar day of the month next preceding each Interest Payment
Date (the “Record Date”). Interest shall be calculated on a 30-day month/360-day year basis.
Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, interest on this bond which is payable, but is not
punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date shall forthwith cease to be
payable to the Registered Owner by virtue of having been such Registered Owner on the relevant
Record Date and such interest shall be paid by the Bond Registrar and Paying Agent to the person
in whose name this bond (or its predecessor bond) is registered at the close of business on a date
fixed by the Bond Registrar and Paying Agent for the payment of such interest, notice thereof
being given by first class mail, postage prepaid, to said person not fewer than 30 days prior to such
Record Date, at the address of such person appearing on the Bond Register, or may be paid at any
time in any other lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements of any securities exchange
on which this bond may be listed and upon such notice as may be required by such exchange.
Principal [or redemption price] of and interest on this bond are payable in such money of
the United States of America as is lawful at the time of payment. If a principal payment date or
interest payment date falls on a Saturday, Sunday or a day on which the Bond Registrar and Paying
Agent is authorized or obligated by law or required by executive order to remain closed, payment
may be made on the next succeeding day that is not a Saturday, Sunday or a day on which the
Bond Registrar and Paying Agent is authorized or obligated by law or required by executive order
to remain closed, and no interest shall accrue on the scheduled amount due for the intervening
period.
This bond is one of an issue of bonds limited in original aggregate principal amount to
$_____________, all dated the date of delivery and all known as “County Commissioners of
Washington County [Public Improvement][Refunding] Bonds of 2020” (the “Bonds”). The Bonds
are issued as registered bonds, without coupons, in the denominations of $5,000 or any integral
multiple thereof. The Bonds are numbered consecutively from No. 1 upward and mature on July
1 in the years and in the amounts and bear interest at the annual rates, all as set forth below:
Maturing
Principal
Interest
Maturing
Principal
Interest
[AMORTIZATION SCHEDULE FOR THE APPLICABLE SERIES OF THE BONDS
TO BE COMPLETED]
16
[Include the following for each maturity constituting a term bond only to extent the
successful bidder for the applicable series of the Bonds designates term bonds--The Bonds
maturing on July 1, 20__ are subject to mandatory sinking fund redemption at a redemption price
equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof, together with interest accrued to the date fixed for
redemption, on the dates and in the principal amounts set forth below:
Mandatory Sinking
Redemption Date Fund Installment]
[For the Public Improvement Bonds: The Bonds that mature on or before July 1, 2030 are
not subject to redemption at the option of the County prior to their respective maturities. The
Bonds maturing on and after July 1, 2031 shall be subject to redemption prior to their respective
maturities, at the option of the County, in whole or in part on any date on or after July 1, 2030, in
such order as shall be determined by the County, at a redemption price of the principal amount of
the Bonds (or portions thereof) to be redeemed, plus accrued interest on the principal amount being
redeemed to the date fixed for redemption, without premium or penalty.]
[For the Refunding Bonds: The Bonds are not subject to redemption prior to their stated
maturities at the option of the County.]
[Delete for Refunding Bonds if no term Refunding Bonds: If fewer than all of the Bonds of
any one maturity shall be called for redemption, then the particular Bonds of such maturity to be
redeemed in whole or in part shall be selected by such means and in such manner as the Bond
Registrar and Paying Agent, in its sole discretion, shall determine. Each $5,000 principal amount
of any Bond shall be considered a separate Bond for the purposes of selection of Bonds for
redemption.
If all or a portion of the Bonds outstanding are to be redeemed, the County shall give or
cause to be given notice of such redemption by first class mail, postage prepaid, at least 30 days
prior to the date fixed for redemption to each registered owner of a Bond to be redeemed in whole
or in part at the address of such registered owner appearing on the Bond Register. The failure to
mail the redemption notice or any defect in the notice so mailed shall not affect the validity of the
redemption proceedings. The County may, but shall not be obligated to, publish such notice of
redemption at least once not fewer than 30 days prior to the date fixed for redemption in a
newspaper circulating in the City of Baltimore, Maryland and also in a financial journal or daily
newspaper of general circulation published in the City of New York, New York. The redemption
notice shall state (i) whether the Bonds are to be redeemed in whole or in part and, if in part, the
maturities, numbers and CUSIP numbers of the Bonds to be redeemed, (ii) in the case of a partial
redemption of any Bond, the portion of the principal amount which is to be redeemed, (iii) that
interest shall cease to accrue on the Bonds (or portions thereof) called for redemption on the date
fixed for redemption, (iv) the date fixed for redemption and the redemption price, (v) the address
of the Bond Registrar and Paying Agent with a contact person and phone number, and (vi) that the
Bonds to be redeemed in whole or in part shall be presented for redemption and payment on or
after the date fixed for redemption at the designated corporate trust office of the Bond Registrar
17
and Paying Agent. Any such notice may be conditioned upon receipt by the Bond Registrar and
Paying Agent of sufficient funds to effect such redemption.
From and after the date fixed for redemption, if monies sufficient for the payment of the
redemption price of the Bonds (or portions thereof) called for redemption plus accrued interest due
thereon to the date fixed for redemption are held by the Bond Registrar and Paying Agent on such
date, the Bonds (or portions thereof) so called for redemption shall become due and payable at the
redemption price provided for redemption of such Bonds (or portions thereof) on such date, interest
on such Bonds (or portions thereof) shall cease to accrue and the registered owners of such Bonds
so called for redemption in whole or in part shall have no rights in respect thereof except to receive
payment for the redemption price thereof plus accrued interest thereon to the date fixed for
redemption from such monies held by the Bond Registrar and Paying Agent. Upon presentation
and surrender of a Bond called for redemption in whole or in part in compliance with the
redemption notice, the Bond Registrar and Paying Agent shall pay the appropriate redemption
price of such Bond plus accrued interest thereon to the date fixed for redemption. If Bonds (or
portions thereof) so called for redemption are not paid upon presentation and surrender as
described above, such Bonds shall continue to bear interest at the rates stated therein until paid.
In case part but not all of a Bond shall be selected for redemption, then, upon the surrender
thereof, there shall be issued without charge to the registered owner thereof Bonds in any of the
authorized denominations as specified by the registered owner. The aggregate principal amount of
Bonds so issued shall be equal to the unredeemed balance of the principal amount of the Bond
surrendered, and the Bonds issued shall bear the same interest rate and shall mature on the same
date as the Bond surrendered.]
[TO BE USED FOR BONDS IN BOOK-ENTRY FORM ONLY THAT ARE SUBJECT TO
REDEMPTION--So long as all of the Bonds shall be maintained in book-entry form with a
Depository (as defined in the Resolution) in accordance with Section 6 of the Resolution, in the
event that part, but not all, of this bond shall be called for redemption, the holder of this bond may
elect not to surrender this bond in exchange for a new Bond and in such event shall make a notation
indicating the principal amount of such redemption and the date thereof on the Payment Grid
attached hereto. For all purposes, the principal amount of this bond outstanding at any time shall
be equal to the lesser of (A) the Principal Amount shown on the face hereof and (B) such Principal
Amount reduced by the principal amount of any partial redemption of this bond following which
the holder of this bond has elected not to surrender this bond. The failure of the holder hereof to
note the principal amount of any partial redemption on the Payment Grid attached hereto, or any
inaccuracy therein, shall not affect the payment obligation of the County hereunder.
THEREFORE, IT CANNOT BE DETERMINED FROM THE FACE OF THIS BOND
WHETHER A PART OF THE PRINCIPAL OF THIS BOND HAS BEEN PAID.]
[Unless this bond is presented by an authorized representative of The Depository Trust
Company, a limited-purpose trust company organized under the New York Banking Law (“DTC”),
to the County or its agent for registration of transfer, exchange, or payment, and any bond issued
is registered in the name of Cede & Co. or in such other name as is requested by an authorized
representative of DTC (and any payment is made to Cede & Co. or to such other entity as is
requested by an authorized representative of DTC), ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE, OR OTHER
18
USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL
inasmuch as the registered owner hereof, Cede & Co., has an interest herein.]
The Bonds are issued pursuant to the authority of [for the Public Improvement Bonds:
Chapter 99 of the Laws of Maryland of 2018 and Title 6 of the Code of Public Local Laws of
Washington County (2019 Edition)][for the Refunding Bonds: Chapter 392 of the Laws of
Maryland of 2007, Title 6 of the Code of Public Local Laws of Washington County (2007), and
Section 19-207 of the Local Government Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland], each as
amended to date (collectively, the “Act”), and in accordance with Resolution No. RS-2020-__ of
the Board of County Commissioners of the County adopted on _____________, 2020 (the
“Resolution”).
The Bonds will be transferable only upon the Bond Register by the Bond Registrar and
Paying Agent. Any Bond presented for transfer, exchange, registration, redemption or payment
(if so required by the Bond Registrar and Paying Agent) shall be accompanied by a written
instrument or instruments of transfer or authorization for exchange, in form and with guaranty of
signature satisfactory to the Bond Registrar and Paying Agent, duly executed by the registered
owner thereof or by his duly authorized attorney. Upon any transfer or exchange, the County shall
execute and the Bond Registrar and Paying Agent shall authenticate and deliver in the name of the
registered owner or the transferee or transferees, as the case may be, a new registered Bond or
Bonds of the same series, in any of the authorized denominations in an aggregate principal amount
equal to the principal amount of the Bond exchanged or transferred and maturing on the same date
and bearing interest at the same rate. In each case, the County and the Bond Registrar and Paying
Agent may require payment by the registered owner requesting the exchange or transfer of any
tax, fee or other governmental charge, shipping charges and insurance that may be required to be
paid with respect thereto, but otherwise no charge shall be made to the registered owner for the
exchange or transfer.
[The Bond Registrar and Paying Agent shall not be required to transfer or exchange any
Bond after the mailing of notice calling such Bond or portion thereof for redemption; provided,
however, that this limitation shall not apply to any portion of a Bond which is not being called for
redemption.]
It is hereby certified and recited that each and every act, condition and thing required to
exist, to be done, to have happened and to be performed precedent to and in the issuance of this
bond, does exist, has been done, has happened and has been performed in full and strict compliance
with the Constitution and laws of the State of Maryland and the Resolution authorizing the issuance
of the issue of bonds, of which this bond is one, and that said issue of bonds, together with all other
indebtedness of the County, is within every debt and other limit prescribed by the Constitution and
laws of said State. This bond is an obligation of the County, payable as provided in the Resolution,
and the full faith and credit and unlimited taxing power of County Commissioners of Washington
County are hereby irrevocably pledged to the payment of the principal of this bond and of the
interest to accrue hereon at the dates and in the manner mentioned herein.
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This bond shall not be valid or become obligatory for any purpose or be entitled to any
benefit or security under the Resolution until the Certificate of Authentication endorsed hereon
shall have been signed by an authorized signatory of the Bond Registrar and Paying Agent.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the County has caused this bond to be executed in its name by
the [Vice] President of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County and attested
by the County Clerk, and has also caused its corporate seal to be affixed or imprinted hereon.
(SEAL)
ATTEST: COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF
WASHINGTON COUNTY
By:____________________ By:______________________________________
County Clerk [Vice] President, Board of
County Commissioners of Washington County
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CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION
Date of Authentication:
This bond is one of the registered bonds of County Commissioners of Washington County
designated “County Commissioners of Washington County [Public Improvement Bonds of
2020][Refunding Bonds of 2020]”.
MANUFACTURERS AND TRADERS TRUST COMPANY,
as Bond Registrar and Paying Agent
By: ____________________________________________
Authorized Signatory
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PAYMENT GRID
Date of Principal Principal Holder
Payment Amount Paid Amount Outstanding Signature
__________ ____________ _________________ ______________
__________ ____________ _________________ ______________
__________ ____________ _________________ ______________
__________ ____________ _________________ ______________
__________ ____________ _________________ ______________
__________ ____________ _________________ ______________
__________ ____________ _________________ ______________
__________ ____________ _________________ ______________
__________ ____________ _________________ ______________
__________ ____________ _________________ ______________
__________ ____________ _________________ ______________
__________ ____________ _________________ ______________
__________ ____________ _________________ ______________
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ASSIGNMENT
FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned hereby sells, assigns and transfers unto
_________________ (Tax Identification or Social Security No.______________) the within bond
and all rights thereunder, and does hereby constitute and appoint _______________ attorney to
transfer the within bonds on the books kept for the registration thereof, with full power of
substitution in the premises.
Dated:
Signature Guaranteed:
___________________________ ____________________________
NOTICE: Signatures must be (Signature of Registered Owner)
guaranteed by a member firm of NOTICE: Signature must correspond
the New York Stock Exchange or with the name of the Registered
a commercial bank or trust Owner of the within bond as it
company appears on the face of the within
bond in every particular, without
alteration or enlargement or any
change whatever
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IT IS HEREBY CERTIFIED that the following is a true and correct copy of [the text of]
the complete legal opinion of Funk & Bolton, P.A., Baltimore, Maryland, with respect to the issue
of bonds of which this bond is one, that the original of said opinion was manually executed, dated
and issued as of the date of delivery of, and payment for, said issue of bonds by the original
purchaser thereof, and that an executed copy thereof is on file with the Bond Registrar and Paying
Agent.
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF
WASHINGTON COUNTY
By: _________________________________________
[Vice] President, Board of
County Commissioners of Washington County
(Insert or Attach Text of or Copy of Opinion of Bond Counsel)
(End of Form of Bond)
[CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE]
Section 10. The President or the Vice President of the Board shall be and is hereby
authorized to make such changes in the form of bond set forth in Section 9 hereof as the President
or the Vice President shall deem necessary to carry into effect the provisions of this Resolution,
including, without limitation, to include or remove bracketed provisions set forth in the form of
Bond provided for in Section 9 hereof, to reflect matters determined in accordance with Sections
1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 12 or 13 hereof, or to comply with recommendations of bond counsel to the County;
provided, however, that the President or the Vice President shall make no change materially
affecting the substance of such form unless such change is determined by the Chief Financial
Officer, with the advice of the financial advisor to the County, to be in the best interest of the
County.
The execution of the Bonds of each series by such officer shall be conclusive evidence of
the approval by the County of all changes in the form of such series of the Bonds and of the due
execution of such series of the Bonds by the County.
Section 11. No Bond shall be valid or obligatory for the purpose or entitled to any security
or benefit under this Resolution unless and until a certificate of authentication of such Bond
substantially in the form hereinabove provided shall have been duly executed by the Bond
Registrar and Paying Agent and such executed certificate of the Bond Registrar and Paying Agent
on such Bond shall be conclusive evidence that such Bond has been authenticated and delivered
under this Resolution. The Bond Registrar and Paying Agent’s certificate of authentication on any
Bond shall be deemed to have been executed by it if signed by an authorized officer or signatory
of the Bond Registrar and Paying Agent. It shall not be necessary that the same officer or signatory
of the Bond Registrar and Paying Agent sign the certificate of authentication on all the Bonds
issued hereunder.
Section 12. Each series of the Bonds shall be sold at public sale by electronic bids only to
the bidder therefor for cash whose bid results in the lowest true interest cost to the County in the
manner and in accordance with the formula set forth in the form of Notice of Sale attached as
Appendix C to the Preliminary Official Statement identified in Section 24 hereof and made a part
hereof (the “Notice of Sale”), as such Notice of Sale may be modified as provided in this
Resolution and therein. Electronic bids for the Bonds shall be received by the Chief Financial
Officer on June 9, 2020, subject to the further provisions of this Section 12. The Chief Financial
Officer shall be and is hereby authorized to make such changes in the form of Notice of Sale set
forth in the form of the Preliminary Official Statement provided to the Board with this Resolution
as the Chief Financial Officer shall deem necessary to carry into effect the purposes of this
Resolution (including, without limitation, to reflect matters determined in accordance with
Sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 7 hereof or this Section 12) or to comply with recommendations of bond counsel
to the County, or, with the advice of the financial advisor to the County, to be in the best interest
of the County, including, without limitation, modifying or limiting the manner in which the issue
price of the Bonds will be determined, modifying or limiting the premium payable by a bidder for
a series of the Bonds, modifying the manner of adjusting the amortization schedule for either series
of the Bonds pre- or post-sale, modifying or eliminating the maximum interest rate for either series
of the Bonds, modifying or eliminating the maximum spread between the lowest and highest
interest rates bid with respect to a series of the Bonds by a bidder, or modifying the amount of or
method of delivery for the good faith deposit for either series of the Bonds. The Chief Financial
Officer, upon the advice of the financial advisor to the County, is authorized to adjust the original
aggregate principal amounts of each series of the Bonds and the maturities thereof in the manner
and in accordance with Sections 1, 2, 3 or 4 hereof and this Section 12 and the Notice of Sale. The
form of the Notice of Sale as contained in the final Preliminary Official Statement, as the same
may be modified in accordance with the provisions thereof, shall constitute the official Notice of
Sale.
Notwithstanding any other provision hereof, the Chief Financial Officer shall be and
hereby is authorized to accept electronic bids for each series of the Bonds, and to make such
adjustments to the official Notice of Sale in the manner provided for herein or therein as she shall
deem necessary or advisable, upon the advice of bond counsel to the County or the financial
advisor to the County, including to accomplish electronic bidding procedures, to change the bid
specifications for either series of the Bonds or to comply with applicable regulations, notices and
other official guidance.
In view of the desirability of flexibility in the scheduling of the sale of the Bonds to take
full advantage of shifts in market conditions to maximize debt service savings with respect to the
Refunding Bonds or to account for unstable market conditions, the County determines that it is in
the best interest of the County to authorize and empower the Chief Financial Officer to change the
time of or cancel said sale at any time prior to June 9, 2020, and to reschedule said sale without
publishing a new Notice of Sale or advertisement, if (i) the financial advisor to the County has
advised her that market conditions are such that it is in the best interest of the County to do so, and
(ii) she concurs in such recommendation to cancel and/or reschedule the sale. The Chief Financial
Officer may cancel and reschedule any rescheduled sale in accordance with phrases (i) and (ii) of
the preceding sentence. If the date of sale is rescheduled as provided above, the Chief Financial
Officer may also postpone the expected date of delivery of the Bonds. If the sale is postponed to
a date later than June 30, 2020, then the Chief Financial Officer may also change the dated date of
the Bonds (and hence the date from which interest shall accrue), the dates of the semi-annual
interest payments and annual principal payments, the optional redemption dates, and the
mandatory sinking fund redemption dates, if any, accordingly.
The Notice of Sale authorized by this Resolution shall be substantially in the form set forth
in Appendix C to the Preliminary Official Statement, and the terms, provisions and conditions set
forth in the final form of the Notice of Sale provided for herein, as the same may be modified, are
hereby adopted and approved as the terms, provisions and conditions under which the Bonds shall
be sold, issued and delivered at public sale. Said Notice of Sale, or an advertisement in
substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit B, shall be published at least once, at least ten
days preceding said date of sale, in one or more daily or weekly newspapers having a general
circulation in Washington County and may also be published in one or more journals having a
circulation primarily among banks and investment bankers. The Chief Financial Officer, on behalf
of the County, is hereby authorized to make any changes to such advertisement before publication
to reflect matters determined in accordance with Sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, or 12 of this Resolution
before such publication, if applicable. In addition, the Chief Financial Officer is hereby authorized
to cause to be prepared and distributed or made available to prospective bidders printed or printable
copies of said Notice of Sale, as well as the Preliminary Official Statement hereinafter authorized.
The Chief Financial Officer or her designee is hereby authorized and directed to handle all
inquiries in connection with the sale authorized hereby and the Official Statement hereafter
referred to and is further authorized to reschedule any postponed sale with or without the
republication of the Notice of Sale or advertisement.
Section 13. Promptly after the sale of the Bonds, and in accordance with the terms and
conditions of the sale of each series of the Bonds as set forth in the official Notice of Sale, the
Chief Financial Officer, on behalf of the County, with the advice of the financial advisor to the
County and bond counsel to the County, is hereby authorized and delegated the authority to deliver
one or more orders determining the final original aggregate principal amount of each series of the
Bonds (including making any authorized adjustments to the final original aggregate principal
amount of each maturity and the amortization schedule therefor following receipt of bids in
accordance with the provisions of the Notice of Sale), fixing the interest rate or rates payable on
each series of the Bonds (within the limitations set forth in or provided for in this Resolution),
unless the Chief Financial Officer determines to reject all bids for a series of the Bonds (any such
rejection also to be made by order of the Chief Financial Officer), and/or determining the Refunded
Bonds, as applicable. The execution and delivery by the Chief Financial Officer of any such order
or orders shall constitute conclusive evidence of the award or rejection of bids for a series of the
Bonds. Any such order shall be retained in the records of the County. In order to accommodate
market practice, the Chief Financial Officer may indicate any preliminary or final award, or any
rejection of all bids, with respect to a series of the Bonds on or through the electronic bidding
platform on which bids were received and through any other communication mechanism
recommended by the financial advisor to the County. Subsequently, unless all bids for a series of
the Bonds are so rejected by the Chief Financial Officer, each series of the Bonds shall thereupon
be suitably printed or engraved and delivered to the successful bidder therefor in accordance with
the conditions of delivery set forth in the official Notice of Sale.
In the event all bids for a series of the Bonds are rejected as provided in this Section 13, all
references to such series of the Bonds contained in this Resolution shall be deemed to be
inapplicable.
Section 14. (a) The portion of the proceeds of the Refunding Bonds issued to
provide funds to currently refund any of the Refunded Bonds that constitute 2010B Bonds shall be
paid to and held by Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company, the paying agent and bond registrar
for the 2010B Bonds, as escrow deposit agent, as further described in this Section 14.
(b) The Chief Financial Officer, with the advice of the financial advisor to the County
and bond counsel to the County, is hereby authorized to negotiate an escrow deposit agreement
with Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company, as escrow deposit agent, and that portion of the
proceeds of the Refunding Bonds to be applied to currently refunding the Refunded Bonds as
described in the subsection (a) of this Section 14 shall be deposited with such escrow deposit agent,
invested in accordance with the provisions of this Section 14 and the further provisions of this
Resolution, and applied to the payment and redemption of the Refunded Bonds in accordance with
Section 16 hereof. The President or the Vice President of the Board is each hereby authorized and
directed to approve, execute and deliver any such escrow deposit agreement on behalf of the
County.
(c) In connection with the issuance of the Refunding Bonds, the Chief Financial
Officer, or her designee, is hereby authorized to provide for the bidding for and/or file on behalf
of the County, as applicable, any necessary investment agreements or any necessary subscriptions
and any amendments thereto to purchase United States Treasury Obligations – State and Local
Government Series, and/or any direct obligations of, or obligations the principal of and interest on
which are unconditionally guaranteed by, the United States of America (the “Defeasance
Obligations”) in such amounts and maturing at such times so that sufficient moneys will be
available from such maturing principal and interest and any cash held uninvested to pay interest
on the Refunded Bonds to their redemption date and to redeem the Refunded Bonds on their
redemption date as further described in this Resolution, and to take any other action or to execute
any further instrument on behalf of the County necessary to purchase such obligations. Any such
obligations, and any cash to be held uninvested in escrow, shall be deposited with the escrow
deposit agent provided for in this Section 14.
(d) The Chief Financial Officer, on behalf of the County, is hereby authorized and
empowered, following consultation with the financial advisor to the County and bond counsel to
the County, to select any party or entity to serve as a bidding agent with respect to any bidding
conducted for the selection of the Defeasance Obligations.
(e) To the extent any portion of the net original issue premium payable by the
successful bidder for the Refunding Bonds is to be applied to pay costs of issuance of the
Refunding Bonds, such portion shall be held by the County.
Section 15. Expenses relating to the issuance and sale of the Public Improvement Bonds,
including the cost of printing the Public Improvement Bonds and advertising their sale and the
legal and financial advisory fees of the County, may be paid from the net original issue premium
constituting a portion of the sale proceeds received from the sale of the Public Improvement Bonds
or from any other funds available to the County. Expenses relating to the issuance and sale of the
Refunding Bonds, including the cost of printing the Refunding Bonds and advertising their sale
and the legal and financial advisory fees of the County, may be paid from the net original issue
premium constituting a portion of the sale proceeds received from the sale of the Refunding Bonds
or from any other funds available to the County. In the event the date of either series of the Bonds
is adjusted in accordance with Section 12 hereof to be a date other than the date of delivery of such
series, any accrued interest received on the sale of such series of the Bonds shall be applied to the
first interest payment on such series of the Bonds. Any net original issue premium received with
respect to either series of the Bonds may be applied in such manner as shall be determined by the
Chief Financial Officer, subject to applicable limits of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended (the “Code”), and applicable County law. After providing for payment of costs of
issuance from net original issue premium, if applicable, and making such provision relating to net
original issue premium and accrued interest thereon, as applicable, the balance of the proceeds of
the sale of the Public Improvement Bonds shall be deposited in separate accounts to be used as
described in Section 3 hereof for the purpose of financing the public facilities and projects as
described in Section 3 hereof and the proceeds of the Refunding Bonds, together with any other
funds provided by the County for such purpose, if any, shall be deposited and used as described in
Section 14 hereof for the purpose of paying as and when due the principal or redemption price of
and interest on the Refunded Bonds. Any proceeds of the Bonds not required for the purposes
stated in Section 3 hereof or for the refunding of the Refunded Bonds, as applicable, may be
applied in accordance with the provisions of the applicable Acts, or the extent not provided for
therein, as determined by the Chief Financial Officer, subject to applicable County law.
Pending expenditure as contemplated hereby, the Chief Financial Officer may invest all or
part of such balance of the proceeds of either series of the Bonds held by the County in such
manner as may be permitted by law; provided, however, that no such investment shall be made
which would cause the Bonds to be “arbitrage bonds” within the meaning of the Code and the
treasury regulations with respect thereto.
Section 16. Prior to the delivery of and payment for the Refunding Bonds, the County shall
have received a report of a verification consultant, nationally recognized in the field of the
refunding of tax-exempt obligations, verifying that the maturing principal amounts of the
obligations held in escrow as described in Section 14 hereof, together with investment earnings
thereon and any cash held uninvested, will be sufficient to redeem any Refunded Bonds on the
redemption date selected in accordance with Section 17 hereof at a redemption price of 100% of
the principal amount thereof, together with accrued interest thereon, and to pay interest on such
Refunded Bonds to such date fixed for redemption. The Chief Financial Officer is hereby
authorized and empowered, following consultation with the financial advisor to the County and
bond counsel to the County, to select the verification consultant (which is initially presumed to be
The Arbitrage Group, Inc. but may be any other qualified verification consultant selected in
accordance with the provisions of this Section 16).
Section 17. Conditional only upon the delivery of and payment for the Refunding Bonds,
the County hereby specifically and irrevocably elects to redeem the finally determined Refunded
Bonds on a date to be selected by the Chief Financial Officer, with the input of the financial advisor
to the County and bond counsel to the County, which date shall be no later than 45 days after the
date of issuance of the Refunding Bonds at the redemption price of 100% of the principal amount
thereof, and to pay interest when due on such Refunded Bonds to and including such date fixed
for redemption, and hereby directs the paying agent for the Refunded Bonds, not fewer than 30
days before the date fixed for redemption, to cause a notice of redemption substantially in the form
of Exhibit C hereto to be mailed, first class mail, postage prepaid, to all registered owners of the
Refunded Bonds at their addresses as they appear on the registration book provided for the
Refunded Bonds; provided that, failure to so mail such notice shall not affect the validity of the
proceedings for redemption. Assuming the date of issuance of the Refunding Bonds remains June
23, 2020, the anticipated date fixed for redemption of the Refunded Bonds is July 23, 2020, but
the Chief Financial Officer may select any other date for redemption of the Refunded Bonds
subject to, and in accordance with, the limitations provided for in, this Section 17. In addition, the
Chief Financial Officer is hereby authorized to cause a conditional notice of redemption of the
Refunded Bonds to be sent.
Section 18. (a) On the date of issuance of the Bonds, the President or the Vice
President of the Board, together with the Chief Financial Officer, shall be responsible for the
execution and delivery to counsel rendering an opinion on the validity of each series of the Bonds
of a certificate of the County which complies with the requirements of Section 103 and Sections
141 through 150, inclusive, of the Code and the applicable regulations thereunder. Such officials
are hereby authorized, on behalf of the County, to make in such certificate any elections,
determinations or designations authorized or required by the Code and the applicable regulations
thereunder.
(b) The County shall set forth in said certificate its reasonable expectations as to
relevant facts, estimates and circumstances relating to the use of the proceeds of the Bonds, or of
any moneys, securities or other obligations which may be deemed to be proceeds of the Bonds
pursuant to Section 148 of the Code or the said regulations (collectively, the “Bond Proceeds”).
The County covenants with each of the holders of any of the Bonds that the facts, estimates and
circumstances set forth in the said certificate will be based on the County’s reasonable expectations
on the date of issuance of the Bonds and will be, to the best of the knowledge of the persons
executing such certificate, true, correct and complete as of that date. The County shall also set
forth in such certificate any reduction in the par amount of the Public Improvement Bonds to be
applied to the categories of the projects set forth in Section 3 above due to adjustments in the final
par amount of the Public Improvement Bonds contemplated by this Resolution.
(c) The County covenants with each of the holders of any of the Bonds that it will not
use, or permit the use of any of, the Bond Proceeds or any other funds of the County, directly or
indirectly, to acquire any securities or obligations, and will not take or permit to be taken or fail to
take any other action or actions which would cause any of the Bonds to be an “arbitrage bond”
within the meaning of said Section 148 and said regulations or that would otherwise cause the
interest on the Bonds to be includable in gross income of the holders of the Bonds for federal
income tax purposes.
(d) The County further covenants that it will comply with said Section 148 and said
regulations and such other requirements of the Code which are applicable to the Bonds on the date
of issuance of the Bonds and which may subsequently lawfully be made applicable to the Bonds.
(e) The County will hold and shall invest Bond Proceeds within its control (if such
proceeds are invested) in accordance with the expectations of the County set forth in said
certificate.
(f) The County shall make timely payment of any rebate amount or payment in lieu
thereof (or installment thereof) required to be paid to the United States of America in order to
preserve the exclusion from gross income for purposes of federal income taxation of interest on
the Bonds and shall include with any such payment such other documents, certificates or
statements as shall be required to be included therewith under then applicable law and regulations.
(g) The President or the Vice President of the Board, together with the Chief Financial
Officer, may execute a certificate or certificates supplementing or amending said certificate, and
actions taken by the County subsequent to the execution of such certificate shall be in accordance
with said certificate as amended or supplemented; provided, however, that the County shall
execute any such certificate only upon receipt by it of an opinion of bond counsel to the County
addressed to the County to the effect that actions taken by the County in accordance with the
amending or supplementing certificate will not adversely affect the exclusion from gross income
for federal income taxation purposes of interest on the Bonds.
(h) The County shall retain such records as necessary to document the investment and
expenditure of Bond Proceeds, the uses of Bond Proceeds and of the facilities financed or
refinanced with such proceeds, together with such other records as may be required by the tax
certificate or the Internal Revenue Service in order to establish compliance with requirements of
the Code and the regulations thereunder as conditions to the exclusion of interest on the Bonds
from federal gross income taxation.
Section 19. For the purposes of paying the interest on and principal of the Bonds hereby
authorized as such interest and principal comes due, the County shall include in the levy against
all legally assessable property in Washington County, in each and every fiscal year of the County
that any of said Bonds are outstanding, ad valorem taxes sufficient to provide such sums as the
County may deem sufficient and necessary in conjunction with any other funds that will be
available for the purpose, to provide for the payment of the interest on the Bonds coming due in
each such year and to pay the principal of the Bonds maturing or otherwise coming due in each
such fiscal year. In the event the proceeds from taxes so levied in any such fiscal year shall prove
inadequate for such purposes, additional taxes shall be levied in the succeeding fiscal year to make
up such deficiency. The full faith and credit and unlimited taxing power of the County are hereby
irrevocably pledged to the punctual payment of the principal of and interest on the Bonds hereby
authorized as and when such principal and interest comes due and to the levy and collection of the
taxes hereinabove prescribed as and when such taxes may become necessary in order to provide
sufficient funds to meet the debt service requirements of said Bonds. The County hereby solemnly
covenants to take all lawful action as may be appropriate from time to time during the period that
any of said Bonds remain outstanding and unpaid to provide the funds necessary to make said
principal and interest payments. The County further covenants and agrees to levy and collect the
taxes hereinabove prescribed.
Subject to any applicable Code limitations, the County may apply to the payment of the
principal of and interest on any of the Bonds any funds received by it and available for such
purpose from the State of Maryland, the United States of America, any agency or instrumentality
thereof, or from any other source, including, without limitation, other sources provided for in the
applicable Acts, and, to the extent any such funds are received or receivable in any fiscal year, the
taxes that required to be levied hereunder may be reduced accordingly.
Each series of the Bonds shall be deemed to be paid and no longer to be outstanding when
payment of the principal of such series of the Bonds plus interest thereon to the due dates thereof
(whether such due date be by reason of maturity or upon redemption) either (i) shall have been
made or caused to have been made in accordance with the terms thereof, or (ii) shall have been
provided by irrevocably depositing in trust and irrevocably setting aside exclusively for such
payment, moneys sufficient to make such payment, or direct non-callable obligations of the United
States of America, maturing as to principal and interest in such amounts and at such times as will
assure the availability of sufficient moneys to make such payment, or a combination thereof,
and all necessary and proper fees, compensation and expenses pertaining to such series of the
Bonds with respect to which such deposit is made shall have been paid or the payment thereof
provided for.
Section 20. If any Bond shall become mutilated or be destroyed, lost or stolen, the County
in its discretion may execute, and upon its request the Bond Registrar and Paying Agent shall
authenticate and deliver, a new Bond of the same series in exchange for the mutilated Bond or in
lieu of and substitution for the Bond so destroyed, lost or stolen. In every case of exchange or
substitution, the applicant shall furnish to the County and to the Bond Registrar and Paying Agent
such security or indemnity as may be required by them to save each of them harmless from all
risks, however remote, and the applicant shall also furnish to the County and to the Bond Registrar
and Paying Agent evidence to their satisfaction of the mutilation, destruction, loss or theft of the
applicant’s Bond. Upon the issuance of any Bond upon such exchange or substitution, the County
may require the payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax, fee or other governmental charge
that may be imposed in relation thereto and any other expenses, including counsel fees, of the
County or the Bond Registrar and Paying Agent. If any Bond which has matured or is about to
mature shall become mutilated or be destroyed, lost or stolen, instead of issuing a Bond in
exchange or substitution therefor, the County may pay or authorize the payment of such Bond
(without surrender thereof except in the case of a mutilated Bond) if the applicant for such payment
shall furnish to the County and to the Bond Registrar and Paying Agent such security or indemnity
as they may require to save them harmless, and evidence to the satisfaction of the County and the
Bond Registrar and Paying Agent of the mutilation, destruction, loss or theft of such Bond.
Section 21. Each Bond paid at maturity or upon prior redemption shall be canceled or
destroyed by the Bond Registrar and Paying Agent and a certificate of destruction describing the
Bond so canceled or destroyed and evidencing such cancellation or destruction shall be furnished
by the Bond Registrar and Paying Agent to the County upon request.
Section 22. With respect to the Public Improvement Bonds, it is hereby determined that
the bonded indebtedness previously issued by the County pursuant to the authority of the 2018 Act
is a $514,278 principal portion of the County’s Public Improvement Bonds of 2019.
Section 23. Because the refinancing anticipated hereunder will be undertaken to effect
cost savings by replacing the Refunded Bonds with Refunding Bonds bearing lower overall interest
rates, it is the intent of the County that such Refunding Bonds be issued under the applicable Acts
and other authority referred to in the resolution authorizing the 2010B Bonds (exclusive of ARRA),
and that such Refunding Bonds, if issued, will constitute a reissuance of the indebtedness
authorized by such resolutions and shall not constitute additional indebtedness under such
authorizations or under any other authority.
Section 24. The County hereby approves the Preliminary Official Statement relating to
the Bonds (the “Preliminary Official Statement”) substantially in the form presented to the Board
with this Resolution. With the exception of such changes therein as may be required or deemed
appropriate by the President of the Board or the Chief Financial Officer (and with the advice of
bond counsel to the County or the financial advisor to the County to the extent applicable),
including to reflect the provisions of or to conform to the provisions of this Resolution, actual or
anticipated impacts on the County stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, certain changes
dictated by the terms of the official Notice of Sale, and certain information to be supplied by the
successful bidders for the Bonds, the Preliminary Official Statement is deemed final by the County
for the purpose of Rule 15c2-12 of the Securities and Exchange Commission. The County
authorizes the distribution of said Preliminary Official Statement in connection with its solicitation
of bids for the sale of the Bonds. The County hereby approves the Official Statement in the form
of the final Preliminary Official Statement with such changes therein as may be required or deemed
appropriate by the President of the Board or the Chief Financial Officer (and with the advice of
bond counsel to the County or the financial advisor to the County to the extent applicable),
including, without limitation, to reflect matters determined in accordance with this Resolution.
The execution of the Official Statement by the President of the Board shall be conclusive evidence
of the approval of the County of any and all such changes or modifications in said Official
Statement in connection with the issuance, sale and delivery of the Bonds. The Preliminary
Official Statement and the Official Statement shall each be disseminated in electronic and/or
printed form as determined by the Chief Financial Officer, on behalf of the County, with the advice
of the financial advisor to the County. The Preliminary Official Statement and/or the Official
Statement may be amended or supplemented in such form as determined by the President of the
Board or the Chief Financial Officer (and with the advice of bond counsel to the County or the
financial advisor to the County to the extent applicable), and any such amendment or supplement
may be disseminated in electronic and/or printed form as determined by the Chief Financial
Officer, on behalf of the County, with the advice of the financial advisor to the County.
Section 25. In order to assist any Participating Underwriter (as hereafter defined) for a
series of the Bonds in complying with Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 15c2-12(b)(5),
the County hereby covenants and agrees that it will comply with and carry out all of the provisions
of the Continuing Disclosure Agreement (as hereafter defined). Notwithstanding any other
provision of this Resolution, failure of the County to comply with the Continuing Disclosure
Agreement shall not be considered an event of default; however, subject to the Continuing
Disclosure Agreement, any bondholder may take such actions as may be necessary and
appropriate, including seeking mandate or specific performance by court order, to cause the
County to comply with its obligations under this Section.
“Continuing Disclosure Agreement” shall mean that certain Continuing Disclosure
Agreement with respect to the Bonds executed by the County and dated the date of issuance and
delivery of the Bonds, as originally executed and as it may be amended from time to time in
accordance with the terms thereof. The Continuing Disclosure Agreement shall be in
substantially the form set forth as Appendix D to the Preliminary Official Statement as evidenced
by its execution by the President or Vice President of the Board.
“Participating Underwriter” shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in Securities and
Exchange Commission Rule 15c2-12.
Section 26. (a) The President and Vice President of the Board, the Chief Financial
Officer, the County Clerk and such other officers, officials and employees of the County as the
President or the Vice President shall designate, are authorized hereby to do any and all things,
approve and execute all instruments, documents and certificates, and otherwise take all action
necessary, proper, or expedient in connection with the issuance, sale and delivery of the Bonds.
The President and the Vice President of the Board, the Chief Financial Officer, the County Clerk
and all other appropriate officers, officials and employees of the County are authorized and
directed hereby to do all acts and things required of them by the provisions hereof and of the Bonds
for the full, punctual, and complete performance of all of the terms, covenants, provisions and
agreements of this Resolution and the Bonds.
(b) References in this Resolution to any official by title shall be deemed to refer (i) to any
official authorized under the code of public local laws of the County, as replaced, supplemented or
amended (the “County Code”), or other applicable law or authority to act in such titled official’s stead
during the absence or disability of such titled official, (ii) to any person who has been elected,
appointed or designated to fill such position in an acting or interim capacity under the County Code
or other applicable law or authority, (iii) to any person who serves in a “deputy,” “associate” or
“assistant” capacity as such an official, provided that the applicable responsibilities, rights or duties
referred to herein have been delegated to such deputy, associate or assistant in accordance with the
County Code or other applicable law or authority, and/or (iv) to the extent an identified official
commonly uses another title not provided for in the County Code, the official, however known, who
is charged under the County Code or other applicable law or authority with the applicable
responsibilities, rights or duties referred to herein.
(c) Notwithstanding any references in this Resolution to manual signatures of County
officials or the Bond Registrar and Paying Agent, to the extent that applicable law, orders, regulations
or other authority allow for signatures to be made by facsimile, electronic or other means, whether
due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic or for other applicable reasons, the provisions of such
applicable law, orders, regulations or other authority allowing signatures to be made in a manner other
than manually shall be deemed to supersede the provisions of this Resolution.
Section 27. The provisions of this Resolution shall be liberally construed in order to
effectuate the transactions contemplated by this Resolution.
Section 28. This Resolution shall take effect from the date of its adoption.
Adopted this _______________ day of __________________, 2020.
(SEAL)
ATTEST: COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF
WASHINGTON COUNTY
__________________________ By:_____________________________
Krista L. Hart, County Clerk Jeffrey A. Cline, President
Board of County Commissioners
of Washington County
Approved as to form and legal sufficiency:
__________________________
Kirk C. Downey
County Attorney #216709;50052.041
A-1
EXHIBIT A
Refunded Bonds*
County Commissioners of Washington County
Public Improvement Bonds, Taxable Build America Bonds (Direct Payment) Series 2010B
The 2010B Bonds identified below are subject to optional redemption beginning on July
1, 2020, in whole or in part at any time at a redemption price of 100% of the principal amount
being redeemed plus accrued interest on such principal amount being redeemed to the date fixed
for redemption.
Maturing
July 1
Principal Amount
Interest Rate
CUSIP
2021 $ 930,000 4.450% 937751 R23
2022 965,000 4.550 937751 R31
2023 995,000 4.750 937751 R49
2024 1,030,000 4.850 937751 R56
2025 1,065,000 4.950 937751 R64
2026 1,105,000 5.050 937751 R72
2027 1,145,000 5.050 937751 R80
2028 1,185,000 5.350 937751 R98
2029 1,225,000 5.400 937751 S22
2030 1,270,000 5.450 937751 S30
* Preliminary, subject to adjustment based on market conditions at or prior to the time of sale;
listed bonds are the outstanding 2010B Bonds.
B-1
EXHIBIT B
Form of Advertisement
SUMMARY NOTICE OF BOND SALE
WASHINGTON COUNTY, MARYLAND (County Commissioners of Washington County) General Obligation Bonds Consisting of:
PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT BONDS OF 2020 REFUNDING BONDS OF 2020
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that County Commissioners of Washington County (the
“County”) will receive electronic bids via BiDCOMP/Parity®/www-idealprospectus.com for the
purchase of the above-referenced general obligation bonds (referred to as the “Public Improvement
Bonds” and the “Refunding Bonds,” respectively, and, collectively, as the “Bonds”) on
Tuesday, June 9, 2020
at the offices of the County, 100 West Washington Street, Room 3100, Hagerstown, Maryland
21740. Bids for the Public Improvement Bonds will be received until 10:45 a.m. prevailing
Eastern time, and bids for the Refunding Bonds will be received until 11:00 a.m. prevailing Eastern
time. Each series of the Bonds will be dated the date of its delivery, will bear interest payable
semi-annually on the first days of January and July, commencing on January 1, 2021, until maturity
or, to the extent applicable, prior redemption in whole, and will be issuable in denominations of
$5,000 each or multiples thereof. Principal of each series of the Bonds will be payable on July 1
of the years determined in connection with the sale of such series of the Bonds, unless redeemed
in whole prior to final maturity, to the extent subject to redemption. Each series of the Bonds will
be issued in book-entry form only.
The original aggregate principal amount of each series of the Bonds, and the original
aggregate principal amount of each maturity of each series of the Bonds, is subject to adjustment
both pre- and post-sale as set forth in the Preliminary Official Statement for the Bonds and the
official Notice of Sale. In addition, the principal and interest payment dates for both series and
the optional redemption dates for the Public Improvement Bonds are subject to adjustment pre-
sale as set forth in the Preliminary Official Statement and the official Notice of Sale. The final
original aggregate principal amount of the Public Improvement Bonds will not exceed $15,335,000
and the final original aggregate principal amount of the Refunding Bonds will not exceed
$11,500,000. The Refunding Bonds are not subject to redemption prior to their stated maturities
at the option of the County.
Any bid for a series of the Bonds must conform to the terms and conditions set forth in the
official Notice of Sale. This announcement does not constitute the solicitation of bids to purchase
either series of the Bonds. The sale of each series of the Bonds shall be made exclusively pursuant
to the terms of the official Notice of Sale. Copies of the official Notice of Sale and the Preliminary
B-2
Official Statement will be furnished upon request made to the Chief Financial Officer, Washington
County, County Administration Building, 100 West Washington Street, Room 3100, Hagerstown,
Maryland 21740, (240) 313-2300 or from the financial advisor to the County, Davenport &
Company LLC, The Oxford Building, 8600 LaSalle Road, Suite 618, Towson, Maryland 21286,
(410) 294-9426.
Jeffrey A. Cline, President
Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland
* Preliminary, subject to adjustment at or prior to time of sale, as applicable.
Dated: _______________, 2020 [TO BE PUBLISHED AT LEAST 10 DAYS PRIOR
TO DATE OF SALE]
C-1
EXHIBIT C
Form of Notice of Redemption
Note: Bracketed language is intended to reflect that such provisions apply only in certain
circumstances, and such language shall be deleted from or included in the final form of
redemption notice for the Refunded Bonds as appropriate.
NOTICE OF REDEMPTION [IN WHOLE][IN PART]
WASHINGTON COUNTY, MARYLAND
PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT BONDS, TAXABLE BUILD AMERICA BONDS
(DIRECT PAYMENT) SERIES 2010B
Dated June 2, 2010
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN of the election by County Commissioners of Washington
County to redeem on ____________, 2020, $____________________ aggregate principal amount
of its outstanding County Commissioners of Washington County Public Improvement Bonds,
Taxable Build America Bonds (Direct Payment) Series 2010B stated to mature and bearing interest
as follows:
[If bonds are being redeemed in part only, add reference to numbers of the bonds being
redeemed and other appropriate identifying information, including any newly assigned CUSIP
numbers for partially refunded maturities.]
The above CUSIP numbers are included solely for the convenience of the holders of the
bonds being refunded [in whole or in part]. The undersigned Paying Agent is not responsible for
the selection or use of CUSIP numbers nor does the Paying Agent make any representation as to
the correctness of such CUSIP numbers as printed on any such bond or as indicated in this notice
of redemption.
The above bonds called for redemption will become due and will be redeemed on
C-2
____________, 2020 (the “Redemption Date”), at the redemption price of 100% of the principal
amount thereof, together with interest accrued to the Redemption Date, upon presentation thereof
at the designated corporate trust office of Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company. From and
after the Redemption Date, if monies sufficient for the payment of the redemption price of the
bonds called for redemption plus accrued interest thereon to the Redemption Date are held by the
undersigned on such date, interest will cease to accrue on the above bonds called for redemption
and the registered owners of the bonds so called for redemption shall have no rights in respect
thereof except to receive payment for the redemption price thereof plus accrued interest to the
Redemption Date fixed for redemption from such monies held by the undersigned.
Payment of the redemption price will be made only upon presentation and surrender of the
bonds called for redemption in accordance with this notice. Please send the bonds to be redeemed
by appropriate means to insure safe delivery, to the following address:
[INSERT DELIVERY ADDRESS]
Any questions regarding this notice may be addressed to Manufacturers and Traders Trust
Company, [INSERT ADDRESS], Attention: ___________________ or by phone to
______________ at (___) ___________.
[M&T TO ADD ANY STANDARD DISCLOSURE RE: WITHHOLDING]
Dated: __________________, 2020 COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF
WASHINGTON COUNTY
By: Manufacturers and Traders
Trust Company, Paying Agent
Instructions to Paying Agent for the 2010B Bonds. The foregoing notice shall be completed and
mailed to the holders of the bonds being redeemed at least 30 days prior to the date fixed for
redemption, as provided in the Resolution authorizing the issuance of the County’s 2010B Bonds;
provided that, the failure to so mail this notice shall not affect the validity of the proceedings for
redemption.
Project Name 2020 Bond 2020 Bond Project Type
Useful
Roxbury Road Bridge W5372 98,000 0 70
Back Road Culvert 11/03 295,000 0 70
Pavement Maintenance and Rehab Program 2,545,000 0 25
Professional Boulevard Extended Phase II 1,235,000 0 25
Valley Mall Area Road Improvements Phase II 200,000 0 25
Halfway Boulevard Extended 450,000 0 25
Stormwater Retrofits 815,000 0 25
Chestnut Grove Road Drainage 84,000 0 70
Crestwood Drive Culvert 75,000 0 70
Facilities Roof Repairs 100,000 0 20
40 West Truck Loading Facility 0 30,000 20
Pump Station Upgrades - Various Stations 0 0
Capacity Management Project 0 2,865,000 80
Smithsburg WWTP ENR Upgrade 0 2,500,000 50
Capital Maintenance - BOE 550,000 0 20
Sharpsburg Elementary School Replacement 3,180,000 0 40
Center for Business and Entrepreneurial Studies 100,000 0 40
Student Center Parking Lot 213,000 0 20
41
New Issue-Book-Entry Only
In the opinion of Bond Counsel, assuming continuous compliance with certain covenants described herein, under existing
law, the interest on the Bonds (a) will be excludable from gross income for federal income tax purposes, (b) is not a specific
preference item for purposes of the federal alternative minimum tax, and (c) may be subject to the branch profits tax imposed
on foreign corporations engaged in a trade or business in the United States of America. It is also the opinion of Bond Counsel
that, under existing law, the Bonds, their transfer, the interest payable thereon, and any income derived therefrom (including
any profit made in the sale thereof) shall be at all times exempt from State of Maryland (the “State”), county, municipal, or other taxation of every kind and nature
whatsoever within the State, but no opinion is expressed as to Maryland estate or inheritance taxes or any other Maryland taxes not levied directly on the Bonds, their
transfer, the interest thereon or the income therefrom. See the information contained herein under the caption “THE BONDS—Tax Matters”.
$26,615,000*
WASHINGTON COUNTY, MARYLAND
(COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF WASHINGTON COUNTY)
GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS
Consisting of
$15,700,000*
PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT BONDS OF 2020
$10,915,000*
REFUNDING BONDS OF 2020
Dated: Date of delivery
Due: July 1, as shown on the inside cover page
Interest Payable: January 1 and July 1
First Interest Payment Due: January 1, 2021
Denomination: Integral multiples of $5,000
Form: Registered, book-entry only through the facilities of The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”)
Optional Redemption: The Public Improvement Bonds maturing on or after July 1, 2031 are redeemable prior to maturity at the option of the County as set
forth in “THE BONDS—Redemption—Optional Redemption” herein. The Refunding Bonds are not subject to redemption at the
Conditions Affecting Issuance: The Bonds of each series are offered when, as and if issued, subject to, among other conditions, the delivery of such series of the
Bonds and the corresponding approving legal opinion of Funk & Bolton, P.A., Bond Counsel, with respect thereto and other conditions specified in the official Notice
of Sale. Delivery will occur through the facilities of DTC on or about June 23, 2020.
This cover page contains certain information for quick reference only. It is not a summary of this issue. Prospective bidders and investors must read the entire
Official Statement to obtain information essential to the making of an informed investment decision.
Dated:
*Preliminary; subject to change
RATINGS: Fitch:
Moody’s:
FOR MATURITY SCHEDULES, INTEREST RATES, PRICES OR YIELDS AND CUSIP NUMBERS SEE INSIDE COVER PAGE
Maturing Principal Interest Maturing Principal Interest
July 1*Amount*Rate**July 1*Amount*Rate**
2021 2031
2022 2032
2023 2033
2024 2034
2025 2035
2026 2036
2027 2037
2028 2038
2029 2039
2030 2040
Price or
Yield**CUSIP
Price or
Yield**CUSIP
MATURITIES, PRINCIPAL AMOUNTS, INTEREST RATES, PRICES OR YIELDS, AND CUSIPS
Public Improvement Bonds of 2020
County Commissioners of Washington County
$15,700,000*
2021 2026
2022 2027
2023 2028
2024 2029
2025 2030
.
*Preliminary; subject to change
**The interest rates and prices or yields shown above are those resulting from the successful bid for each series of the Bonds on June 9, 2020 and were
furnished by the applicable successful bidder therefor. The prices or yields shown above were furnished by the successful bidder for each series of the
Bonds. Other information concerning the terms of the reoffering of the Bonds of each series, if any, should be obtained from the successful bidder for
such series and not from the County. (See “MISCELLANEOUS--Sale at Competitive Bidding” herein.)
No dealer, broker, salesman or other person has been authorized by the County or the successful bidder for either series of the Bonds to give any information
or to make any representations with respect to the Bonds or the County other than those contained in this Official Statement, and, if given or made, such other information
or representations must not be relied upon as having been authorized by any of the foregoing. This Official Statement does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation
of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of either series of the Bonds by any person in any jurisdiction in which it is unlawful for such person to make such offer,
solicitation or sale. The information set forth herein has been obtained from the County and other sources which are deemed to be reliable, but it is not to be construed as
a representation by the County as to information from sources other than the County.
This Official Statement is not to be construed as a contract or agreement between the County and the purchasers or holders of any of the Bonds.
All quotations from and summaries and explanation of provisions of laws and documents herein do not purport to be complete and reference is made to such
laws and documents for full and complete statements of their provisions. Any statements made in this Official Statement involving estimates or matters of opinion, whether
or not expressly so stated, are intended merely as estimates or opinions and not as representations of fact. The information and expressions of opinion herein are subject
to change without notice and neither the delivery of this Official Statement nor any sale of the Bonds shall, under any circumstances, create any implication that there has
been no change in the affairs of the County since the respective dates as of which information is given herein or the date hereof.
In connection with this offering, the successful bidder for a series of the Bonds may over-allot or effect transactions that stabilize or maintain the market price
of such series of the Bonds at a level above that which might otherwise prevail in the open market. Such stabilizing, if commenced, may be discontinued at any time.
CUSIP is a registered trademark of the American Bankers Association. CUSIP data herein is provided by CUSIP Global Services, which is managed by S&P
Global Market Intelligence (a part of S&P Global Inc.), and the County does not take any responsibility for the accuracy thereof. The CUSIP number for any specific
maturity is subject to change after issuance of the Bonds in certain circumstances. The County has not agreed to, and there is no obligation to, update this Official Statement
to reflect any change or correction in the assigned CUSIP numbers set forth on the inside cover page of this Official Statement. The use of CUSIP numbers in this Official
Statement is not intended to create a database and does not serve in any way as a substitute for CUSIP Global Services’s information.
WASHINGTON COUNTY, MARYLAND
ADMINISTRATION BUILDING
100 WEST WASHINGTON STREET
HAGERSTOWN, MARYLAND 21740
___________
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Jeffrey A. Cline, President
Terry L. Baker, Vice President
Wayne K. Keefer, Commissioner
Cort F. Meinelschmidt, Commissioner
Randall E. Wagner, Commissioner
ADMINISTRATION
Kirk C. Downey, Interim County Administrator and County Attorney
Krista L. Hart, County Clerk
Sara L. Greaves, C.P.A., Chief Financial Officer
COUNTY TREASURER
Todd L. Hershey
FINANCIAL ADVISOR
Davenport &Company LLC
Towson, Maryland
BOND COUNSEL
Funk & Bolton, P.A.
Baltimore, Maryland
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR
SB & Company, LLC
Hunt Valley, Maryland
BOND REGISTRAR AND PAYING AGENT AND ESCROW AGENT
Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company
Baltimore, Maryland
and Buffalo, New York
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page Page
I. THE BONDS IV. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Introduction…………………………………………………… 1 Accounting System……………………………………... 29
Description of Bonds…………………………………………... 1 Fund Structure………………………………………….. 29
DTC and Book-Entry Only System…………………………… 2 Basis of Accounting, Measurement Focus, and Financial
Book-Entry Only System—Miscellaneous……………………. 3 Statement Presentation….……………………….….... 29
Authorization………………………………………………….. 4 Accounting Enterprise System….………………….….... 29
Application of Proceeds…………………….…….…………… 4 Capital Budget Preparation Software…………………... 30
Refunding Plan………………………………………………… 4 Distinguished Budget Presentation Award……………... 30
Redemption…………….………………….…………….……. 5 Budget Process and Schedule…………………….……. 30
Sources of Payment….………………………………………… 6 General Fund Revenues and Expenditures…..……..….. 32
Bondholders’ Remedies.………………………………………. 6 Anticipated Results for Fiscal Year 2019……………….. 34
Tax Matters……………………………………………..….…. 7 Sources of Tax Revenue….……………………………. 34
General Fund Balance Sheet…………………………... 39
Key Financial Statistics………………………………... 40
II. GOVERNMENT AND ADMINISTRATION V. DEBT AND CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS
Location………………………………………………………. 9 Debt Management Policy………………………….…… 41
Form of Government…………………………..……………... 9 General Obligation and Revenue Bonds.……………..… 41
Legislative and Administrative Officials……………….….… 10 Water and Sewer Bonds…………………………….….. 42
Washington County Government Organizational Chart.….…. 12 Capital Lease Obligations and Other Contracts…….….. 44
County Employment…………………………………………. 12 Special Obligation Bonds………………………………. 44
Pension and Retirement System……………………………… 12 Bonded Indebtedness of Incorporated Municipalities….. 45
Other Post-Employment Benefits…………………………….. 13 Direct and Underlying Debt……………………….…… 45
Insurance……………………………………………………... 14 Debt Service Requirements on County Debt.……….….. 46
Certain Services and Responsibilities………………………… 14 Anticipated Future Financing…………………………... 49
Capital Requirements…………………………………... 49
III. ECONOMIC AND DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION VI. MISCELLANEOUS
Department of Business Development…………….………….. 20 Litigation………………………………………….……. 50
Business Development…..………….………………………… 21 Potential Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on the County 50
Foreign Trade Zone……………….…………………………... 24 Ratings…………………………………………….…..... 50
Utilities, Transportation, and Communication….………..…… 24 Continuing Disclosure Undertaking………………..…... 51
Population….……………………..…..………….….………… 25 Sale at Competitive Bidding……………………….…... 51
Income …..……………..…………..………………….………. 25 Legal Matters………………………………….………... 51
Area Labor Supply…..…………………………………..…….. 26 Independent Auditors……………………………….….. 51
Employment…………..……………………………………..… 26 Verification of Mathematical Computations…………… 52
Unemployment Rate…..……………………………..………… 26 Financial Advisor………………………………………. 52
Construction Activity…..……………………………………... 27
Housing Starts……………………………………………….... 27
Agriculture……………………………………………………. 28
Appendix A - General Purpose Financial
Statements……………………….…….. A
Appendix B - Proposed Forms of Opinions of Bond
Counsel…………………………..…….. B
Appendix C - Notice of Sale …………………..……… C
Appendix D - Proposed Form of Continuing Disclosure
Agreement…………………..……….….. D
THE BONDS
Washington County, Maryland 1
I. The Bonds
Introduction
The purpose of this Official Statement, including the cover page, inside cover page and appendices, is to provide
information for prospective purchasers and others regarding County Commissioners of Washington County (the “County”) and
its $15,700,000* Public Improvement Bonds of 2020 (the “Public Improvement Bonds”) and its $10,915,000* Refunding Bonds
of 2020 (the “Refunding Bonds”). The Public Improvement Bonds and the Refunding Bonds are referred to herein collectively
as the “Bonds” and individually as a “series” of the “Bonds” or as a “Bond”. As described herein, at or prior to the sale of the
Bonds, the County may determine not to issue the Refunding Bonds..
All estimates and assumptions herein have been based upon information believed to be reliable and correct; however,
statements made involving estimates and assumptions, whether or not expressly so stated, are intended merely as such and not as
representations of facts. When used in this Official Statement, the words “estimate,” “forecast,” “intend,” “expect,” “anticipate,”
and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could
cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in such forward-looking statements. Any forecast is subject to
such uncertainties. Some assumptions used to develop the forecasts may not be realized and unanticipated events and
circumstances may occur. Therefore, there may be differences between forecasts and actual results, and those differences may be
material. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date
hereof or as of a particular specified date.
Figures herein relating to tax collections, assessed value of property and the financial position of the County have been
taken from official records of the County.
Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, the County has provided the material and information contained in this
Official Statement. The County has authorized the execution and distribution of this Official Statement.
Any questions concerning this Official Statement or the Bonds should be addressed to Sara L. Greaves, Chief Financial
Officer, Washington County Administration Building, 100 West Washington Street, Room 3100, Hagerstown, Maryland 21740;
telephone: (240) 313-2300; email: sgreaves@washco-md.net.
Description of Bonds
The Bonds will be dated the date of their delivery. The Bonds will be issued in the principal amounts and will mature
on the dates in the years and in the amounts set forth on the inside cover page hereof. The Bonds will be legally binding general
obligations of the County to the payment of which the full faith and credit and unlimited taxing power of the County are pledged.
(See “THE BONDS—Sources of Payment” herein.)
Interest on each series of the Bonds, calculated on the basis of a 30-day month/360-day year factor, will be payable at the
interest rates specified on the inside cover page of this Official Statement. Interest will be first paid on January 1, 2021, and
semiannually thereafter on the first day of July and January of each year until the date of maturity unless a Bond is redeemed prior
to that date. Interest payments will be made to the persons who are registered owners of record as of the 15th day of the month
next preceding each such interest payment date. Each Bond shall bear interest from the most recent date to which interest has
been paid or, if no interest has been paid, from its date of delivery.
Each series of the Bonds will be issued in fully-registered form without coupons, in denominations of $5,000 and integral
multiples thereof. Each series of the Bonds initially will be issued in book-entry form without any physical distribution of
certificates made to the public. The Depository Trust Company, New York, New York (“DTC”), will act as securities depository
for the Bonds and the Bonds will be registered in the name of DTC’s partnership nominee, Cede & Co. (See “THE BONDS—
DTC and Book-Entry Only System” herein).
*Preliminary; subject to change
THE BONDS
Washington County, Maryland 2
So long as a series of the Bonds is maintained in book-entry form, payments of principal of and interest on such series of
the Bonds will be made as described below under “DTC and Book-Entry Only System.” At any other time the principal amount
of such series of the Bonds will be payable at the designated corporate trust office of Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company
or any successor bond registrar and paying agent (the “Bond Registrar and Paying Agent”).
Except during any period that a series of the Bonds is maintained under a book-entry only system, interest on such series
of the Bonds will be payable by check of the Bond Registrar and Paying Agent mailed to the registered owners thereof. The
principal of and interest on the Bonds will be paid in lawful money of the United States of America in the manner and at the places
hereinabove described.
So long as a series of the Bonds is maintained in book-entry form, transfers of ownership interests of such series will be
made as described below under “DTC and Book-Entry Only System.” At any other time, any Bond may be exchanged for a Bond
or Bonds of the same series in authorized denominations of $5,000 or integral multiples thereof in aggregate principal amount
equal to the principal amount of the Bond transferred or exchanged and maturing on the same date and bearing interest at the same
rate. The transfer of any Bond may be registered upon presentation and surrender of such Bond at the office of the Bond Registrar
and Paying Agent, together with a written instrument of transfer duly executed by the registered owner or his attorney or legal
representative. The Bond Registrar and Paying Agent may require the person requesting any such exchange or transfer to reimburse
it for any tax, fee or other governmental charge, shipping charges and insurance payable in connection therewith.
DTC and Book-Entry Only System
Initially, DTC will act as securities depository for the Bonds. The Bonds will be issued as fully-registered securities
registered in the name of Cede & Co. (as DTC’s partnership nominee) or such other name as may be requested by an authorized
representative of DTC. One fully-registered Bond certificate will be issued for each maturity of each series of the Bonds and will
be deposited with DTC.
DTC, the world’s largest securities depository, is a limited-purpose trust company organized under the New York
Banking Law, a “banking organization” within the meaning of the New York Banking Law, a member of the Federal Reserve
System, a “clearing corporation” within the meaning of the New York Uniform Commercial Code, and a “clearing agency”
registered pursuant to the provisions of Section 17A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. DTC holds and provides
asset servicing for over 3.5 million issues of U.S. and non-U.S. equity issues, corporate and municipal debt issues, and money
market instruments (from over 100 countries) that DTC’s participants (“Direct Participants”) deposit with DTC. DTC also
facilitates the post-trade settlement among Direct Participants of sales and other securities transactions in deposited securities
through electronic computerized book-entry transfers and pledges between Direct Participants’ accounts. This eliminates the need
for physical movement of securities certificates. Direct Participants include both U.S. and non-U.S. securities brokers and dealers,
banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other organizations. DTC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The
Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation (“DTCC”). DTCC is the holding company for DTC, National Securities Clearing
Corporation and Fixed Income Clearing Corporation, all of which are registered clearing agencies. DTCC is owned by the users
of its regulated subsidiaries. Access to the DTC system is also available to others such as both U.S. and non-U.S. securities brokers
and dealers, banks, trust companies, and clearing corporations that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a Direct
Participant, either directly or indirectly (“Indirect Participants”). DTC has a Standard & Poor’s rating of AA+. The DTC Rules
applicable to its Participants are on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. More information about DTC can be found
at www.dtcc.com.
Purchases of the Bonds under the DTC system must be made by or through Direct Participants, which will receive a
credit for the Bonds on DTC’s records. The ownership interest of each actual purchaser of each Bond (“Beneficial Owner”) is in
turn to be recorded on the Direct and Indirect Participants’ records. Beneficial Owners will not receive written confirmation from
DTC of their purchase. Beneficial Owners are, however, expected to receive written confirmations providing details of the
transaction, as well as periodic statements of their holdings, from the Direct or Indirect Participant through which the Beneficial
Owners entered into the transaction. Transfers of ownership interests in the Bonds are to be accomplished by entries made on the
books of the Direct and Indirect Participants acting on behalf of Beneficial Owners. Beneficial Owners will not receive physical
certificates representing their ownership interests in the Bonds, except in the event that use of the book-entry only system is
discontinued.
To facilitate subsequent transfers, all Bonds deposited by Direct Participants with DTC are registered in the name of
DTC’s partnership nominee, Cede & Co., or such other name as may be requested by an authorized representative of DTC. The
THE BONDS
Washington County, Maryland 3
deposit of Bonds with DTC and their registration in the name of Cede & Co. or such other DTC nominee do not effect any change
in beneficial ownership. DTC has no knowledge of the actual Beneficial Owners of the Bonds; DTC’s records reflect only the
identity of the Direct Participants to whose accounts such Bonds are credited, which may or may not be the Beneficial Owners.
The Direct and Indirect Participants remain responsible for keeping account of their holdings on behalf of their customers.
Conveyance of notices and other communications by DTC to Direct Participants, by Direct Participants to Indirect
Participants, and by Direct Participants and Indirect Participants to Beneficial Owners will be governed by arrangements among
them, subject to any statutory or regulatory requirements as may be in effect from time to time.
Redemption notices shall be sent to DTC. If less than all of the Bonds within a series are being redeemed, DTC’s practice
is to determine by lot the amount of the interest of each Direct Participant in such series to be redeemed.
Neither DTC nor Cede & Co. (nor any other DTC nominee) will consent or vote with respect to Bonds unless authorized
by a Direct Participant in accordance with DTC’s Procedures. Under its usual procedures, DTC mails an Omnibus Proxy to the
County as soon as possible after the record date. The Omnibus Proxy assigns Cede & Co.’s consenting or voting rights to those
Direct Participants to whose accounts Bonds are credited on the record date (identified in a listing attached to the Omnibus Proxy).
Redemption proceeds, payments of the principal of, redemption premium, if any, and interest on the Bonds will be made
to Cede & Co., or such other nominee as may be requested by an authorized representative of DTC. DTC’s practice is to credit
Direct Participants’ accounts upon DTC’s receipt of funds and corresponding detail information from the County or the Bond
Registrar and Paying Agent on payable dates in accordance with their respective holdings shown on DTC’s records. Payments by
Participants to Beneficial Owners will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices, as is the case with securities
held for the accounts of customers in bearer form or registered in “street name”, and will be the responsibility of such Participants,
and not of DTC, the Bond Registrar and Paying Agent or the County, subject to any statutory and regulatory requirements as
may be in effect from time to time. Payment of principal, redemption premium, if any, and interest on the Bonds to Cede &
Co. (or such other nominee as may be requested by an authorized representative of DTC) is the responsibility of the County or
the Bond Registrar and Paying Agent; disbursement of such payments to Direct Participants will be the responsibility of DTC;
and disbursement of such payments to the Beneficial Owners will be the responsibility of the Direct and Indirect Participants.
DTC may discontinue providing its services as securities depository for either series of the Bonds at any time by giving
reasonable notice to the County or the Bond Registrar and Paying Agent. Under such circumstances, in the event that a successor
depository is not obtained, Bonds of the applicable series are required to be printed and delivered.
The County may decide to discontinue use of the system of book-entry-only transfers for either series of the Bonds
through DTC (or a successor securities depository). In that event, Bond certificates for the applicable series will be printed and
delivered.
The information in this section concerning DTC and DTC’s book-entry system has been obtained from sources the
County believes to be reliable, but the County takes no responsibility for the accuracy thereof.
Book-Entry Only System - Miscellaneous
THE COUNTY AND THE BOND REGISTRAR AND PAYING AGENT WILL NOT HAVE ANY
RESPONSIBILITY OR OBLIGATION TO ANY DIRECT PARTICIPANT, INDIRECT PARTICIPANT OR
BENEFICIAL OWNER OF THE BONDS WITH RESPECT TO: (1) THE BONDS; (2) THE ACCURACY OF ANY
RECORDS MAINTAINED BY DTC OR ANY DIRECT PARTICIPANT OR INDIRECT PARTICIPANT; (3) THE
PAYMENT OF ANY AMOUNT DUE TO ANY DIRECT PARTICIPANT, INDIRECT PARTICIPANT OR
BENEFICIAL OWNER IN RESPECT OF THE PRINCIPAL OF OR INTEREST ON THE BONDS; (4) THE
DELIVERY BY DTC OR ANY DIRECT PARTICIPANT OR INDIRECT PARTICIPANT OF ANY NOTICE TO ANY
BENEFICIAL OWNER WHICH IS REQUIRED OR PERMITTED UNDER THE TERMS OF THE BONDS TO BE
GIVEN TO BOND OWNERS; (5) THE SELECTION OF BENEFICIAL OWNERS TO RECEIVE PAYMENT IN THE
EVENT OF ANY PARTIAL REDEMPTION OF ANY OF THE BONDS; OR (6) ANY CONSENT GIVEN OR OTHER
ACTION TAKEN BY DTC AS BONDHOLDER.
In the event the County determines to discontinue a book-entry only system of registration of the Bonds of either series,
payments of interest, principal and redemption price and transfer and exchange of the Bonds of such series will be made as
described above under “THE BONDS—Description of Bonds”.
THE BONDS
Washington County, Maryland 4
Authorization
The Public Improvement Bonds are issued pursuant to the authority of Chapter 99 of the Laws of Maryland of 2018
(“Chapter 99”) and Title 6 of the Code of Public Local Laws of Washington County, Maryland (2019 Edition), as amended (the
“Water and Sewer Act”), as applicable, and in accordance with Resolution No. RS-2020-XX adopted by the Board of County
Commissioners of Washington County (the “Board”) on May 5, 2020 (the “Resolution”).
The Refunding Bonds are issued pursuant to the authority of Chapter 392 of the Laws of Maryland of 2007 (“Chapter
392”), the Water and Sewer Act, and Section 19-207 of the Local Government Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland, as
amended (the “Refunding Act”), as applicable, and in accordance with the Resolution. As described in the official Notice of
Sale set forth in Appendix C hereto, the County, at or prior to the sale of the Bonds, may determine not to issue the Refunding
Bonds.
Chapter 99 and the Water and Sewer Act are collectively referred to in this Official Statement as the “Act” with respect
to the Public Improvement Bonds. Chapter 392, the Water and Sewer Act and the Refunding Act are collectively referred to
in this Official Statement as the “Act” with respect to the Refunding Bonds. Copies of the applicable Act and the Resolution
are available at the office of the Chief Financial Officer of the County (the “CFO”).
Application of Proceeds
Proceeds of the Public Improvement Bonds, exclusive of any premium paid by the successful bidder therefor, will be
applied to costs of the following projects: Any premium received by the County will be applied to costs of issuance of the Bonds
or additional costs of the projects, or a combination thereof.
Amount*
Infrastructure Projects 5,847,000$
Education Projects 4,043,000
Public Facilities 100,000
Environmental Projects 5,710,000
15,700,000$
Use
A portion of the proceeds of the Refunding Bonds, including any premium paid by the successful bidder therefor, will
be used to currently refund that portion of the County’s outstanding Public Improvement Bonds, Taxable Build America Bonds
(Direct Payment) Series 2010B, dated June 2, 2010 (the “2010B Bonds”), identified below. The specific full or partial maturities
of the 2010B Bonds to be refunded, if any, will be determined prior to or upon award of the sale of the Refunding Bonds. The
refunded portions of the 2010B Bonds, if any, are referred to as the “Refunded Bonds” in this Official Statement.
The potential Refunded Bonds are as follows:
Redemption
Date
Redemption
PriceBond Issue
Principal Amount
Outstanding
Principal Amount
Refunded
Maturities
Refunded
The specific full or partial maturities of the 2010B Bonds to be refunded, if any, will be determined upon award of the sale of the
Refunding Bonds.
Refunding Plan*
A portion of the proceeds of the Refunding Bonds, together with other available funds, if applicable, will be applied to
currently refund the Refunded Bonds. The refunding method being used is frequently termed a “net defeasance” in that provision
is made to set aside immediately, from the proceeds of a refunding bond issue and any other funds then available, if applicable ,
monies for investment that, together with the interest to be received thereon, and any cash held uninvested, shall be sufficient to
*Preliminary; subject to change
THE BONDS
Washington County, Maryland 5
satisfy all payments of interest on the Refunded Bonds to and including the date on which such Refunded Bonds are redeemed
and the principal of and any premium due upon the redemption of such Refunded Bonds.
That portion of the proceeds of the Refunding Bonds used to currently refund the Refunded Bonds, together with other
available funds, if applicable, will be applied to the purchase of non-callable direct obligations of or obligations the principal of
and interest on which are guaranteed by the United States of America (the “Acquired Obligations”). The Acquired Obligations,
together with any cash held uninvested, will be held in trust in an escrow fund (the “Escrow Deposit Fund”) by Manufacturers and
Traders Trust Company (the “Escrow Agent”) pursuant to an Escrow Deposit Agreement between the Escrow Agent and the
County. The Acquired Obligations will mature at such times and in such amounts and will bear interest payable at such times and
in such amounts, together with any cash held uninvested, so that sufficient money will be available to pay when due, interest on
the Refunded Bonds to and including their date of redemption and to redeem the Refunded Bonds on their date of redemption.
(See “MISCELLANEOUS--Verification of Mathematical Computations” herein.) The Escrow Agent will apply the maturing
principal of and interest on the Restricted Acquired Obligations and any cash held uninvested to the payment of the interest on the
Refunded Bonds prior to their redemption date and will be irrevocably instructed to redeem the Refunded Bonds on the date fixed
for redemption at a price equal to the outstanding principal amount thereof plus accrued interest to the date fixed for redemption.
The Acquired Obligations will be pledged only to payment of the principal of and interest on the Refunded Bonds and are not
available for the payment of principal and premium, if any, of or interest on the Bonds or any other obligations of the County. The
Escrow Agent will be irrevocably instructed to redeem the Refunded Obligations on the date fixed for redemption.
Redemption
Optional Redemption
The Public Improvement Bonds that mature on or before July 1, 2030 are not subject to redemption at the option of the
County prior to their maturities. The Public Improvement Bonds that mature on or after July 1, 2031 are subject to redemption at
the option of the County as a whole or in part at any time on or after July 1, 2030, in any order directed by the County, at a
redemption price of the principal amount of the Public Improvement Bonds (or portions thereof) to be redeemed, plus accrued
interest on the principal amount being redeemed to the date fixed for redemption, without premium or penalty.
The Refunding Bonds are not subject to redemption prior to their stated maturities at the option of the County.
[Mandatory Sinking Fund Redemption
The Public Improvement Bonds maturing on July 1, ____ are subject to mandatory sinking fund redemption at a
redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount to be redeemed, together with interest accrued to the date fixed for
redemption, on the dates and in the principal amounts set forth below:
The foregoing subsection will be completed with respect to each term bond of the Public Improvement Bonds, if any, designated
by the successful bidder of the Public Improvement Bonds in accordance with the official Notice of Sale. See Appendix C hereto.]
THE BONDS
Washington County, Maryland 6
Selection of Bonds for Redemption; Notice of Redemption
Certain of the Public Improvement Bonds are subject to redemption at the option of the County as described above under
“--Redemption—Optional Redemption.” If the successful bidder for a series of the Bonds designates term bonds, then the
applicable term bonds will be subject to mandatory sinking fund redemption as described above under “Redemption—Mandatory
Sinking Fund Redemption.” If fewer than all of the Bonds of any one maturity of a series shall be called for redemption, the
particular Bonds or portions of Bonds of such series and maturity to be redeemed shall be selected by the Bond Registrar and
Paying Agent in such manner as in its discretion it shall determine; provided that, so long as the Bonds of such series are maintained
in book-entry form, the selection of individual ownership interests in such series of the Bonds to be credited with such partial
redemption shall be made by DTC (or any successor securities depository) in accordance with DTC’s (or such successor securities
depository’s) then existing procedures.
If all or a portion of the Bonds of a series outstanding are to be redeemed, the County shall give or cause to be given a
redemption notice by first class mail, postage prepaid, at least 30 days prior to the date fixed for redemption to the registered owner
of each Bond to be redeemed in whole or in part at the address of such registered owner appearing on the bond register maintained
for such series of the Bonds by the Bond Registrar and Paying Agent, provided, however, that the failure to mail the redemption
notice or any defect in the notice so mailed shall not affect the validity of the redemption proceedings. The County may, but shall
not be obligated to, also publish such notice of redemption at least once not less than thirty (30) days prior to the date fixed for
redemption in a newspaper circulating in the City of Baltimore, Maryland, and also in a financial journal or daily newspaper of
general circulation in the City of New York, New York. The redemption notice shall identify the affected series of the Bonds and
shall state (i) whether the applicable series of the Bonds are to be redeemed in whole or in part and, if in part, the maturities,
numbers and CUSIP numbers of the Bonds of such series to be redeemed, (ii) in the case of a partial redemption of any Bond, the
portion of the principal amount which is to be redeemed, (iii) that the interest on the Bonds (or portions thereof) to be redeemed
shall cease on the date fixed for redemption, (iv) the date fixed for redemption and the redemption price, (v) the address of the
Bond Registrar and Paying Agent with a contact person and phone number, and (vi) that the Bonds to be redeemed in whole or in
part shall be presented for redemption and payment on the date fixed for redemption at the designated corporate trust office of the
Bond Registrar and Paying Agent. Any such notice may be conditioned upon receipt by the Bond Registrar and Paying Agent of
sufficient funds to effect such redemption.
From and after the date fixed for redemption, if funds sufficient for payment of the redemption price plus accrued interest
thereon to the date fixed for redemption are held by the Bond Registrar and Paying Agent on such date, the Bonds (or portions
thereof) so called for redemption shall become due and payable at the redemption price provided for redemption of such Bonds
on such date, interest on such Bonds (or portions thereof) shall cease to accrue and the registered owners of such Bonds shall have
no rights in respect thereof except to receive payment of the redemption price thereof plus accrued interest thereon to the date
fixed for redemption from the monies so held by the Bond Registrar and Paying Agent. Upon presentation and surrender for
redemption, the Bonds to be redeemed in whole or in part shall be paid by the Bond Registrar and Paying Agent at the redemption
price plus accrued interest thereon to the date fixed for redemption. If Bonds (or portions thereof) so called for redemption are not
paid upon presentation and surrender, the Bonds designated for redemption shall continue to bear interest at the rates stated therein
until paid.
Sources of Payment
The Act provides that the Bonds constitute an irrevocable pledge of the full faith and credit and unlimited taxing power
of the County to the payment of the maturing principal of and interest on the Bonds as and when they become payable. The Act
further provides, and the County has covenanted in the Resolution, that in each and every fiscal year that any of the Bonds are
outstanding, the County shall levy or cause to be levied ad valorem taxes upon all assessable property within the corporate limits
of Washington County in rate and amount sufficient to provide for or assure the payment, when due, of the principal of and interest
on all Bonds maturing in each such fiscal year and, if the proceeds from the taxes so levied in such fiscal year prove inadequate
for such payment, additional taxes shall be levied in the succeeding fiscal year to make up any deficiency.
Bondholders’ Remedies
It is the opinion of Funk & Bolton, P. A., Bond Counsel, that the County may be sued in the event that it fails to perform
its obligations under the Bonds and the Resolution to the registered owners and that any judgments resulting from such suits would
be enforceable against the County. Nevertheless, a registered owner of a Bond who has obtained any such judgment may be
required to seek additional relief to compel the County to assess, levy and collect such taxes as may be necessary to provide the
THE BONDS
Washington County, Maryland 7
funds from which such judgment may be paid. Although there is no Maryland law with respect to this issue, it is the opinion of
Bond Counsel that the appropriate courts of Maryland have jurisdiction to entertain proceedings and power to grant additional
relief, such as a mandatory injunction, if necessary, to enforce the levy and collection of such taxes and payment of the proceeds
thereof to the holders of general obligation bonds, pari passu, subject to the inherent constitutional limitations referred to below.
It is also the opinion of Bond Counsel that, while remedies would be available to the registered owners of the Bonds and
while the Bonds are entitled to constitutional protection against the impairment of the obligation of contracts, such constitutional
protection and the enforcement of such remedies would not be absolute.
Enforcement of a claim for payment of the principal of or interest on the Bonds could be made subject to the provisions
of federal bankruptcy laws or of any statutes that may hereafter be constitutionally enacted by the United States Congress or the
Maryland General Assembly extending the time for payment or imposing other constraints upon enforcement.
Tax Matters
State of Maryland and Local Income Tax
In the opinion of Funk & Bolton, P.A., Bond Counsel, under existing law, the Bonds, their transfer, the interest payable
thereon, and any income derived therefrom (including any profit made in the sale thereof) shall be at all times exempt from State
of Maryland (the “State”), county, municipal, or other taxation of every kind and nature whatsoever within the State, but no opinion
is expressed as to Maryland estate or inheritance taxes or any other Maryland taxes not levied directly on the Bonds, their transfer,
the interest thereon or the income therefrom.
Interest on the Bonds may be subject to state or local income taxes in jurisdictions other than the State of Maryland under
applicable state or local tax laws. Prospective purchasers of the Bonds should consult their tax advisors regarding the taxable
status of the Bonds in a particular state or local jurisdiction other than the State of Maryland.
Federal Income Tax
In the opinion of Bond Counsel, interest on the Bonds will be excludable from gross income for federal income tax
purposes and is not a specific preference item for purposes of the federal alternative minimum tax under existing statutes,
regulations and decisions as enacted and construed on the date of initial delivery of the Bonds, assuming the accuracy of certain
certifications of the County and continuing compliance with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
(the “Code”). Interest on the Bonds may be subject to the branch profits tax imposed on foreign corporations engaged in a trade
or business in the United States of America.
Bond Counsel will issue a separate opinion with respect to each series of the Bonds. Bond Counsel’s opinions will be
given in reliance (without independent investigation) on certifications, covenants and agreements by representatives of the County
as to certain facts material to both the opinions and the requirements of the Code. The County will covenant and agree to comply
with the provisions of the Code regarding, among other matters, the use, expenditure and investment of the proceeds of the Bonds,
the use of the projects financed or refinanced from Bond proceeds and the timely payment to the United States of America of any
arbitrage rebate amounts with respect to the Bonds or payments in lieu thereof. Bond Counsel assumes no responsibility for, and
will not monitor, compliance with the covenants and agreements of the County. In the event of noncompliance with such covenants
and agreements, available enforcement remedies may be limited by applicable provisions of law and, therefore, may not be
adequate to prevent interest on the Bonds from becoming includable in gross income for federal income tax purposes retroactively
to the date of issue.
Ownership of the Bonds may result in other federal income tax consequences to certain taxpayers, including, without
limitation, financial institutions, property and casualty companies, certain recipients of social security or railroad retirement
benefits and certain S corporations. Prospective purchasers of the Bonds should consult with their own tax advisors as to any
collateral federal income tax consequences.
Certain of the Bonds may be offered and sold at a discount (“original issue discount”) equal generally to the difference
between their public offering price and principal amount. For federal income tax purposes, original issue discount on a Bond
accrues periodically over the term of the Bond as interest with the same tax exemption and alternative minimum tax status as
regular interest. The accrual of original issue discount increases the purchaser’s tax basis in the Bond for determining taxable gain
THE BONDS
Washington County, Maryland 8
or loss upon disposition (including sale, redemption or payment at maturity). Purchasers of Bonds at a discount should consult
their tax advisors regarding the determination and treatment of original issue discount for federal income tax purposes, and with
respect to any state or local tax consequences of owning such Bonds.
Certain of the Bonds may be offered and sold at a purchase price over the stated redemption price of such Bonds at
maturity. This excess constitutes premium on such Bonds. For federal income tax purposes, original issue premium is amortizable
periodically over a Bond’s term through reductions in the owner’s tax basis for the Bond for determining taxable gain or loss upon
disposition (including sale, redemption or payment at maturity). An owner of a premium Bond cannot deduct amortized original
issue premium relating to that premium Bond. Purchasers of any Bonds at a premium, whether at the time of initial issuance or
subsequent thereto, should consult their tax advisors with respect to the determination and treatment of premium for federal income
tax purposes, and with respect to any state or local tax consequences of owning such Bonds.
The foregoing is only a general summary of certain provisions of the Code as enacted and in effect on the date hereof
and does not purport to be complete or to identify all aspects of federal income taxation that may be relevant to a particular
purchaser of the Bonds in light of his or its particular circumstances and income tax situation. Prospective purchasers of the
Bonds should consult their own tax advisors as to the effects, if any, of the Code in their particular circumstances. Bond
Counsel will express no opinion regarding other federal tax consequences arising with respect to the Bonds.
Effects of Future Enforcement, Regulatory or Legislative Actions
The Internal Revenue Service (the “Service”) has a program to audit state and local government obligations to determine
whether the interest thereon is includable in gross income for federal income tax purposes. If the Service audits the Bonds, under
current Service procedure, the Service will treat the County as the taxpayer and the owners of the Bonds will have only limited
rights, if any, to participate in the process. Any selection by the Service of the Bonds or of tax-exempt obligations similar to the
Bonds for audit could affect the marketability or market value of the Bonds.
The Service and the U.S. Department of the Treasury have ongoing programs to promulgate regulations to interpret and
apply the provisions of the Code. In addition, from time to time regulatory actions are announced or proposed and litigation is
threatened or commenced which, depending on its conclusion, could modify or impact federal or state tax treatment of tax-exempt
obligations such as the Bonds and could have an adverse effect on the marketability or market value of the Bonds.
From time to time, there are Presidential proposals, proposals of various federal committees, or legislative proposals
in the United States Congress or various state legislatures that, if enacted, could alter or amend the federal tax matters referred
to above, state treatment of the tax status of the Bonds or adversely affect the market value of the Bonds. Furthermore, such
proposals may affect the marketability or market value of the Bonds merely by virtue of being proposed. It cannot be predicted
whether or in what form any such proposal may be enacted or whether, if enacted, it would apply to tax-exempt obligations,
including the Bonds, issued prior to enactment. In addition, legislation enacted after issuance of the Bonds may directly or
indirectly cause interest on the Bonds to be subject to federal or state income taxation or reduce the benefit of the excludability
of interest on the Bonds under existing law. Each purchaser of the Bonds should consult with his or its own tax advisor
regarding any pending or proposed federal or state tax legislation. Bond Counsel will not express any opinion regarding
pending or proposed federal or state enforcement actions, regulations, litigation or legislative actions.
See Appendix B hereto for the proposed forms of opinions of Bond Counsel to be delivered with respect to the
respective series of the Bonds upon issuance.
GOVERNMENT AND ADMINISTRATION
Washington County, Maryland 9
II. Government and Administration
Location
Washington County is situated in northwestern Maryland, bordered by Pennsylvania to the north and West Virginia to the
south. It is bordered on the east by Frederick County, Maryland and on the west by Allegany County, Maryland. Washington
County is approximately 460 square miles in area. The County seat, Hagerstown, is 70 miles northwest of Washington, D.C. and
72 miles west of Baltimore, Maryland. Two major highways, Interstate 81 – running north and south, and Interstate 70 – running
east and west, cross within Washington County’s borders.
The major part of Washington County is fertile valley with rolling terrain. The lowland belt known as the Hagerstown
Valley lies between the Blue Ridge Mountains to the east and the Appalachian Highlands to the west.
Form of Government
The County is a body politic and corporate, which performs all local governmental functions in Washington County except
those performed by the nine incorporated municipalities within Washington County. The executive offices of the County are located
at 100 West Washington Street, Hagerstown, Maryland 21740. The County’s website is www.washco-md.net. Any references in
this Official Statement to the County’s website are provided for convenience only. The information on the County’s website is not
incorporated herein, by reference or otherwise.
Under the Code of the Public Local Laws of Washington County (2019 Edition), as amended, being Article 22 of the Code
of Public Local Laws of Maryland (the “County Code”), both the executive and legislative functions of the County are vested in the
elected, five-member Board of County Commissioners of Washington County (the “Board”). The Board may only exercise such
powers as are conferred upon it by the General Assembly of Maryland, including authorization to issue debt to finance its capital
projects. County Commissioners are elected on a countywide basis and serve four-year terms.
Each member of the Board has one vote and a simple majority of the Board is sufficient to take action subject to the
authority vested in the Board by the County Code. Emergency action also requires a simple majority vote. The Board elects its
own officers. The General Assembly of Maryland must authorize powers not specifically authorized by the County Code.
As authorized by the County Code, the Board appoints a County Administrator. The County Administrator is selected on
the basis of his or her executive and administrative abilities, including his or her knowledge and experience in public administration.
The County Administrator is charged with the supervision of the departments and agencies of the County and oversight of day-to-
day operations in conformity with all laws applying to the County.
County financial matters are administered in part through the office of the Treasurer of Washington County. The County
Code establishes the elective office of County Treasurer. The County Treasurer is constituted the collector of County and State
taxes, charges and assessments and is charged with the enforcement of collection of taxes in the manner provided by law.
As authorized by the County Code, the Board appoints the CFO. The CFO is charged with assisting the Board in the
preparation and administration of the County budgets and other accounting and fiscal matters as the Board deems necessary. In
addition, the CFO is responsible for the study of the organization, methods and procedures of each office, department, board,
commission, institution, and agency of County government. The CFO reports to the County Administrator.
GOVERNMENT AND ADMINISTRATION
Washington County, Maryland 10
Legislative and Administrative Officials
Board of County Commissioners
JEFFREY A. “JEFF” CLINE, a third-term County Commissioner, serves as President of the Board of County
Commissioners and is a Williamsport, Maryland, resident. Mr. Cline is a graduate of Williamsport High School and
Hagerstown Community College. An experienced realtor since 2003, Mr. Cline has assumed an inactive status in this field in
order to fulfill his commitment to Washington County. He graduated from the Maryland Association of Realtors’ 2008
Leadership Academy, received the Graduate of Realtor Institute (GRI) designation and is also a graduate of Leadership
Washington County Class 26. Mr. Cline served on the Williamsport Town Council from 2005 to 2009.
TERRY L. BAKER, a fourth-term County Commissioner, was first elected in 2006, and serves as Vice-President of the
Board of County Commissioners. Mr. Baker is a 1973 graduate of Williamsport High School, a 1975 graduate of Hagerstown
Community College and a 1978 graduate of Auburn University, with a bachelor’s degree in Education. Mr. Baker retired in 2015
from the position of Washington County Students Trades Coordinator for the Washington County Technical High School after
being an educator for 34 years. Prior to being elected a County Commissioner he served from 2002 to 2004 as a member of the
Council for the municipality of Clear Spring, Maryland, and as Assistant Mayor for such municipality from 2004 to 2006.
WAYNE K. KEEFER, a second-term County Commissioner, was appointed to fill a vacancy on the Board of County
Commissioners on March 25, 2016 by Maryland Governor Lawrence J. Hogan, Jr., initially assumed office on April 5, 2016
and was subsequently elected to a full, four-year term in 2018. Mr. Keefer is a lifelong resident of Hancock and a 2004 graduate
of Hancock Middle-Senior High School. Mr. Keefer holds an A.S. degree in Management from Hagerstown Community
College and a B.S. degree in Business Administration and an M.B.A. from Frostburg State University. He has over a decade
of experience as a commercial banker and is currently a small business owner and an adjunct instructor with Frostburg State
University and the University System of Maryland at Hagerstown.
CORT F. MEINELSCHMIDT, a first-term County Commissioner, was born and raised in Washington County. Mr.
Meinelschmidt served in the United States Navy as a rescue swimmer for nearly seven years. On September 30, 2003, the
Department of the Navy conferred upon Mr. Meinelschmidt the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for “the superior
performance of his duties” and “more notably, 15 lives saved.” He has worked in the financial services business since 2004
and is currently the CEO of Sentinel Capital Solutions, where he is active in the day-to-day research and trading of Sentinel’s
investment portfolios. Mr. Meinelschmidt is very active in the community serving on non-profit boards and as a coach to
Washington County Special Olympics Swim Team.
RANDALL E. “RANDY” WAGNER, a first-term County Commissioner, was born and raised in Washington County.
Mr. Wagner graduated from North Hagerstown High School and is a veteran of the United States Coast Guard, where he served
for four years. Mr. Wagner worked at Mack Truck for 17 years before becoming a small business owner in Washington County,
owning and operating 40 West Marine in Clear Spring for eight years. He has served the local community as a realtor for the
past 16 years and is a licensed private pilot. Prior to his election to the Board of County Commissioners, Mr. Wagner served
on the Animal Control Board of Washington County for eight years and held the position of Vice-Chair.
County Treasurer
TODD L. HERSHEY, County Treasurer, was first elected to his position in November 1986. He holds a Bachelor of
Science degree, majoring in Sociology, from Guilford College and a Master of Science degree in Management and Administration
from Hood College. He was formerly a commercial banker.
GOVERNMENT AND ADMINISTRATION
Washington County, Maryland 11
Administrative Officials
SARA L. GREAVES, C.P.A., Chief Financial Officer, holds a B.S. degree in Accounting from the University of Maryland
University College (now known as University of Maryland Global Campus). She earned a Master of Business Administration
degree from Frostburg State University. Mrs. Greaves was hired by Washington County in 2012 as an accountant, was promoted
to Deputy Director of Budget and Finance in 2014 and was appointed as Chief Financial Officer in February 2018. She is a member
of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Maryland Association of Certified Public Accountants, the Maryland
Government Finance Officers Association and the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada.
KIMBERLY K. EDLUND, C.P.A., Director of Budget and Finance, is a summa cum laude graduate of Shepherd
University with a B.S. degree in Accounting. She earned a Master of Business Administration degree from Frostburg State
University. Mrs. Edlund was hired by Washington County in 1995 as the Assistant Director of Budget and Finance and was
promoted to Director in 2014. Prior to her employment with Washington County, she was a Senior Accountant with a regional
public accounting firm. Mrs. Edlund is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Maryland
Association of Certified Public Accountants, the Maryland Government Finance Officers Association and the Government Finance
Officers Association of the United States and Canada.
KIRK C. DOWNEY, County Attorney, has been employed with the County Attorney’s office since 2004, starting as the
Assistant County Attorney. He was named Deputy County Attorney in 2012 and as County Attorney in 2018. Mr. Downey
graduated cum laude from Duke University in 1994 with a B. A. degree. He received his J.D. from the University of Richmond
School of Law in 1997 and was admitted to the Maryland Bar. He is also admitted to practice before the U. S. District Court for the
District of Maryland, U. S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, and the U. S. Supreme Court. He maintained a private practice
from 1997-2005 until the Assistant County Attorney position became full-time. Mr. Downey is a member of a variety of community
organizations and serves or has served on a number of non-profit boards of directors, including the boards of Horizon Goodwill
Industries, Inc. and the Washington County Community Action Council. He is a member and chair of the Trial Courts Judicial
Nominating Commission of Washington County and has been a member of the Hagerstown Rotary since 2002. Mr. Downey is
also a member of the American, Maryland, and Washington County Bar Associations, and serves as the treasurer for the Washington
County Bar Association.
The position of County Administrator is vacant as of the date of this Official Statement. Mr. Downey was appointed on
November 12, 2019 to serve as Interim County Administrator until the position is filled.
GOVERNMENT AND ADMINISTRATION
Washington County, Maryland 12
Washington County Government Organizational Chart
County Employment
As of June 30, 2019, the County employed 774 full-time employees and 569 part-time employees, including seasonal
positions. The County has a compensation and classification plan, which is complemented by a performance evaluation system.
There are 150 employees of the County’s Division of Public Works, Division of Emergency Services, and Division of
Environmental Management represented by a collective bargaining agreement that expires on June 30, 2023. The County has not
experienced a work stoppage due to labor relation disputes and considers its relationships with employees to be good.
Pension and Retirement System
Employees of the County government are provided retirement benefits through a pension plan (the “Plan”). Participation
in the Plan is mandatory and there were 1,264 participants as of June 30, 2019. All full-time County employees are eligible to
participate in the Plan. The Plan also provides death and disability benefits. The employees and the County fund the guaranteed
allowance. Approximately 32% of the non-uniformed participants contribute to the Plan at the rate of 5.50% of their annual salary
and the remaining non-uniformed and uniformed employees contribute 6.00% of their annual salary.
The County’s contribution is comprised of three parts: (i) contribution to cover current service costs, (ii) annual accrued
liability contribution to liquidate the County’s unfunded accrued liability by July 1, 2039 and (iii) annual additional accrued liability
contribution to liquidate the County’s additional accrued liability due to actuarial gains and losses, benefit changes and assumption
changes. Contributions are based on an assumed investment rate of 7.25% compounded annually. Contributions are currently
funded at 26% of total salary expense. Salaries are assumed to increase at an annual rate of 3.00%. Contributions from participants
and from the County are pooled to provide the guaranteed allowance for each member.
The following table presents the pension and retirement contributions and unfunded liabilities of the County and certain
County agencies for completed fiscal years 2016 through 2019 and for fiscal year 2020. For fiscal year 2020, which began July 1,
2019, the County has already paid the $10,916,468 amount reflected in the “Total” column in the table below. This payment is the
aggregate of the amounts reflected in the columns “Current Service Costs” and “Recommended Payment for Unfunded Accrued
Liability”.
GOVERNMENT AND ADMINISTRATION
Washington County, Maryland 13
As of
July 1
Current
Service Costs
Recommended
Payment for Unfunded
Accrued Liability Total
Unfunded
Accrued Liability
2019 $3,271,075 $76,453,963 $10,916,468 $85,204,939
2018 2,403,396 9,415,983 11,819,379 85,336,525
2017 2,309,989 8,199,538 10,509,527 83,002,235
2016 1,454,253 5,555,195 7,009,448 55,888,694
2015 1,411,897 5,209,259 6,621,156 53,172,860
Source: Bolton Partners, Inc.
As a result of the implementation of GASB Statement 68–Accounting and Financial Reporting for Pensions, the County
modified its accounting for the Plan, while continuing to use the same actuarial cost method for determining contributions to the
Plan. For fiscal years prior to fiscal year 2015, costs and funding contributions were based on the Projected Unit Credit actuarial
cost methods. For fiscal year 2015 and later, the funding contributions remain based on the Projected Unit Credit funding method
while the GASB liabilities reflected in the financial statements are based on the Entry Age Normal cost method, as required by
GASB 67 and 68. The new method produces higher liabilities but lower normal costs than the previous method. However, both
methods produce actuarially sound contribution (funding) or liabilities (GASB), and annual contributions are intended to fully fund
the Plan’s July 1, 2019 unfunded liability by July 1, 2039.
Please refer to Notes 1 and 11 to the financial statements for fiscal year 2019 and to the Required Supplementary
Information set forth in Appendix A to this Official Statement for additional information regarding the County’s pension obligations.
Other Post–Employment Benefits
The County implemented the provisions of Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) Statement 43, Financial
Reporting for Post-Employment Benefit Plans Other Than Pension Plans (“OPEB”) and GASB 45, Accounting and Financial
Reporting by Employers for Post-Employment Benefits Other Than Pensions in fiscal year 2008.
The County’s OPEB plan is a single employer defined benefit healthcare plan. The County established a trust for
administering the plan assets and paying healthcare costs and death benefits on behalf of the participants.
There is no vesting in the post-employment health benefits, and they are subject to change at any time. All employees
who retire from the County may participate in the program. In order to be eligible, the retiree must have (i) a minimum of five
years of County service, and (ii) immediately preceding retirement, been enrolled in a medical, vision, or prescription drug
insurance plan offered to active employees in the County. The retirees pay 50% of the health insurance premium. Retirees
participating in the County’s health plan are also covered by a death benefit equal to their final annual salary, not to exceed
$100,000. These benefits cease when the retiree attains age 65 or becomes Medicare eligible. As of June 30, 2019, 54 retirees
were receiving OPEB benefits and 149 employees were retirement-eligible.
The County intends to fund any annual short-fall between the OPEB annual required contribution and actual pay-go
expense into a legally executed trust fund. The trust fund is invested as a long-term pension trust, using an appropriately balanced
portfolio of equities and debt instruments, to prudently maximize long-term investment returns.
The net OPEB liability (asset) is equal to the total OPEB liability minus the net position of the plan. The result as of June
30, 2019 is as follows:
Components of Net OPEB Obligation
Please refer to Note 16 to the financial statements for fiscal year 2019 and to the Required Supplementary Information
set forth in Appendix A to this Official Statement for additional information regarding the County’s OPEB obligations.
GOVERNMENT AND ADMINISTRATION
Washington County, Maryland 14
Insurance
The County maintains commercial insurance for general liability, automobile, excess workers’ compensation, law
enforcement, public officials’ liability, and catastrophic coverage. The County is required to provide unemployment insurance
coverage for County employees.
Certain Services and Responsibilities
Education
The Board of Education of Washington County (the “Board of Education”) implements all educational policies and
programs for public schools in Washington County under the administration of the State Board of Education. The Board of
Education, composed of seven members elected for four-year terms, oversees 22,993 students (including 1,128 in pre-kindergarten),
in 47 instructional facilities, which include elementary, middle, high and combined schools. The average unrestricted Pre-K-12 per
pupil expenditure was $12,188 for the 2018-19 school year.
The largest General Fund appropriation by the County in its adopted budget for fiscal year 2020 is $100,515,610 for
the Board of Education, which represents 43.00% of the General Fund budget. This appropriation is for operating expenditures.
In addition, the County appropriated $4,115,000 in its capital budget for fiscal year 2020 for Board of Education projects.
Washington County’s high school graduation rate for the 2018-2019 school year as compared to other selected peer
group counties and the State of Maryland is as follows:
Washington Frederick Cecil Carroll Charles St. Mary’s State of
County County County County County County Maryland
91.37%91.95%93.30%95.00%94.60%94.33%86.86%
Training/Higher Education
Within a 70-mile radius of the County seat, the City of Hagerstown, there are more than 30 institutions of higher learning.
There are numerous opportunities in Washington County for residents to obtain education and training beyond the high school level.
The following describes certain programs and schools within Washington County.
Training
Western Maryland Consortium provides a wide range of workforce development services for jobseekers and employers.
Employer services include referral of applicants, customized training, financial aid for on-the-job training, recruitment, and
screening assistance. Services are generally provided at no cost to employers.
Washington County Technical High School is a two-year public high school that is under the administration of the
Washington County Public Schools. English, math, science and social studies core subject courses and 17 career and technology
programs are offered. These programs prepare students for professional/technical careers based on current industry skill standards.
Enrollment is open to qualified 11th and 12th grade students, and tuition paying adults.
Barr Construction Institute, an education division of Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc., offers management
education and professional industrial, commercial, and apprenticeship trade training. Construction and maintenance training is
recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Apprenticeship & Training, and is accredited by the National Center for
Construction Education and Research (an affiliate of the University of Florida).
Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics (“PIA”) established the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) - approved Aviation
Maintenance Technician (AMT) 16-month education program at the Hagerstown Regional Airport. With the skills PIA graduates
acquire from the program, they are equipped to work in many industries including aviation, mechanical systems, hydro-mechanical
systems and the green technology field.
GOVERNMENT AND ADMINISTRATION
Washington County, Maryland 15
Higher Education
Hagerstown Community College (“HCC”), founded in 1946, was the first community college in Maryland. With more
than 100 programs of study, HCC offers workforce preparation and credentialing, university transfer, career development, and basic
education. HCC programs include the STEMM Technical Middle College, which allows high school students the opportunity to
earn college credits and credentials while focusing on science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medical courses, an adult
education program, and the Technical Innovation Center, a small business incubator.
The County appropriated $10,035,290 in its fiscal year 2020 operating budget for HCC. HCC receives the balance of
its funding from student tuition, State grants, and other miscellaneous sources. In addition, the County appropriated $313,000
in its capital budget for fiscal year 2020 for HCC projects.
Purdue University Global, a public online, non-profit university for working adults, offers over 100 programs at the
certificate, associate, bachelor, master and doctoral level in the areas of business, criminal justice, education, health services,
information technology, law, and nursing. Purdue University Global is part of the respected Purdue University system.
University System of Maryland at Hagerstown (“USMH”) opened in January 2005 and is located in Hagerstown’s
historic City Center. USMH is part of a regional system offering 13 undergraduate and 10 graduate degree programs from six
respected universities within the Maryland system: Frostburg State University, University of Maryland Global Campus, University
of Maryland Eastern Shore, Towson University, Coppin State University and Salisbury University. Students can complete a
bachelor’s degree or earn a master’s degree. USMH also offers access to on-site academic advising, computer labs, and a full-
service library.
Planning and Zoning
The Washington County Planning Commission was created in 1957. The Planning Commission consists of seven
members appointed by the Board and is supported by the County’s Planning and Zoning Department with a staff of nine. The
Planning Commission has authority to approve subdivision and site development plans. The plans are required by the
Subdivision and the Zoning Ordinances and managed by the County’s Division of Plan Review & Permitting. Another of the
primary responsibilities of the Planning Commission is the Comprehensive Plan for the County. The Planning Commission
first recommended the adoption of a Comprehensive Plan for Washington County in 1971. Major updates to the
Comprehensive Plan were completed in 1981 and in 2002. Another update of the Comprehensive Plan is now in progress, with
adoption expected in 2020.
From the original adoption in 1973 and through amendments in 2002, 2005 and 2012, the Zoning Ordinance provides
seven classifications for industrial development: (i) “Industrial General” which encompasses heavy manufacturing plants
requiring extensive transportation, water and sewerage facilities; (ii) “Industrial Restricted” which encompasses light
manufacturing such as processing or assembly of previously processed materials; (iii) “Planned Industrial” which encompasses
the planned development of industrial park locations; (iv) “Airport” which permits industrial uses that have a need to be located
near the airport or provide airport related services and include height limitations located around the Hagerstown Regional
Airport; (v) “Highway Interchange District” which allows light industrial and commercial uses in the vicinity of interstate
interchanges to take advantage of transportation needs and opportunities; (vi) “Office, Research and Technology” which is
geared toward the development of corporate offices, research facilities, and high-tech communication land uses; and (vii)
“Office, Research and Industry” which allows a mix of technology and selected industries with increased performance
standards. The zoning regulations as well as the 2015 Maryland Building Performance Standards, the 2015 International
Existing Building Code, trade codes and local amendments administered by the Division of Construction Management and the
Division of Plan Review & Permitting govern the development of these areas.
The Planning and Zoning Department continues to update and revise the Subdivision Ordinance, the Zoning Ordinance
and other ordinances and functional plans that relate to land development in Washington County. In July 2012 the County
adopted major revisions to the zoning text and map for the Urban Growth Areas to implement the recommendations of the
Comprehensive Plan. Similar map and text amendments affecting areas around the designated Town Growth Areas of
Boonsboro, Smithsburg, Hancock and Clear Spring were adopted in 2017. Those revisions are designed to create a more
desirable and efficient urban living environment. The amendments include improvements to the design guidelines in the
industrial districts mentioned above. A new educational zone, called Education, Research and Technology, is designed
specifically to allow Hagerstown Community College to partner with emerging high-tech industries and expand its role as
business partner in the community. In an effort to coordinate development and infrastructure needs, staff is continuing to
review the Adequate Public Facilities and the Excise Tax Ordinances for possible improvement. The County has also devised
GOVERNMENT AND ADMINISTRATION
Washington County, Maryland 16
an analysis and mitigation protocol to manage the effects of increases in public school enrollments that result from new
residential development.
The Water and Sewerage Plan, the Solid Waste Plan and the Land Preservation, Parks and Recreation Plan are other
plans prepared and administered by the Planning and Zoning Department to assist in the development of the County in an
orderly fashion. The State requires that the County update each of these plans, as well as the Comprehensive Plan, at regular
intervals.
Land use control and planning within the County’s nine incorporated municipalities is under the jurisdiction of the
municipalities. Each of the municipalities has adopted its own zoning and land development regulations.
Hospital and Medical Care
Meritus Health
Meritus Health, located in Hagerstown, Maryland, is the largest health care provider in Western Maryland. As a
community-focused, not-for-profit system, Meritus Health’s programs span the continuum of health care, ranging from inpatient
care to occupational health services to physician practices and outpatient care.
Meritus Medical Center, which opened in 2010, is a state-of-the-art, Joint Commission-accredited hospital with 257
licensed beds in single-patient rooms. Services offered include a special care nursery, a level III trauma program, a primary stroke
center and a wound center, as well as a cardiac diagnostic laboratory. Hospital services that address outpatient needs include the
John R. Marsh Cancer Center, Meritus Total Rehab Care, Meritus Endocrinology Specialists, Meritus Home Health, Meritus
Medical Laboratory and Equipped for Life.
Meritus Medical Group, with more than 100 physicians and advanced practice providers, is a medical neighborhood of
primary and specialty care practices offering comprehensive, coordinated health care services to all ages.
Washington County Health Department
The Washington County Health Department, which provides various health services to the citizens of Washington County,
is budgeted to receive a total of $2,339,270 in fiscal year 2020 from the County. Along with the main headquarters, it has staff and
programs based at seven other sites. The Health Department employs a total of 146 full-time and part-time personnel in five
divisions.
The Environmental Health Division of the Health Department engages in food inspection, well and septic services,
community services, transient and non-transient water analysis, rabies control, complaint and outbreak investigations, and
emergency response. The Nursing Division is responsible for maternal and child health programs, communicable disease
surveillance and control, tuberculosis control, refugee and migrant health services, reproductive health services, STD screening and
treatment, HIV and AIDS services, immunizations, Maryland Children’s Health Insurance Program, cancer screening, vision
screening, adult evaluation and review services, and WIC services. The Health Planning and Strategic Initiatives Division is
responsible for relaying of public information, community relations, emergency preparedness, as well as developing and maintaining
agency partnerships and providing chronic disease prevention and control initiatives. The Division of Behavioral Health Services
provides a comprehensive system of care, including prevention, intervention, referral and treatment services for substance use and
mental health disorders in a variety of settings. The Administration Division, which includes Accounting, Personnel, Information
Technology, Procurement, Billing, Maintenance and Health Officer staff, provides management support for all programs within the
agency.
Other Medical Facilities
The George W. Comstock Center for Public Health Research and Prevention is a facility of the Johns Hopkins
Bloomberg School of Public Health and was established in 1962 as a joint enterprise of the Maryland Department of Health
and Mental Hygiene, Washington County Health Department and The Johns Hopkins University. The center has expertise and
capacity in the conduct of large community health surveys, as well as a close working relationship with the County Health
Department. Funding, sponsored through research grants by the National Institutes of Health as well as private foundations,
supports 20 to 30 staff members in the Comstock Center. Research includes heart disease surveillance and epidemiology of
cancer, heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, sleep and other conditions. Prevention research results are disseminated nationally
and internationally primarily through numerous journal publications.
GOVERNMENT AND ADMINISTRATION
Washington County, Maryland 17
There are nine privately owned licensed skilled nursing facilities with a total of 1,007 beds and one State-owned licensed
skilled nursing facility with 63 beds in Washington County. All of these facilities are dually certified by Medicare and Medicaid.
In addition, there are 19 privately owned assisted living facilities with a total of 752 beds. Other medical facilities include the
Western Maryland Center, a 123 bed State-owned, chronic care facility, and the Brook Lane Psychiatric Center, a privately-owned
psychiatric facility. None of these facilities receive funds from the County.
Safety
Law Enforcement
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office, the Maryland State Police, and municipal police agencies provide police
protection in Washington County. The Sheriff’s Office has 101 sworn personnel and 97 radio-dispatched vehicles. The Sheriff’s
Office is responsible for the operation of the Detention Center, which has a capacity of 450 inmates. In October 2016, a Day
Reporting Center opened that provides treatment services to non-violent offenders with drug and/or alcohol addictions, as well as
providing services for the Circuit Court Adult Drug Court Program. The State Police has 35 troopers assigned to the local barrack,
which is located just south of Hagerstown. The Hagerstown Police Department has a full-time force of 110 officers. The Hancock
Police Department employs four full-time officers. In addition, the Smithsburg Police Department employs four officers and the
Boonsboro Police Department employs five police officers.
Emergency Services
The County’s Division of Emergency Services (“DES”) oversees Emergency Communication/911, Emergency
Management, Fire and Rescue, and the Emergency Medical Services Operations Program. DES is led by a full-time career
Director and four full-time department heads who oversee the daily operational components of Emergency Services in
Washington County. The division has 104 full-time and part-time personnel working directly within the division and
approximately 40 volunteers who provide dedicated service to the citizens of Washington County.
Emergency Communications
The Emergency Communications Center is overseen by an assistant director with three full-time executive support staff.
The Emergency Communications Center processes all 911 calls for the County and all of the Washington County municipalities
through one central dispatch location. The call center and new digital radio system enables first responders to communicate in a
safe, seamless and compatible way, enhancing their ability to respond to emergencies and save lives. The call center also integrates
the City of Hagerstown’s and Washington County’s non-emergency responders, allowing them to serve the community quickly and
efficiently.
Emergency Management
Emergency management activities are overseen by an assistant director with support from a full-time emergency
planner. Emergency Management is responsible for mitigation, planning, response and recovery from natural and technical
disasters. Washington County has a Local Emergency Planning Committee, overseen by Emergency Management, that
coordinates disaster planning, conducts drills to exercise the County Emergency Operations Plan, and oversees a community
outreach program consisting of home chemical safety training, citizen preparedness, and pertinent educational programs.
Fire and Rescue
Fire and rescue protection are coordinated through DES by an assistant director. Working collaboratively with the
Washington County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association (the “WCVFRA”), DES coordinates the services provided by 14
volunteer fire companies and eight volunteer ambulance companies throughout Washington County. All volunteer companies
belong to the WCVFRA. The association has approximately 700 volunteers who provide a combination of firefighting, rescue,
emergency medical and administrative services to the community. Several volunteer companies have hired career personnel to
supplement the volunteer staff during times of low volunteer availability.
Special Operations activities are overseen by an assistant director. The County has a vision to become the regional leader
in providing and coordinating efficient public services. In response to that vision the Special Operations Team has eight full-time,
23 part-time and additional volunteer personnel who complete extensive training in various technical and/or specialized areas
including hazardous materials, trench rescue, rope rescue, water rescue, structural collapse and confined space rescue.
GOVERNMENT AND ADMINISTRATION
Washington County, Maryland 18
Fire protection within the City of Hagerstown is provided by a combination career and volunteer fire department. The
department includes six stations with five engines and two ladder trucks. The department is led by a career Fire Chief, a Fire
Marshall, two Assistant Fire Marshalls, and six Shift Commanders. The department has 84 full-time career firefighters and 43
trained volunteer firefighters.
Emergency Medical Services
The Emergency Medical Services (“EMS”) section provides leadership, direction, support and coordination to the
County’s EMS system. The leadership works to continuously improve the efficiency and quality of medical services being
provided to those who reside and travel within the County. EMS is overseen by an assistant director and includes eight full-
time advanced life support (“ALS”) technicians and five part-time ALS technicians. This team deploys two highly specialized
ALS chase units which support the eight independent emergency medical services companies located in the County in the
delivery of the highest quality pre-hospital care. Additionally, personnel are available for supplemental staffing to the
independent companies and are available to provide additional resources for high risk events and large public gatherings.
A part-time medical director provides medical control and quality assurance programs to help ensure the highest quality
of pre-hospital medical care is consistently delivered to County citizens. An assistant medical director also provides medical control
and quality assurance activities to the Special Response Team, which consists of law enforcement personnel and paramedics who
are trained to deal with high priority law enforcement activities.
Environmental Management
The Division of Environmental Management (“DEM”), which includes the Department of Water Quality, the
Environmental Engineering Department, the Solid Waste Department, the Stormwater Management Department and the
Watershed Department, was created in fiscal year 2007. The State and federal environmental initiatives as they pertain to
water, wastewater, stormwater, solid waste and nutrients are all jointly related. DEM is responsible for integrating applicable
regulations and applying them to the operations of these departments.
Solid Waste
The Washington County Solid Waste Department is responsible for a solid waste disposal system that protects the
environment and public health. Currently the County disposes of solid waste at the 40 West Landfill, which opened in 2000. At
current disposal rates, this site could meet the County’s estimated disposal needs until 2080. The County is in the process of
evaluating other methods of handling solid waste as an alternative to landfilling. The department operates five solid waste
convenience centers that are strategically located throughout Washington County. Supporting and strengthening individual and
community self-reliance and responsibility in the areas of waste reduction, recycling, and proper disposal of solid waste is the
mission of the Solid Waste Department.
Water Supply and Wastewater Facilities
The County has a master water and wastewater plan, which assigns service priority designations for all areas within
Washington County. These designations range from “No Planned Service” to “Existing and Under Construction”. The plan serves
as a guide for the orderly development and expansion of water and wastewater facilities, both within Washington County and in
those incorporated municipalities owning and operating their own systems, requiring the County or incorporated municipality to
obtain a proper service designation before constructing or expanding water or wastewater services.
The County is authorized to provide public water and wastewater service to areas outside the incorporated municipalities
and may provide service within a municipal corporation located in Washington County with the consent of the municipality. The
County currently provides water and/or wastewater services to nearly all of the immediate densely populated area surrounding the
City of Hagerstown (except the Dual Highway corridor), the areas of Highfield, Elk Ridge, Sandy Hook, and the towns of
Sharpsburg and Smithsburg. The incorporated municipalities of Hagerstown, Boonsboro, Clear Spring, Funkstown, Hancock,
Keedysville, and Williamsport all own their water/wastewater facilities, or portions thereof. In addition to providing the wastewater
service described above, the County operates the water and wastewater systems for the Town of Clear Spring and Brook Lane
Health Services.
Five treatment plants serve the County water system with an aggregate capacity of 453,000 gallons per day, with
individual plant capacities from 4,000 to 230,000 gallons per day. The County wastewater system is served by five treatment
plants with an aggregate capacity of 5,746,000 gallons per day, with individual plant capacities from 21,000 to 4.5 million
GOVERNMENT AND ADMINISTRATION
Washington County, Maryland 19
gallons per day. The County upgraded its wastewater facilities to comply with the State’s enhanced nutrient removal (“ENR”)
strategy. The Winebrenner Treatment Plant ENR upgrade began construction in fiscal year 2015 and was completed in the fall
of 2016. The Conococheague Wastewater Treatment Plant ENR upgrade began construction in the fall of 2016 and was
completed in the spring of 2019.
Usage of water and wastewater systems is measured in Number of Services and Number of Equivalent Dwelling Units
(“EDUs”). Number of Services refers to the number of actual connections and EDU is a unit of measure, which equates the
consumption, or flow of commercial or industrial connections, to the average flow of a residential dwelling unit.
The County bills its customers quarterly except for those for which wastewater treatment service is provided by the
City of Hagerstown, in which case the County’s charges are billed and collected on its behalf by the City of Hagerstown. The
following table shows the total Number of Services and EDUs of the County’s water and wastewater systems and the annual
residential user rates effective July 1, 2019. For customers receiving County collection services only, treatment is provided by
the City of Hagerstown.
Residential
No. of No. of Annual (Avg)
Services EDUs User Rate
Residential
No. of No. of Annual (Avg)
Services EDUs User Rate
WATER SYSTEM
WASTEWATER SYSTEM
The County provides wastewater “treatment only” services to its wholesale customers, which are the towns of Williamsport
and Smithsburg, the Conococheague Pretreatment Facility (the “Pretreatment Facility”), Fort Ritchie and the City of Hagerstown.
The only major wastewater treatment facility for public use in Washington County other than those operated by the County is the
Hagerstown Wastewater Treatment Plant, owned and operated by the City of Hagerstown, which has a capacity of 8 million gallons
per day.
The Pretreatment Facility serves all of Washington County by providing pretreatment of non-hazardous industrial
wastewater, landfill leachate and metals-bearing waste streams, and has a capacity of 125,000 gallons per day (current average usage
is 115,000 gallons per day). The Pretreatment Facility was privatized in 2006 through a long-term lease to a private corporation.
ECONOMIC AND DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION
Washington County, Maryland 20
III. Economic and Demographic Information
Department of Business Development
The Washington County Department of Business Development (the “DBD”) is dedicated to creating and sustaining a
positive pro-business climate.
The DBD currently has six full-time employees to conduct the day-to-day operations of the office, as well as business
development and business outreach efforts in the community.
Throughout the year the DBD meets with representatives of existing companies in need of assistance. Discussions
include appropriate funding programs, incentive benefits, customized training programs, workforce development efforts, and
other sources of business support. The DBD has formed strategic partnerships with such organizations as the Maryland
Department of Commerce, the City of Hagerstown, the Washington County Chamber of Commerce, The Greater Hagerstown
Committee, Inc., and Washington County Convention & Visitors Bureau, in order to better serve the needs of businesses in
Washington County.
The DBD was actively involved in Washington County becoming certified as the first ACT Work Ready Community
in Maryland, an initiative that matches the labor force with available jobs in Washington County.
The DBD administers the Enterprise Zone Program, identifying eligible businesses that qualify for local real property
tax credits and State income tax credits in the City of Hagerstown, the Town of Hancock, and elsewhere in Washington County.
For tax year 2019-20 (fiscal year 2020), the City of Hagerstown, the Town of Hancock, and the County granted $23,103, $421,
and $459,281, respectively, in real property tax credits for private capital investment. The State of Maryland is expected to
reimburse $11,551 to the City of Hagerstown, $210 to the Town of Hancock, and $229,641 to the County for these credits.
ECONOMIC AND DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION
Washington County, Maryland 21
Business Development
New and Expanding Businesses
In calendar year 2019, the County experienced new and expanding businesses highlighted by the creation of 238 new
jobs and known new investments of approximately $103.2 million. Many of these achievements are a result of incentive
packages provided through partnerships of the County and State to provide training programs, State financing, and Enterprise
Zone tax credits. Significant projects announced in 2019 and 2020 that are expected to provide an additional 2,356 new jobs
and an additional $545.2 million of new investments are noted in the following table based on the most recent information
available:
Completed/
Expected Project #New
Company Name Business Type Completion Cost (1)Jobs (1)Sf/Acreage
AmeriServ Financial Bank Finance 1Q19 700,000$ 5
Krispy Kreme Retail 1 Q19 974,426 n/a New Jobs/Construction
Meritus Medical Plaza Healthcare 1Q19 15,000,000 0
Middletown Valley Bank - Marsh Pike Finance 1Q19 265,000 8
EM Corporation Manufacturing 2Q19 1,300,000 10
Lidl Grocery Store Retail 2Q19 2,000,000 n/a
Middletown Valley Bank - N. Potomac Finance 2Q19 400,000 22
Maryland Theatre Arts and Entertainment 1Q19 13,000,000 0
R&L Carriers Transportation 4Q19 6,000,000 25
NB3 Packaging Manufacturing 3Q19 1,500,000 15
First United Bank (Smitsburg)Finance 4Q19 350,000 2
First United Bank (Wesel Blvd)Finance 4Q19 350,000 2
Volvo Manufacturing 3Q19 43,000,000 85
CNB Bank (Dual Highway)Finance 4Q19 300,000 n/a
Rider Jet Center Hangar Space 2Q19 3,000,000 n/a
Black Rock Bar and Grille Hospitality 2Q19 1,100,000 20
Home2 Suites by Hilton Hospitality 2Q19 14,000,000 44
Sub-totals 103,239,426$ 238
Dick's Sporting Goods Retail 1Q20 15,000,000$
Regal Cinemas Tourism 1Q20 10,000,000
SkyZone Tourism 1Q20 400,000
Cushwa Brewary Expansion 2Q20 1,200,000 16
North Point Development (ph 1)Warehouse/Distribution 4Q20
North Point Development (ph 2)Warehouse/Distribution 4Q21 250,000,000 1500
Trammel Crow Warehouse/Distribution 1Q20 62,500,000 500
Antraquip Manufacturing 2Q20 2,250,000 15
IKO Industries/Blair Materials Manufacturing 1Q20 70,000,000 40
Da'Vita Foods Manufacturing 1Q20 1,200,000 20
National Park Service (C&O Canal)Tourism 3Q20 26,650,000 75
First United Bank (Edgewood Dr.)Finance 1Q20 300,000 u/k
Pinnacle Foods Manufacturing 4Q19 35,000,000 100
PSI, Inc Manufacturing 4Q19 6,000,000 u/k
Volvo VPL R&D 1Q21 33,000,000 12
Stoney Creek Farm & Event Center Expansion 2Q20 9,500,000 20
Antietam Overlook Brewery/B&B Expansion 2Q20 800,000 15
New Heights Industrial Park Unknown 2Q20 12,000,000 u/k
Pathfinder Farm Tourism 900,000 5
Thomas, Bennett, Hunter Construction 1Q20 1,500,000 u/k
Elmwood Farm Distillery Tourism 1,000,000 8
Utility Keystone Transportation 1Q21 6,000,000 30 16 acres
Sub-totals 545,200,000$ 2356
648,439,426$ 2,594
Source: Washington County Department of Business Development
(1) Estimates based on company announcements.
Completed Projects 2019
Hagerstown-Washington County, Maryland -- Significant Business Activity for 2019/2020
Type of
Renovation/New Business
New Jobs/Construction
Activity
Relocation/Expansion
Relocation/Construction
Expansion
New Jobs/Expansion
New Jobs/Construction
Relocation
Expansion
Expansion
New Jobs/Relocation
Renovation
Renovation
Expansion/New Jobs
Renovation
New Construction
Relocation/Expansion
Investment/Rehabilitation
New Jobs/Expansion
New Equipment
New Jobs/Expansion
Expansion
Expansion
Construction/New Jobs/Possible Expan
Totals for Projects 2019/2020:
Projects Under Development or Announced 2019
Relocation/Expansion
Renovation/Expansion
Expansion
Expansion
New Construction
New Construction
New Jobs/Expansion
New Jobs/Relocation
Expansion/New Jobs
New Jobs/Relocation/Construction
Renovation/Expansion
ECONOMIC AND DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION
Washington County, Maryland 22
Business Parks and Sites
Through the DBD, the County promotes the development of both private and non-profit business parks and sites. The
County also successfully obtains financing for necessary infrastructure through various State and federal agencies to support these
developments as locations for new and expanding businesses. The County offers prospective businesses a selection of sites in
planned industrial/business parks, which include:
Park Total Available Ownership
Acreage Acreage
City of Hagerstown—Washington County
Valley Business Park ………………………...…..…………………273 123 Private
Hagerstown Business Park ………………………...…..………….90 5 Private
Hagerstown Industrial Park ………………………...…..…………251 11 Private
Hunt Ridge Business Park ………………………...…..…………..57 22 Private
MKS Business Park ………………………...…..………………….81 11 Private
Town of Hancock Enterprise Zone:
Hancock Industrial Park………………………………………..…185 157 Town
Raylock Business Park………………………………………..…..55 20 Town
Other Locations:
Airport Business Park …………………….…….….……..………205 45 Nonprofit
Antietam Industrial Park …………………….…….….……..……27 7 Nonprofit
Bowman Airpark ………………….…....……………..……...........56 10 Private
Crossroads Business Park……….…....……………..……...........122 47 Private
Earley Industrial Park ………….........………….…....……………160 52 Private
Friendship Technology Park ………………….…....……………435 69 Private
Friendship Town Center ………………………………………….161 161 Private
Cascade Town Centre…...………………….…....……………..…591 528 Public
Gateway Business Park………………………..…………….……65 21 Private
Greencastle Pike Business Park………………..…………….…..127 42 Private
HGR Aviation Tech Park………………………………….………162 12 Private
Hub Business Park………………………………….……………..130 16 Private
Hunter’s Green Business Center…………..……..………………676 59 Private
Huyetts Business Park…………..……..……………............…….66 10 Private
Interstate Industrial Park…………..……..……………............….457 58 Private
Interstate 70/81 Industrial Park…………..……..……………...…178 26 Private
Light Business Park …………………….……….………...………24 10 Private
Mount Aetna Technology Park at Hagerstown (MATH)……..261 202 Nonprofit
Newgate Industrial Park………………………….………………..161 19 Nonprofit
Orchard Park at Label Lane….........................................................20 20 Nonprofit
Potomac Parkway/Lockwood Business Area…………………..53 21 Private
Showalter Road Center…………………..……….………………..89 89 Private
Top Flight Airpark…....…………………..……….……………….56 8 Private
Vista Business Park………………………………………………..177 74 Private
Washington County Business Park.......………………...…...…..212 35 County
Westgate Industrial Complex……………………………………..175 175 Private
Enterprise Zone:
New Jobs Tax Credit Program
The “New Jobs Tax Credit” is a program initiated by the County in November 2002. The credit was created to help attract
to the local business community companies that are involved in a high-tech industry and that offer well-paying jobs. The program
provides a six-year tax credit for businesses that either expand or relocate in Washington County and qualify under the program’s
guidelines. The credit applies to Washington County’s tax that is imposed on real property owned or leased by the business and the
tax imposed on personal property owned by that business.
ECONOMIC AND DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION
Washington County, Maryland 23
Enterprise Zones
Approximately 5,500 acres in Washington County are within two State-designated Enterprise Zones. The City of
Hagerstown/Washington County Enterprise Zone was renewed and expanded by the State in 2012. This zone now encompasses
approximately 4,000 acres located within the City of Hagerstown and Washington County. The zone has more than doubled in size
and includes Hopewell Valley Industrial Park, Washington County Business Park, CSX Valley Park, the City of Hagerstown
Business Park, and the Central Business District in downtown Hagerstown. The Hancock Enterprise Zone was renewed in 2015.
This 1,500 acre zone surrounds the Town of Hancock, stretching from the Pennsylvania border to the Potomac River. The zone
includes commercial and industrial development opportunities in select areas of Hancock as well as commercial frontage along
Main Street. Local and State incentives are available to new or expanding companies in these zones to promote growth of the
industrial and commercial base. Qualified businesses can receive local property tax credits for capital investment and State income
tax credits for the creation of new jobs. Each Enterprise Zone is approved by the State for a 10-year period.
Pad-Ready Commercial Stimulus Program
The Board adopted the “Pad-Ready” Commercial Stimulus Program on October 25, 2011. The program is designed to
encourage developers/builders to bring undeveloped land to a shovel-ready state but is also intended for sites with existing buildings
in need of redevelopment. Under the program, undeveloped parcels of land, demolitions, renovations and expansions of existing
buildings qualify for incentives. Qualifying projects are entitled to priority plan review by the Washington County Development
Advisory Committee, deferral of County site-plan application and review fees, and a real-estate tax credit issuance once buildings
are constructed and occupied. The tax credit is four-tenths of one percent (0.004) of the construction cost of the new improvement
as determined by the DBD and will apply for three consecutive years.
High Performance Building Tax Credit Program
On February 7, 2012, the Board established the High Performance Tax Credit Program. Under the program, property tax
credits are available for buildings that receive silver, gold or platinum certification in the national LEED (Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design) ranking system. The amount of the credit depends on which level of certification the building receives and
the increase in its assessed value after construction. Silver buildings are credited 20 percent of the taxes due on that increase; gold
buildings, 25 percent; and platinum buildings, 30 percent.
Job Creation and Capital Investment Real Property Tax Credit Program
The Job Creation and Capital Investment Real Property Tax Credits Program was enacted by the Board in May 2017, to
help attract companies to the local business community that offer well-paying jobs. It is also available to new or established
businesses within the County that expand. This program provides up to a 15-year tax credit for businesses that either expand or
locate in Washington County. The credit applies to Washington County’s real property tax that is imposed on real property owned
or leased by the business, if the business qualifies under the program’s guidelines
HUBZone
The Historically Underutilized Business Zones (HUBZone) program, through the Small Business Administration, helps
small businesses in urban and rural communities gain preferential access to federal procurement opportunities. Benefits for
HUBZone certified companies include competitive and sole sourcing contracting, 10% price evaluation preference in full and open
contract competitions, as well as subcontracting opportunities. The federal government’s goal is to award at least three percent of
all federal contracting dollars to HUBZone certified small businesses each year; to date, no businesses in the County have qualified.
Opportunity Zone
The federal Opportunity Zone program, started in 2019 and ending in 2029, allows investors to receive substantial federal
tax incentives over that ten (10) year period by investing their capital gains into Opportunity Zones. Washington County has five
Opportunity Zones in two areas: City of Hagerstown and the Town of Williamsport. Opportunity Zones feature new federal tax
incentives designed to drive long-term private investment to distressed communities. Investors are able to defer and even reduce
their federal tax liability on the sale of assets if they place their gains into an Opportunity Fund, which pools capital and support
investments in small businesses and real estate within the Opportunity Zones in order to improve communities and the quality of
life for residents.
ECONOMIC AND DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION
Washington County, Maryland 24
Foreign Trade Zone
Washington County’s Foreign Trade Zone (“FTZ”) status was approved by the United States Department of Commerce’s
Foreign Trade Zone Board on July 3, 2002. More than 1,700 acres from five different sites throughout Washington County are
eligible. The sites are ideally zoned for manufacturing, distribution, and warehousing activities. FTZs have been shown to provide
direct benefits to local businesses involved in foreign trade. Through the reduction, elimination, and deferral of tariffs, firms
located within Washington County’s FTZ are able to be more competitive in international markets.
Utilities, Transportation and Communication
Utilities
Electricity: Potomac Edison, a FirstEnergy Company, with its Western Maryland headquarters located in Washington
County, serves the County with a system of transmission and distribution lines of various voltages connected to its generating
stations. The City of Hagerstown distributes electricity to many parts of the City.
Telecommunications: State-of-the-art communications infrastructure, including hybrid cable, digital, fiber optic, wireless
data, cellular 4G LTE, and broadband services are provided via national and regional vendors. AT&T, Sprint, and Verizon operate
within Washington County.
Natural Gas: Columbia Gas of Maryland serves the area with natural gas. Propane is also readily available.
Transportation
Highways: Washington County is served by Interstate Highways I-81, I-70, and I-68, complemented by U.S. 40 and U.S.
11, and State Routes 60, 63, 64, 65 and 68. These highways put Washington County businesses within a day’s drive of one-third
of the U.S. population and half of all retail trade. The Baltimore and Washington, D.C. beltways are an hour’s drive from central
Washington County.
Air: Hagerstown Regional Airport (HGR) is a Part 139 Facility which provides twice weekly service to Orlando/Sanford
International (SFB), via Allegiant. Allegiant also offers summer seasonal flights twice weekly to St Pete-Clearwater (PIE) and
Myrtle Beach (MYR) airports. The airfield also offers fixed base operation services to general aviation, corporate and military
aircraft. There are 17 businesses offering clients a variety of aviation services for all types of aircraft. Approximately 1,600 people
are employed locally as a result of the airport being in Washington County. In addition, Dulles International, Baltimore/Washington
International Thurgood Marshall and Ronald Reagan Washington National airports are located within 70 miles of Hagerstown.
Rail: CSX Transportation and Norfolk Southern Corporation Railways provide economical shipment anywhere on
the Atlantic seaboard. CSX, with a public siding, operates daily trains and connects with other major carriers for long-distance
shipping. The Norfolk Southern mainline is just outside of Hagerstown and a CSX interchange with Norfolk Southern is in
Hagerstown for nationwide access. Immediately adjacent to Washington County in Greencastle, Pennsylvania, Norfolk
Southern Rail operates a 200 acre intermodal terminal. The County is also only 19 miles from CSX’s 85 acre intermodal
terminal in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. Daily Amtrak and weekday MARC passenger services are available from
Martinsburg, West Virginia (23 miles south of Hagerstown). MARC passenger service from neighboring Frederick County to
Washington, D.C. is also available.
Local Transportation: Washington County Commuter provides local bus service throughout Washington County. Local
taxi service, lyft, uber, auto rental and leasing services are available within Washington County.
Communication
Newspapers: The daily newspaper, The Herald-Mail, has a Monday-Saturday circulation of 27,000, and a Sunday
circulation of 32,000. The Hancock News, with a weekly circulation of 2,000, also serves Washington County. Several
metropolitan newspapers, including the Washington Post and The Baltimore Sun, are available daily to residents.
Television: WDVM provides local news, weather, community information, sports coverage and programming to the tri-
state area. Antietam Cable Television and Comcast offer cable and digital television services. Satellite television is available
through private vendors.
ECONOMIC AND DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION
Washington County, Maryland 25
Internet: There are numerous private vendors providing local dial-up, wireless, and broadband Internet access. The
Washington County Free Library provides access to the Internet through SAILOR, the State of Maryland’s Online Public
Information Network.
Population
The following table illustrates the population growth of Washington County, the State of Maryland, and the United States
from calendar years 1970 to 2020.
Population Growth
State of Maryland United StatesWashington County
Income
Median household Effective Buying Income (“EBI”) in Washington County was estimated at $59,719 for calendar year
2018. The median household EBI for Washington County, the State of Maryland and the United States are estimated as follows:
Washington County $59,719 $56,316 $56,228 $56,477 $55,700
State of Maryland 81,868 76,067 74,551 74,149 72,345
United States 60,293 55,322 53,889 53,482 52,176
Source: MD Brief Economic Facts for 2014-2018; United States Census Bureau QuickFacts
Comparative statistics relating to the distribution of EBI for calendar year 2017 are presented in the following table:
Households By
EBI Group Washington County State of Maryland United States
Distribution of Effective Buying Income (2017)
ECONOMIC AND DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION
Washington County, Maryland 26
Area Labor Supply
Washington County has an available civilian labor force of approximately 77,592. In addition, businesses draw employees
from Allegany, Garrett and Frederick counties in Maryland; Franklin and Fulton counties in Pennsylvania; and portions of Berkeley,
Jefferson and Morgan counties in West Virginia. The civilian labor force for all these counties totals more than 433,769.
Employment
Within Washington County there are more than 3,410 businesses. The following table shows the employment
statistics for the 15 largest employers in Washington County as of December 2018.
Employer Employment
Unemployment Rate
Unemployment in Washington County averaged 4.7% between 2015 and 2019. The following table indicates the County’s
average unemployment rate as compared with the State of Maryland for the five most recent calendar years.
2019 2018 2017 2016 2015
Washington County 3.8%4.5%4.4%5.1%5.8%
State of Maryland 3.6%4.2%4.1%4.4%5.2%
Unemployment Rate – Annual Average
Source: Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation
ECONOMIC AND DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION
Washington County, Maryland 27
Construction Activity
Construction activity during the years 2015-2019 in Washington County is provided below:
Year Ended
Dec. 31 Number Value Number Value Number Value
Building Permits
(Value in Thousands)
Residential New Other Permits Total
Housing Starts
The number of single family housing starts in Washington County for the past five years is listed below:
Single Family (One and
Two‑Unit Structures)
Year Ended
December 31
Multi-family housing starts in the County were nominal during 2016. During the year ended December 31, 2015 there
were five, 24-unit multi-family buildings constructed and for the year ending December 31, 2017, there were 12, 24-unit multi-
family buildings constructed. During the years ending December 31, 2018 and 2019, there were no multi-family units constructed.
ECONOMIC AND DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION
Washington County, Maryland 28
Agriculture
Agriculture is an important part of Washington County’s economy. Approximately 119,248 of Washington County’s
293,223 acres (41%) are considered farmland by the U.S.D.A. Agricultural Statistical Service. By far the greatest contributors to
agriculture are the livestock and dairy industries. Livestock, poultry and other animal products account for approximately 75% of
the total farm sales.
Washington County is the heart of the fruit industry in Maryland. Apple and peach growers harvest nearly 1,274 acres
annually producing approximately 61% of the State’s apple crop and 27% of the State’s peach crop each year. Dairy is the
principal livestock enterprise. The average number of milk cows is 13,023 head, ranking first in the State. In addition to milk
and fruit, the other chief agricultural commodities are beef cattle and cereal grains. Selected agricultural statistics for
Washington County for calendar year 2017 are as follows:
Washington County Agriculture Statistics, 2017
Estimated market value of land and builiding:
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Washington County, Maryland 29
IV. Financial Information
Accounting System
The accounts of the County are organized on the basis of funds, each of which is considered a separate fiscal and accounting
entity. The financial position and operations of each fund are accounted for with a self-balancing set of accounts, recording cash
and other financial resources, together with all related liabilities and residual equities or balances, and changes therein, which are
segregated for the purpose of carrying on specific activities or attaining certain objectives in accordance with special regulations,
restrictions, or limitations.
Fund Structure
The revenues and receipts of the County are allocated to, and accounted for, in individual funds based upon the
purposes for which they are to be spent. The various funds are identified in the financial statements of the County. The fund
types used by the County are Governmental Funds (General, Special Revenue and Capital Projects), Proprietary Funds
(Enterprise and Internal Service) and Fiduciary Funds (Trust and Agency). Details of the County’s fund structure are set forth
in the Notes to the financial statements for fiscal year 2019 that are included in Appendix A to this Official Statement.
The County’s general fixed assets and general long-term obligations are reported in the applicable governmental or
business-type activity columns in the government-wide financial statements.
Basis of Accounting, Measurement Focus, and Financial Statement Presentation
Basis of accounting refers to the time at which revenues and expenditures are recognized in the accounts and reported in
the financial statements. Basis of accounting relates to the timing of the measurement made, regardless of the measurement focus
applied. The accounting policies of the County conform to generally accepted accounting principles as applicable to governments.
The government-wide financial statements are reported using the economic resources measurement focus and the accrual
basis of accounting, as are the proprietary fund and fiduciary fund financial statements. Revenues are recorded when earned and
expenses are recorded when a liability is incurred, regardless of the timing of related cash flows. Property taxes are recognized as
revenues in the year for which they are levied. Grants and similar items are recognized as revenue as soon as all eligibility
requirements imposed by the provider have been met.
Governmental fund financial statements for the General Fund, Special Revenue Fund and Capital Projects Fund are
reported using the current financial resources measurement focus and the modified accrual basis of accounting. Revenues are
recognized as soon as they are both measurable and available. Revenues are considered to be available when they are collectible
within the current period or soon enough thereafter to pay liabilities of the current period. For this purpose, the government considers
revenues to be available if they are collected within 60 days of the end of the current fiscal period. Expenditures generally are
recorded when a liability is incurred, as under accrual accounting. However, debt service expenditures, as well as expenditures
related to compensated absences and claims and judgments, are recorded only when payment is due.
Taxpayer-assessed income, gross receipts, and sales taxes are considered “measurable” when in the hands of intermediary
collecting governments and are recognized as revenue at that time. Anticipated refunds of such taxes are recorded as liabilities and
reductions of revenue when they are measurable and their validity seems certain.
Accounting Enterprise System
The County utilizes an integrated financial, human resource, and budget enterprise system. This enterprise system has a
web-based platform that streamlines workflow, which allows the County to automate numerous processes including real-time
reporting. All County departments have access to the system for requisitioning, reporting, and inquiries for information concerning
accounts and project status at any time. The system provides an excellent means for control of finances and allows for efficient use
of resources. It also promotes accountability by generating timely reports and allowing budgetary controls for management.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Washington County, Maryland 30
Capital Budget Preparation Software
The County uses a web-based capital budget preparation and monitoring system. It allows all departments and outside
agencies to access the system and input their capital budget requests, including funding sources, cost categories and operational
costs. The County set up a priority-ranking matrix system within the software. The ranking system is composed of 14 scored and
weighted criteria, which is the basis for assigning projects into one of the five priority ranking categories. The ranking system
provides management with the information required to make decisions regarding scheduling and funding for each project. The
capital budget system provides multiple reporting options and allows for continuous monitoring of activities of existing projects.
Distinguished Budget Presentation Award
The County received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for its 2019 Budget Document from the
Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada. The award is given to those entities that satisfy
nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget presentation. Those guidelines are designed to assess how well an entity’s
budget serves as a policy document, a financial plan, an operations guide, and a communication device. The County has
received the award for 15 consecutive years. The award reflects the commitment of the County to meet the highest standards
in governmental budgeting.
Budget Process and Schedule
The County’s budgetary practices focus on long-term financial planning to ensure that budget decisions are understood
over multiple years and to assess whether program and service levels can be sustained over those years. Practices require the
development of organizational goals, policies, and procedures to achieve the goals, and making the allocation of resources
available to accomplish the goals.
The County’s budget process is key to its long-range strategic plan. With the adoption phase ending in May, the entire
budget process encompasses nine months in preparation time. Financial forecasts, economic trends, policy reviews, and citizen
input are all part of this process and result in the development of the operating and capital budgets for the year. The following
describes the phases of the budget process.
Financial Capacity and Analysis Phase
The County develops statistical analysis of major revenue sources through various available resources. The County
prepares and annually updates a long-range (five year) financial forecasting system, which includes projections of revenues,
expenditures, future costs, and financing of capital improvements that are included in the Capital Improvement Budget, Cost of
Service Plans, and the Operating Budget.
Revenue estimates are monitored to identify any potential trends which would significantly impact the various revenue
sources. The County reviews current construction trends, the number of building permits, mortgage rates, and other economic data
that can impact revenue collections.
The County uses other financial modeling techniques that impact the long-term operations and rates for the Water Quality
and Landfill Enterprise Funds.
The County annually undertakes a detailed analysis of its financial position. The County then plots and converts its
financial position into certain financial ratios and examines its performance trend. Most of the financial trend analysis includes peer
group median and historical data. Trend indicators are tracked for specific elements of the County’s fiscal policies for evaluation.
Debt capacity is evaluated on an annual basis prior to the adoption of the Capital Improvement Budget. The County
examines statistical measures to determine debt capacity and creates ratios, which it compares to the ratios of other counties within
its peer group, rating agency standards, and Washington County’s historical ratios to determine debt affordability.
The economic and financial trend analysis is an integral part of the County’s decision-making process that includes short
and long-term forecasts. The County’s current financial condition as well as future financial capacity, long-range plans, and future
goals and visions are evaluated. During this phase forecasting assumptions, policy and reserve reviews, compensation adjustments,
and inflation assumptions are made.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Washington County, Maryland 31
Budget Development Start
The development of the budget starts with notice to departments and agencies that the capital and operating budget
programs are ready for input. Instructions for completing the budgets, due dates, and updated information on budgetary numbers,
personnel positions, and goals are included with the notification.
Budget Development Phase
Capital Improvement Budget development begins in the winter after the development of the debt capacity and financial
trend and economic trend analysis. The Capital Improvement Program (the “CIP”) provides a comprehensive approach to planning
and impacts all facets of County operations. The County Administrator, the CFO, the Director of Engineering, the Director of
Planning, and the Director of Public Works comprise the Capital Improvement Program Committee (the “CIP Committee”). From
the time the CIP’s initial annual review begins in October through its adoption in May of each fiscal year, there is constant interaction
among departments, the CIP Committee, and the elected officials. This effort is characterized by cooperation and reflects a common
goal of ensuring that the CIP meets the objectives of the County and remains affordable and achievable.
The CIP is reviewed in conjunction with the annual debt affordability analysis and with revenue projections, inclusive of
rate analysis, in order to determine funding availability. A financial analysis of funding sources and project costs is conducted for
all proposed capital improvement projects in conjunction with the results of the priority ranking system.
It is the CIP Committee’s responsibility to review all requests that County departments and agencies submit. Based on the
results of the priority ranking, and current and future needs, as developed in the 10-year capital plan, and available funding sources,
the CIP Committee determines which capital projects best meet established criteria for the current fiscal year Capital Improvement
Budget and the 10-year forecast. Operating impacts of current and proposed capital projects are also taken into consideration by
staff when developing the Capital Improvement Budget.
Operating Budgets represent existing service levels and two years of prior historical information. Departments and
agencies request funding for the upcoming fiscal year. Any increases in program and services require justification, as do all capital
outlay requests. These requests are summarized with projected funding shortfalls or overruns calculated.
Review/Modification Phase
The CFO presents the Operating and Capital Improvement Budgets to the Board. Preliminary recommendations are
reviewed to ensure that preliminary budgets address the County’s goals and fiscal management policies. The County Administrator
and the CFO work with the Board on the proposed budget documents for adoption.
Adoption Phase
Proposed budgets are voted on by the Board to take to a public hearing to communicate to the general public for all
operating and capital funds. Advertisement is disseminated through the local newspaper, handouts, and the County website.
Documents and handouts are prepared for the public.
Public hearings are held on the proposed budgets along with the current tax levy. A 10-day waiting period is held for
public comment. Local law requires a balanced budget to be adopted by July 1st.
Budget Monitoring
Department managers are responsible for their budgets throughout the fiscal year. Expenditure percentages are calculated
and compared to budget. Corrective action, if necessary, is taken if serious negative trends exist. Management and the Board have
real-time budgeting reports available on-line, as well as updates on major events and/or issues.
The County’s Operating Budget is adopted at the program/service level and the Capital Improvement Budget is
adopted at the project level. Transfers between programs or projects in excess of $25,000 require Board approval. Any transfer
out of contingency requires the approval of the Board.
The CFO reviews the project status and revenues before any issuance of debt. Any modification to a project and/or
the total debt to be issued based upon this review is required to be approved by the Board either for an increase or decrease in
total borrowing amount or for a change in the total borrowing source.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Washington County, Maryland 32
General Fund Revenues and Expenditures
The General Fund’s major function is to provide funding for education, public safety, courts, planning, permits, public
works, parks and recreation, general operations, and economic development. The major revenue sources to provide these programs
and services for the public are: Real and Personal Property Tax, Income Tax and Recordation Tax. The following table displays
the County’s General Fund actual revenues and expenditures compared to the final budget for fiscal year 2019, budgeted revenues
and expenditures for fiscal year 2020, and the proposed budget for fiscal year 2021.
Fiscal Year 2019 Fiscal Year 2020 Fiscal Year 2021
Final Actual Original Proposed
Budget Amounts Budget Budget
REVENUES
Property Tax
EXPENDITURES
EXCESS OF REVENUES OVER EXPENDITURES -$ 3,699,274$ -$ -$
Source: Washington County Department of Budget and Finance
(1) Budget revisions are possible until the close of the year on June 30, 2018. Amendments to date to the fiscal year 2018 budget since its adoption have not been material.
Fiscal Years 2019, 2020 and 2021
County Commissioners of Washington County
Budget Comparison
General Fund
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Washington County, Maryland 33
The following table displays the County’s General Fund revenues and expenditures on a GAAP basis with additional ratios
for fiscal years 2015 through 2019.
2019 2018 2017 2016 2015
Revenues:
Expenditures:
Other financing sources(uses):
Fund Balance:
Committed, Assigned and Unassigned Fund Balanc
Debt Service:14,139,010$ 14,745,795$ 14,688,810$ 13,818,901$ 14,652,478$
County Commissioners of Washington County
Statement of Revenues, Expenditures and Changes in Fund Balance
General Fund
Year Ended June 30
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Washington County, Maryland 34
Anticipated Results for Fiscal Year 2020
Fiscal year 2020 final results are not available as of the date of this Official Statement. However, based on current review,
the County’s two largest revenue sources, real estate and income taxes, are projected to meet current year budget and all expenditures
are in-line with the approved budget. Overall, the financial results for fiscal year 2020 are expected to end on the positive side, with
total revenues in excess of total expenditures. The County expects to maintain its cash reserves for fiscal year 2020. See
“Miscellaneous – Potential Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on the County” herein.
Sources of Tax Revenue
Ad valorem property taxes, the County’s largest source of tax revenues, were 59% of total tax revenues fiscal year 2018
and 57% in fiscal year 2019. During the same period, income tax revenues as a percentage of total tax revenues were 37.% in fiscal
year 2018 and 39% in fiscal year 2019. The following table presents the County’s tax revenues by source for each of the last five
fiscal years as well as the budgeted amounts for fiscal year 2020.
Fiscal Year Local Property Local Income Other Local
Ended June 30 Taxes (1)Taxes Taxes (2)Total Taxes
Tax Revenues by Source
Local Property Taxes
Property valuations and assessments are determined by the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation,
which maintains local offices in Baltimore City and each county. For State and County real property tax purposes, real property is
valued at full cash value (“value”). All property is physically inspected once every three years and any increase in value arising
from such inspection is phased in over the ensuing three taxable years in equal annual installments.
Commencing with the tax year beginning July 1, 2001, property tax rates are applied to 100% of the value of real property.
The County and municipal rates applicable to all personal property and operating real property of public utilities are 2.5 times the
property tax rate for real property.
Tangible personal property is generally assessed at cost, less depreciation for each year held to a minimum of 25%.
For most categories of personal property, depreciation is 10% per year subject to the minimum assessment of 25% of cost.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Washington County, Maryland 35
State law provides a credit against State, local and municipal real property taxes on certain owner-occupied residential
property. The tax credit for each tax year is computed by multiplying the State, local or municipal real property tax rate by the
amount by which (i) the current year’s assessment on residential property exceeds (ii) the homestead percentage multiplied by the
previous year’s assessment. The State homestead percentage is 110%. The counties and municipalities set their own respective
homestead percentage, but the credit percentage may not exceed 110% for any taxable year. The County adopted a homestead
percentage of 105% effective July 1, 2007.
The State also provides a tax credit based on the ability of homeowners to pay property taxes. The credit is calculated by
use of a scale, which indicates a maximum tax liability for various income levels. The tax credit processed for local property taxes
for Washington County for fiscal year 2019 was $1,506,965 and the tax credit processed as of March 18, 2020 for fiscal year 2019
is $1,416,157.
Pursuant to State law, the Board may grant a property tax credit against the County property tax imposed on, among other
categories of property, certain property owned by nonprofit civic associations and real property that is subject to the County’s
agricultural land preservation program. Manufacturing and commercial inventories of businesses are exempt from County tax.
Assessed Value, Tax Rates and Tax Levy
The following table sets forth the assessed value of all taxable property in Washington County for each of its five most
recent fiscal years and the County and State tax rate applicable in each of those years. Assessed value of tax-exempt properties
owned by federal, State and County governments, churches, schools, fraternal organizations, cemeteries, disabled veterans and the
blind, aggregating $2,168,628,513 for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2018, is not included in the table. As of March 16, 2020, FY19
Annual Report is not available on the State of Maryland website. Under applicable law, there is no limit to the total tax levy for
property taxes. In the opinion of the County, the tax rate established by it for each fiscal year, when applied to the property subject
thereto, is sufficient to provide revenues to discharge the County’s obligations to pay principal and interest maturing on its
outstanding general obligation indebtedness in each fiscal year.
2019 2018 2017 2016 2015
Assessments and Tax Rates of all Property by Class
Fiscal Years Ended June 30
(Stated in Thousands)
There were no changes to the property tax rates for the County or the State in fiscal year 2020.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Washington County, Maryland 36
Tax Collection
County taxes are due and payable as of July 1. Delinquent taxes are collected after nine months of delinquency by tax
sales conducted by the County Treasurer, selling either real or personal property. Historically, the County has conducted tax sales
on an annual basis.
The following table sets forth certain pertinent information with respect to the County’s tax levies and tax collections for
each of its five most recent fiscal years.
2019 $ 128,597,531 $ 128,511,328 99.93 $ 128,526,755 99.95 $ 720,590 0.56
2018 127,046,245 126,493,137 99.56 126,815,087 99.81 725,364 0.57
2017 124,295,568 123,986,762 99.75 124,150,669 99.89 494,206 0.40
2016 122,703,971 122,397,609 99.75 122,899,961 100.16 480,714 0.39
2015 120,444,868 119,903,244 99.55 120,597,778 100.13 676,704 0.56
Source: Washington County Department of Budget and Finance
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Washington County, Maryland 37
Principal Taxpayers
The 20 largest taxpayers in the County as of June 30, 2019, ranked by assessed value, are listed below.
Percentage of
Assessed Assessed
Value Value
Sub‑total $ 744,235,520 5.80%
Name of Taxpayer
Local Income Tax
Effective January 1, 2013, the personal State income tax rates for Maryland residents start at 2% on the first $1,000
of taxable income and increase up to a maximum of 5.75% on incomes exceeding $250,000 (or $300,000 for taxpayers filing
jointly, head of household or qualifying widow(ers)). Pursuant to State law, each county and Baltimore City must levy a local
income tax at the rate of at least 1.75%, but not more than 3.20%, of the State income tax liability of individuals domiciled in their
respective jurisdictions.
The County currently levies a local income tax on Washington County residents at the rate of 3.2%. The rate was increased
from 2.8% to 3.2% effective January 1, 2020. The County does not levy a local income tax on corporations. As a result of federal
tax changes enacted by the U.S. Congress and actions of the Maryland General Assembly, Washington County’s income tax
revenues may experience an increase; however, the impact is yet to be determined.
Other Local Taxes and Revenues
In addition to general property taxes and income taxes, the County levies and collects miscellaneous taxes, the largest of
which is the recordation tax on instruments conveying title to property and securing debt. Revenues from this tax in the fiscal year
ended June 30, 2019 were $6,886,790. The County also receives revenues from the amusement and admission tax and the trailer
tax. Another significant source of local revenue is generated from the issuance of building and other permits. Revenues from all
these sources, including recordation taxes, in the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019 were $9,044,227.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Washington County, Maryland 38
State and Federal Financial Assistance
State Payment of Public School Capital Construction Costs
Pursuant to State law, the State pays certain costs in excess of available federal funds for all public school construction
projects and capital improvements that have been approved by the State of Maryland Board of Public Works. The cost of acquiring
land is not a construction cost and therefore does not qualify for State funding.
The Board of Public Works is empowered to define by regulation what shall constitute an approved construction or capital
improvement cost and to adopt rules, regulations, and procedures for program administration. Program regulations limit the amount
of construction costs paid by the State by instituting a maximum State project allocation for each school construction project funded
through the program. Under the formula, the State’s share is computed by applying the applicable percentage to the eligible portion
of school construction costs. For the County, the maximum State share will equal 79% of approved construction costs.
State and Federal Grants
During the County’s fiscal year ended June 30, 2019, an aggregate of $11,464,374 in federal and State funds was received
by all County departments for use in operations. The largest single categorical source was a State grant for $2,867,865, which was
for the Rural Legacy Land Preservation Grant. The County also received a total of $7,472,875 in federal and State funds for capital
projects in the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019. The County projects that $5,792,124 in federal and State funds will be received in
fiscal year 2020 for operations and $2,521,614 in federal and State funds will be received for capital projects.
During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019, the Board of Education received $179,408,974 in State funds and $26,339,391
in federal funds for operating and food service expenses. In fiscal year 2020, the Board of Education anticipates receiving
$195,590,542 in State funds and $24,207,754 in federal funds for operations.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Washington County, Maryland 39
General Fund Balance Sheet
The following table indicates the County’s General Fund balance sheet for each of the five most recent fiscal years.
2019 2018 2017 2016 2015
ASSETS
LIABILITIES
DEFERRED INFLOWS OF RESOURCES
FUND EQUITY
County Commissioners of Washington County
Balance Sheet
General Fund
As of June 30
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Washington County, Maryland 40
Key Financial Statistics
General Fund Cash Reserves and Fund Balance
The following table illustrates the ratio of the General Fund fund balance as a percentage of total revenues for the last
five fiscal years. Also included in the table are the ratios of cash reserves as a percentage of General Fund revenues. It is the
intention of the County to maintain a minimum reserve level of 17 percent, which represents 60 days of working capital. It is
anticipated that the County will meet or exceed the 17 percent reserve level in fiscal year 2020.
2019 $ 239,330,704 $ 45,496,695 19.01%17.85%
2018 223,690,449 41,746,652 18.66 17.49
2017 220,120,633 40,313,170 18.31 17.13
2016 217,265,805 39,742,148 18.29 17.55
2015 208,628,251 38,327,353 18.37 17.66
Source: Washington County Department of Budget and Finance
DEBT AND CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS
Washington County, Maryland 41
V. Debt and Capital Requirements
Debt Management Policy
The County adheres to its Debt Management Policy (the “DM Policy”), which sets forth the parameters for issuing new
debt and managing outstanding debt. The DM Policy’s primary objective is to establish conditions for the use of debt and create
procedures that minimize debt service and issuance costs, retain high credit ratings, and maintain full and complete financial
disclosure and reporting. The DM Policy addresses such matters as: use of debt financing, capital planning, debt affordability
measures, types of debt, and method of sale. Adherence to the DM Policy helps to ensure that the County maintains a sound debt
position and that credit quality is protected.
General Obligation and Revenue Bonds
The County may only issue general obligation and revenue bonds under authority conferred by the Maryland General
Assembly. No referendum is required.
The County is authorized to issue short-term tax anticipation notes to meet any estimated current fiscal year cumulative
cash flow deficit. Such notes must be repaid within six months of their date of issue. The County has no short-term notes
outstanding at this time. As of June 1, 1999, the County may use a line-of-credit for $5,000,000 to meet a temporary cash flow
deficit. The County has not used the line-of-credit as of the date of this Official Statement.
The County may issue economic development revenue bonds under State law, which provides that such bonds shall not
constitute an indebtedness or charge against the general credit or taxing power of the County. Pursuant to the County Code, the
County may authorize long-term debt in the form of an installment purchase contract to pay for development rights or make certain
other payments in connection with the Agricultural Land Preservation Program.
The County may issue general obligation bonds in an amount up to $70,000,000 pursuant to the authority of Chapter 99.
The original aggregate principal amount of bonds issued pursuant to Chapter 99 at June 30, 2019 was $514,278. The unused
authorization available under Chapter 99 prior to the issuance of the Bonds is $69,485,722.
The County is authorized by State law to issue its bonds for the purpose of refunding any of its outstanding bonds,
including the payment of any redemption premium and interest accrued to the date of redemption, purchase or maturity of the
bonds being refunded.
As part of the annual budget process, an annual debt affordability analysis is prepared by the Office of Budget and
Finance. It is an effective tool for debt planning and management.
The Solid Waste operation was classified as a fund separate from the Highway Fund in 1996. It has paid for debt from
generated revenues since that time. In 2002, the County reclassified the Solid Waste Fund as an enterprise fund. The debt paid
out of revenues generated by that fund is considered self-supporting debt. In 2011, the County implemented GASB Statement
No. 54 of the Governmental Accounting Standards Board, Fund Balance Reporting and Governmental Fund Type Definitions.
Based on this GASB Statement, the Highway Fund did not meet the criteria of a special revenue fund and was consolidated into
the General Fund.
The following table sets forth the amount of the County’s general obligation bonded debt issued and outstanding as of
June 30, 2019, exclusive of certain water and sewer bonds (see “Water and Sewer Bonds” herein). Outstanding principal amounts
have not been adjusted for discounts or premiums.
DEBT AND CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS
Washington County, Maryland 42
Statement of General Obligation Bonded Debt
Issued and Outstanding*
As of June 30, 2019
Amount Outstanding
Date of Amount General Solid Airport
Issue Issued Fund Waste Fund Fund Total
Public Improvement Series A Bonds………..May 2010 6,992,993$ (1) 1,112,246$ 440,270$ - 1,552,516$
Taxable Build America Series B Bonds……..May 2010 9,711,007 (2) 6,957,113 2,753,894 - 9,711,007
Public Improvement and Refunding Bonds…May 2010 13,790,000 3,011,641 803,359 - 3,815,000
Public Improvement Bonds…………………..May 2011 14,170,000 7,878,210 2,316,790 - 10,195,000
Public Improvement Bonds…………………..May 2012 12,068,100 (3) 9,231,944 - - 9,231,944
Refunding Bonds………………………………May 2012 7,740,000 2,580,910 11,100 472,990 3,065,000
Public Improvement Bonds…………………..May 2013 12,000,000 9,640,000 - - 9,640,000
Refunding Bonds………………………………May 2013 12,540,000 9,021,171 123,829 - 9,145,000
Public Improvement Bonds…………………..May 2014 14,000,000 12,020,000 - - 12,020,000
Public Improvement Bonds…………………..May 2015 12,000,000 (4) 10,754,204 - - 10,754,204
Refunding Bonds……………………………..May 2015 25,573,470 (5) 17,541,060 1,483,062 - 19,024,122
Public Improvement Bonds…………………..May 2016 12,103,000 (6) 11,156,772 95,762 - 11,252,534
Refunding Bonds……………………………..May 2016 7,317,990 (7) 6,396,940 921,050 - 7,317,990
Public Improvement Bonds…………………..May 2017 13,142,000 (8) 11,616,836 1,105,536 - 12,722,372
Public Improvement Bonds…………………..May 2018 12,852,000 (9) 12,000,000 852,000 - 12,852,000
Public Improvement Bonds…………………..May 2019 12,255,000 (10) 12,000,000 255,000 - 12,255,000
MWQFA (11) Financing Cell 3…………………Nov 2004 2,498,427 - 811,319 - 811,319
MWQFA (11) Solid Waste Refinancing………Feb 2005 7,248,761 834,934 2,293,826 - 3,128,760
MWQFA (11) Resh Road Cap Phase I………..Dec 2006 5,000,000 2,220,522 - - 2,220,522
213,002,748$ 145,974,503$ 14,266,797$ 472,990$ 160,714,290$
Source: Washington County Department of Budget and Finance
* Exclusive of Water and Sewer bonded debt.
(1) Total issue amount for all County funds was $ 7,860,000.
(2) Total issue amount for all County funds was $10,915,000.
(3) Total issue amount for all County funds was $17,765,000.
(4) Total issue amount for all County funds was $15,460,000.
(5) Total issue amount for all County funds was $26,395,000.
(6) Total issue amount for all County funds was $20,635,000.
(7) Total issue amount for all County funds was $ 9,455,000.
(8) Total issue amount for all County funds was $13,780,000.
(9) Total issue amount for all County funds was $14,485,000.
(10) Total issue amount for all County funds was $13,310,000.
(11) Maryland Water Quality Financing Administration.
Water and Sewer Bonds
Pursuant to the Water and Sewer Act, the County is authorized to issue bonds secured by the full faith and credit and
unlimited taxing power of the County to provide funds for the design, construction, establishment, purchase and condemnation of
water systems, sewerage systems and surface water drainage systems in the service areas created by the County. To the extent
that the special assessments and other charges imposed by the County with respect to a certain project are insufficient to pay that
portion of the principal of and interest on any such bonds attributable to the cost of a project, the County is obligated to levy and
to collect a tax upon all property subject to unlimited County taxation within the corporate limits of Washington County in rate
and amount sufficient to provide funds as may be necessary to provide for the payment of such portion of the principal and interest
as it becomes due.
By State law, the total bonded indebtedness of the County for these purposes, including bonded indebtedness previously
issued by the former Washington County Sanitary District, may not exceed 25% of the assessed value of all property in Washington
County subject to unlimited County taxation. At the time the State law was enacted the assessed value was equal to 40% of market
value. Pursuant to legislation passed by the Maryland General Assembly, real property assessment law was altered to reflect full
market value assessments. Therefore, to maintain the intent of the State law, 40% of the stated 25% of assessed value, or 10%, is
used to calculate the legal debt margin for water and sewer debt.
The following table sets forth the amount of the County’s water and sewer debt issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2019.
Outstanding amounts have not been adjusted for discounts or premiums. Debt subject to the Water and Sewer Act is referred to as
“Water and Sewer” debt herein.
DEBT AND CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS
Washington County, Maryland 43
Date of Issue Issued Outstanding
Series A Bonds ……………………………………….June 1996 9,606,968$ 566,146$
Public Improvement Series A Bonds……………….May 2010 867,007 (1)192,484
Taxable Build America Series B Bonds…………….May 2010 1,203,993 (2)1,203,993
Public Improvement Bonds………………………….May 2012 5,696,900 (3)4,358,056
Public Improvement Bonds………………………….May 2015 3,460,000 (4)3,100,796
Refunding Bonds……………………………………..May 2015 821,530 (5)780,878
Public Improvement Bonds………………………….May 2016 8,532,000 (6)7,932,465
Refunding Bonds……………………………………..May 2016 2,137,010 (7)2,137,010
Public Improvement Bonds………………………….May 2017 638,000 (8)617,628
Public Improvement Bonds………………………….May 2018 1,633,000 (9)1,633,000
Public Improvement Bonds………………………….May 2019 1,055,000 (10)1,055,000
MWQFA (11)Loan ……………………………………Mar 2000 3,620,697 414,979
MWQFA (11)Loan ……………………………………May 2004 8,091,063 1,786,063
MWQFA (11)Loan ……………………………………Oct 2006 560,000 237,453
MWQFA (11)Loan ……………………………………May 2015 2,553,000 2,195,498
MWQFA (11 & 12)Loan ……………………………….Feb 2018 1,849,660 1,784,798
52,325,828$ 29,996,247$
(7) Total issue amount for all County funds was $ 9,455,000.
(8) Total issue amount for all County funds was $13,780,000.
(9) Total issue amount for all County funds was $14,485,000.
(10) Total issue amount for all County funds was $13,310,000.
(11) Maryland Water Quality Financing Administration.
Statement of Water and Sewer Bonded Debt
Issued and Outstanding
As of June 30, 2019
Source: Washington County Department of Budget and Finance (1) Total issue amount for all County funds was $ 7,860,000.
(2) Total issue amount for all County funds was $10,915,000.
(3) Total issue amount for all County funds was $17,765,000.
(4) Total issue amount for all County funds was $15,460,000.
(5) Total issue amount for all County funds was $26,395,000.
(6) Total issue amount for all County funds was $20,635,000.
(12) This loan is evidenced by two separate general obligation bonds issued by the County to MWQFA, one of which is the County's
Water Quality Bond, Series 2018B, issued in the principal amount of $462,415 (the "Series 2018B Bond"). There is no scheduled debt
service payable on the series 2018B Bond. Under the terms of the Series 2018B Bond, if the County does not default under the
associated Loan Agreements by February 28, 2028, the Series 2018B Bond will be considered forgiven as of February 28, 2028. If the
County does default under the associated Loan Agreement prior to February 28, 2018, MWQFA has the right to demand payment of
the entire principal amount of the Series 2018B Bond with interest at the rate of 3.02% per annum from the date of demand.
Assessed Value of Property in Washington County 12,274,225,556$
Debt Limit: % of Assessed Value (1)10%
Water and Sewer Borrowing Limitation 1,227,422,556
Water and Sewer Debt 29,996,247
Debt Margin 1,197,426,309
Ratio of Water and Sewer Debt to Assessed Value 0.24%
Source: Washington County Department of Budget and Finance
(1) Reduced from 25% to 10% - see “ Water and Sewer Bonds” herein.
DEBT AND CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS
Washington County, Maryland 44
Capital Lease Obligations and Other Contracts
The County has entered into several five-year capital lease agreements. The outstanding balance of these obligations as
of June 30, 2019 was $663,182. The lease agreements are primarily for heavy-duty equipment. The leases have been recorded as
capital leases in the appropriate County funds in the financial statements. GASB Statement No. 87, implementing new lease
accounting standards, will be effective with the fiscal year ending June 30, 2021 with respect to the County.
In addition to contracts for goods and services incurred in the ordinary course of business of the County, the County is
party to numerous other contracts, primarily with engineers, architects and contractors relating to capital projects. Funds necessary
to meet the County’s obligations in respect to such contracts have been appropriated in the related fund.
Special Obligation Bonds
Pursuant to State law, Washington County may create special taxing districts, levy ad valorem and/or special taxes, and
borrow money by issuing and selling special taxing district revenue bonds for the purpose of financing or refinancing the cost of the
design, construction, establishment, extension, alteration or acquisition of adequate storm drainage systems, sewers, water systems,
roads, bridges, culverts, tunnels, sidewalks, lighting, parking, parks and recreation facilities, libraries, schools, transit facilities, solid
waste facilities and other infrastructure improvements, whether situated within or outside the special taxing district, and including
infrastructure improvements located in or supporting a transit-oriented development, a sustainable community or a State hospital
development (within the meaning of State law). Special taxing district bonds shall be payable solely from the ad valorem or special
taxes levied on the property within a special taxing district and neither the bonds, nor any interest thereon, shall ever constitute an
indebtedness or a charge against the general credit or taxing powers of the County.
The County created one special taxing district and issued in June 1998, November 1998 and May 2000 its $3,100,000,
$1,517,000 and $2,454,000 Washington County, Maryland Special Obligation Bonds (Barkdoll Tract Special Taxing District)
Series 1998, Series 1998 B and Series 2000, respectively.
Pursuant to State law, Washington County may also establish a contiguous area as a development district, and borrow
money by issuing and selling tax increment financing revenue bonds (“TIF bonds”) for the purpose of financing or refinancing the
cost of acquiring property interests, site removal, surveys and studies, relocation of businesses or residents, installation of utilities,
construction of parks and playgrounds, other needed improvements including roads to, from or in the development district, parking
and lighting, construction or rehabilitation of buildings for a governmental purpose or use, reserves or capitalized interest, bond
issuance costs or payment of existing indebtedness for such purposes. The list of projects to which TIF bonds may be applied is
expanded for RISE zones and sustainable communities (within the meaning of State law). In addition, Washington County may
apply TIF bond proceeds for demolition or site removal on privately owned property; pedestrian or vehicular bridges or overpasses
(including railroad crossings and related improvements); or parking lots, facilities or structures that are publicly or privately owned
or available for public or private use. TIF bonds are payable from real property tax revenues derived from the increase in assessed
value of real property located within a development district over a base assessment established in accordance with State law and
any other revenues pledged by the County as permitted by State law. The County may determine to pledge its full faith and credit
and unlimited taxing power to the payment of TIF bonds; if it does not do so, the TIF bonds are payable solely from incremental
tax revenues derived from real properties located within a development district and any other revenues that the County determines
to pledge to such TIF bonds. Under State law, the County may also pledge incremental County tax revenues and other revenues to
support TIF bonds issued for qualifying purposes by a municipality within the County or the Maryland Economic Development
Corporation.
Between fall 2016 and early 2017, the County established two separate development districts: (i) the Conococheague
Development District, consisting of approximately 137 acres, and (ii) the Cascade Development District, consisting of most of the
acreage comprising the former Fort Ritchie Military Reservation. To date, the County has not passed a bond ordinance authorizing
the issuance of TIF bonds for either established development district, and the designation of the Conococheague Development
District expired on December 31, 2018 by its terms due to no TIF bonds having been issued with respect to such development
district. The designation of the Cascade Development District will expire on December 31, 2022 if no TIF bonds have been issued
with respect to such development district, unless such sunset date is extended by resolution of the Board. Until any TIF bonds are
issued with respect to the Cascade Development District, the County may use incremental tax revenues, if any, derived from
properties within such development district for any legal purpose.
DEBT AND CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS
Washington County, Maryland 45
Bonded Indebtedness of Incorporated Municipalities
Eight of the nine incorporated municipalities of Washington County have outstanding indebtedness in the aggregate
principal amount of $82,461,723 as of June 30, 2019. The County is not obligated to pay such debt or the interest thereon and
neither the faith and credit nor taxing power of the County is pledged to the payment of principal or interest on such indebtedness.
Amount
5,829,315$
541,095
1,074,309
68,040,654
1,360,145
1,741,965
895,513
2,978,727
Towns
County Commissioners of Washington County
Outstanding Underlying Debt
As of June 30, 2019
Direct and Underlying Debt
The following schedules present the County’s bonded debt outstanding as of June 30, 2019, and the ratios of such debt to
the County’s population and real and personal property assessed market values.
Direct Debt - Tax-Supported:
General Government Debt (1)…………………………………..145,974,503$
Direct Debt - Self-Supported:
Solid Waste ….…………………………………………………..14,266,797
Water and Sewer ….…………………………………………….29,996,247
Airport ….………………………………………………………..472,990
Total Direct Debt…………………………………………………….190,710,537
Underlying Debt……………………………………………………..82,461,723
Overall Bonded Debt………………………………………………..273,172,260$
Source: Washington County Department of Budget and Finance
(1) Includes Highway debt which is currently considered tax-supported.
DEBT AND CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS
Washington County, Maryland 46
Per Capita (Estimated Population 150,926):
Direct Tax-Supported Debt (1)………………………….967$
Overall Bonded Debt…………………………………….1,797$
Percentage of Assessed Value of $12,274,226,000:
Direct Tax-Supported Debt (1)…………………………1.19%
Overall Bonded Debt……………………………………2.21%
Source: Washington County Department of Budget and Finance
(1) Includes Highway debt which is currently considered tax-supported.
County Commissioners of Washington County
Debt Per Capita and Ratio of Debt to Assessed Values
As of June 30, 2019
(Excludes this Issue)
The following table presents the County’s direct tax-supported debt per capita and ratios of direct tax-supported debt to
assessed value for the last five fiscal years.
Fiscal Year Estimated Assessed Per
Direct Tax-Supported
Debt as a Percentage
Ended June 30 Population Value (000)Capita of Assessed Value
Direct
Tax-Supported
Debt (000)
Debt Service Requirements on County Debt
The following tables set forth the debt service requirements for the County’s general obligation bonded debt as of June 30,
2019, adjusted to reflect issuance of the Bonds, and the rapidity of repayment for the County’s direct tax-supported debt.
DEBT AND CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS
Washington County, Maryland 47
Year Self-Supporting Debt Service Total Debt Service
Ending
June 30 Principal Interest Total Principal Interest Total Principal Interest Total
2020 9,982,974$ 4,863,211$ 14,846,185$ 4,511,865$ 2,913,335$ 7,425,200$ 14,494,839$ 7,776,546$ 22,271,386$
2021 10,833,372 4,634,981 15,468,353 3,444,754 1,147,308 4,592,063 14,278,126 5,782,290 20,060,416
2022 10,056,672 4,224,456 14,281,128 3,578,204 1,052,497 4,630,701 13,634,876 5,276,954 18,911,829
2023 10,065,502 3,837,898 13,903,400 3,754,181 958,485 4,712,666 13,819,683 4,796,383 18,616,065
2024 10,190,876 3,441,334 13,632,210 2,582,213 856,956 3,439,169 12,773,089 4,298,289 17,071,379
2025 10,175,882 3,077,901 13,253,783 2,550,768 766,090 3,316,858 12,726,650 3,843,991 16,570,641
2026 9,758,726 2,717,341 12,476,067 2,521,294 675,967 3,197,261 12,280,020 3,393,308 15,673,328
2027 9,354,483 2,380,670 11,735,153 2,610,180 598,112 3,208,292 11,964,663 2,978,782 14,943,445
2028 9,406,999 2,054,820 11,461,819 2,661,111 520,824 3,181,935 12,068,110 2,575,644 14,643,754
2029 7,410,727 1,763,579 9,174,306 2,448,901 445,190 2,894,091 9,859,628 2,208,769 12,068,397
2030 6,871,271 1,505,280 8,376,551 2,602,301 371,039 2,973,340 9,473,572 1,876,319 11,349,891
2031 7,123,471 1,258,658 8,382,129 2,209,224 303,120 2,512,344 9,332,695 1,561,778 10,894,473
2032 6,543,959 1,026,256 7,570,215 1,805,289 241,941 2,047,230 8,349,248 1,268,197 9,617,445
2033 5,997,935 820,399 6,818,334 1,632,876 191,541 1,824,417 7,630,811 1,011,940 8,642,751
2034 5,377,527 633,787 6,011,314 1,289,858 149,953 1,439,811 6,667,385 783,740 7,451,125
2035 4,763,740 464,191 5,227,931 1,330,231 112,874 1,443,105 6,093,971 577,065 6,671,036
2036 3,905,584 319,338 4,224,922 1,369,989 74,272 1,444,261 5,275,573 393,610 5,669,183
2037 3,160,103 206,327 3,366,430 1,018,436 39,275 1,057,711 4,178,539 245,602 4,424,141
2038 2,445,707 118,386 2,564,093 453,348 18,109 471,457 2,899,055 136,495 3,035,550
2039 1,678,969 52,869 1,731,838 266,031 7,166 273,197 1,945,000 60,035 2,005,035
2040 870,024 13,052 883,076 94,980 1,425 96,405 965,004 14,477 979,481
2041 - - - - - - - - -
145,974,503$ 39,414,734$ 185,389,237$ 44,736,034$ 11,445,479$ 56,181,513$ 190,710,537$ 50,860,214$ 241,570,751$
Source: Washington County Department of Budget and Finance
* Totals may not foot due to rounding.
Washington County Schedule of Debt Service
Requirements on Long-term Obligations*
Excludes this Issue
Tax-Supported Debt Service
As of June 30, 2019
DEBT AND CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS
Washington County, Maryland 48
Year Outstanding Debt Service The Bonds**
Ending
June 30 Principal Interest Total Principal Interest Total Principal Interest Total
2020 14,494,839$ 7,776,546$ 22,271,386$ -$ -$ 14,494,839$ 7,776,546$ 22,271,386$
2021 14,278,126 5,782,290 20,060,416 - 14,278,126 5,782,290 20,060,416
2022 13,634,876 5,276,954 18,911,829 - 13,634,876 5,276,954 18,911,829
2023 13,819,683 4,796,383 18,616,065 - 13,819,683 4,796,383 18,616,065
2024 12,773,089 4,298,289 17,071,379 - 12,773,089 4,298,289 17,071,379
2025 12,726,650 3,843,991 16,570,641 - 12,726,650 3,843,991 16,570,641
2026 12,280,020 3,393,308 15,673,328 - 12,280,020 3,393,308 15,673,328
2027 11,964,663 2,978,782 14,943,445 - 11,964,663 2,978,782 14,943,445
2028 12,068,110 2,575,644 14,643,754 - 12,068,110 2,575,644 14,643,754
2029 9,859,628 2,208,769 12,068,397 - 9,859,628 2,208,769 12,068,397
2030 9,473,572 1,876,319 11,349,891 - 9,473,572 1,876,319 11,349,891
2031 9,332,695 1,561,778 10,894,473 - 9,332,695 1,561,778 10,894,473
2032 8,349,248 1,268,197 9,617,445 - 8,349,248 1,268,197 9,617,445
2033 7,630,811 1,011,940 8,642,751 - 7,630,811 1,011,940 8,642,751
2034 6,667,385 783,740 7,451,125 - 6,667,385 783,740 7,451,125
2035 6,093,971 577,065 6,671,036 - 6,093,971 577,065 6,671,036
2036 5,275,573 393,610 5,669,183 - 5,275,573 393,610 5,669,183
2037 4,178,539 245,602 4,424,141 - 4,178,539 245,602 4,424,141
2038 2,899,055 136,495 3,035,550 - 2,899,055 136,495 3,035,550
2039 1,945,000 60,035 2,005,035 - 1,945,000 60,035 2,005,035
2040 965,004 14,477 979,481 - 965,004 14,477 979,481
2041 - - - - - - -
190,710,537$ 50,860,214$ 241,570,751$ -$ -$ -$ 190,710,537$ 50,860,214$ 241,570,751$
Source: Washington County Department of Budget and Finance
* Totals may not foot due to rounding.
** Inclusive of 2020 Public Improvement Bonds and Refunding Bonds.
Washington County Schedule of Debt Service
Requirements of Long-term Obligations
As of June 30, 2019
Adjusted to Reflect Issuance of the Bonds*
Total Debt Service
DEBT AND CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS
Washington County, Maryland 49
5 51,129,396$ 35.03 -$
10 97,236,213 66.61 -
15 129,150,376 88.47 -
20 145,104,479 99.40 -
25 145,974,503 100.00 -
Source: Washington County Department of Budget and Finance
Anticipated Future Financing
The County currently anticipates issuing additional general obligation bonds for approximately $30.0 million in fiscal year
2021, $13.4 million in fiscal year 2022, and $13.7 million in fiscal year 2023. These anticipated debt issuance amounts are for
planning purposes and subject to change as part of the annual budgeting process.
Capital Requirements
Capital Improvement Program Summary
The County has established the CIP for establishing a capital budget to forecast future needs and set priorities. It is
reviewed and updated during the annual budget process. The objectives of the CIP are to: (1) provide a means for coordinating
and consolidating into one document all departmental and agency requests for capital funds; (2) establish a system by which
the capital projects of the County can be examined and given priorities according to their relative importance; (3) provide a
budgetary tool for the implementation of the Comprehensive Plan elements; (4) forecast future capital demands on local current
revenue; and (5) allow projects to be scheduled over a long-term period, thereby providing adequate planning for both financial
resources and project implementation. By applying the guidelines of the County’s DM Policy and the annual debt affordability
analysis, the Board is able to adopt a capital budget that provides maximum benefits from available public funds and assures
sound fiscal planning. See “FINANCIAL INFORMATION – Budget Process and Schedule” herein.
MISCELLANEOUS
Washington County, Maryland 50
VI. Miscellaneous
Litigation
The County is currently a defendant in litigation matters involving various matters and claims. Many of these are covered
by insurance, subject to a deductible. As most of these disputes involve unliquidated damages, it is not possible to provide a
reliable total of damages for which the County may become liable. In the opinion of the County Attorney, all such matters now
pending or threatened are, collectively, unlikely to result in total liabilities that would have a material effect on the financial
condition of the County.
Potential Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on the County
In response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Governor of the State of Maryland proclaimed a state of
emergency and catastrophic health emergency within the State of Maryland on March 5, 2020 and renewed on March 17, 2020.
Since the initial and renewed proclamation, the Governor of Maryland has issued a series of executive orders, among other
things, prohibiting large gatherings and events, requiring closure of nonessential and certain other businesses and authorizing
emergency healthcare delivery. On March 30, 2020, the Governor of Maryland issued an executive order requiring Maryland
residents to stay at home except for essential activities. As a result of these executive orders, many businesses and retail
establishments in Maryland, including in the County, have closed or materially reduced business activity. Further, the U.S.
Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service have announced that the federal income tax filing due date is
automatically extended from April 15, 2020, to July 15, 2020, and that taxpayers can also defer federal income tax payments
due on April 15, 2020, to July 15, 2020. The Maryland Comptroller has extended the deadline for filing Maryland state tax
returns and making payments for state income taxes from April 15, 2020, to July 15, 2020.
The County’s principal source of revenue is local taxes, which constitute 92.7% of total General Fund operating
revenue for fiscal 2019: 53.2% from real property taxes, 36.2% from local income taxes and 3.3% from other local taxes. See
“GENERAL FUND REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES” for a further discussion of the County’s revenues and revenue
sources. Although the County does not currently anticipate that the levy and collection of property taxes will be materially
affected, the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic cannot be fully determined at this time. The County may experience
a decline and delay in income tax collected in the current and upcoming fiscal years, the extent to which the County cannot
determine at this time. Certain other revenues are expected to be temporarily affected, primarily for the remainder of fiscal
year 2020 and include residential and commercial permits, recordation and transfer tax, admission and amusement tax, interest
from investments, gaming revenue, and hotel motel tax. However, for the current fiscal year 2020, the County anticipates other
revenues to exceed budget and savings from wages to provide for the anticipated reduction in those aforementioned revenues.
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the County may experience an increase in expenses for emergency preparedness, public
health and personnel costs. Of those expenditures, the County anticipatesbeing reimbursed the allocable shares from other
entities on whose behalf the County makes an initial expenditure outlay and is hopeful to recover other portions through FEMA
reimbursement. Further, the County increased its income tax rate from 2.8% to 3.2% effective January 2020 for future
anticipated costs related to fire and emergency medical services personnel and the projected impact of Kirwan Commission
recommentations regarding increased educational spending, the impacts of which on the County are not yet subject to being
quantified. Those costs have not materialized to date and will be delayed if possible and necessary. The County has the ability
to adjust its spending on certain capital projects and other operating costs to maintain a balanced budget in response to the
anticipated challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, the County maintains a fund balance in its General Fund which
the County may utilize to respond to such challenges. See “GENERAL FUND REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES” for a
further discussion regarding the County’s General Fund.
The COVID-19 pandemic’s long-term impact on the State and local economy and on County pension funding and
contribution requirements resulting from reduced investment returns cannot be currently determined. Further, the ongoing
COVID-19 pandemic may cause additional economic and health challenges that cannot be anticipated or quantified at this time.
Ratings
Fitch Ratings, Moody’s Investors Service, Inc., and S&P Global Ratings have given the Bonds the ratings indicated on
the cover page of this Official Statement. An explanation of the significance of any of such ratings may be obtained only from
the agency furnishing the rating. The County furnished to such rating agencies the information contained in a preliminary form
of this Official Statement and other materials and information pertaining to the Bonds. Generally, rating agencies base their ratings
on such materials and information, as well as their own investigations, studies and assumptions. The ratings given the Bonds may
be changed at any time and no assurance can be given that they will not be revised downward or withdrawn by one or more of
such rating agencies if, in the judgment of any such rating agencies, circumstances should warrant such action. Any such
downward revision or withdrawal of any of such ratings may have an adverse effect on market prices for the Bonds.
MISCELLANEOUS
Washington County, Maryland 51
Continuing Disclosure Undertaking
In order to enable participating underwriters, as defined in Rule 15c2-12 of the Securities and Exchange Commission
(“Rule 15c2-12”) to comply with the requirements of paragraph (b)(5) of Rule 15c2-12, the County will execute and deliver a
continuing disclosure agreement (the “Continuing Disclosure Agreement”) on or before the date of issuance and delivery of the
Bonds, the proposed form of which is attached to this Official Statement as Appendix D. Potential purchasers of the Bonds should
note that the definition of Listed Events in Appendix D is intended to completely restate the events specified in Rule 15c2-12. It
is noted that certain Listed Events are expected to have no applicability to the Bonds, such as the possibility of unscheduled draws
on debt service reserves or credit enhancements, substitution of credit or liquidity providers or their failure to perform, and matters
affecting collateral for the Bonds.
The County has not failed in the past five years to comply, in all material respects, with any previous continuing disclosure
undertaking entered into by the County pursuant to Rule 15c2-12.
Sale at Competitive Bidding
The Bonds of each series were offered by the County at competitive bidding on June 9, 2020, in accordance with the
official Notice of Sale (a copy of which is attached as Appendix C). The interest rates shown on the inside cover page of this
Official Statement are the interest rates resulting from the award of each series of the Bonds at the competitive bidding. The prices
or yields shown on the inside cover page of this Official Statement for each series of the Bonds were furnished by the successful
bidder for each series and not by the County. All other information concerning the nature and terms of any re-offering should be
obtained from the successful bidder for the applicable series of the Bonds and not from the County. _______________________
was the successful bidder for the Public Improvement Bonds and __________________________ was the successful bidder for
the Refunding Bonds.
Legal Matters
All legal matters incident to the authorization, issuance and sale of the Bonds are subject to the approval of Funk &
Bolton, P.A., Baltimore, Maryland, Bond Counsel. Delivery of each series of the Bonds is conditioned upon delivery by Bond
Counsel of an opinion relating to such series of the Bonds substantially in the applicable form set forth in Appendix B to this
Official Statement. The certified text of the approving legal opinion for each series of the Bonds will be printed on or attached to
such series of the Bonds. Independent Auditors
The financial statements as of June 30, 2019, and for the year then ended, included in Appendix A to this Official
Statement, have been audited by SB & Company, LLC, independent auditors, as stated in their report appearing herein, and should
be read in their entirety. Such financial statements have been included in reliance upon the report of SB & Company, LLC. Such
report speaks only as of its date.
SB & Company, LLC the independent auditor, has not been engaged to perform and has not performed, since the date of
its report included in Appendix A to this Official Statement, any procedures on the financial statements addressed in that report,
SB & Company, LLC also has not performed any procedures relating to this Official Statement.
MISCELLANEOUS
Washington County, Maryland 52
Verification of Mathematical Computations
The arithmetical accuracy of certain computations included in the schedules provided by Davenport & Company LLC,
the financial advisor to the County, on behalf of the County relating to (i) computation of forecasted payments of principal and
interest to pay accrued interest on the Refunded bonds and to redeem the Refunded Bonds, and (ii) computation of yields on the
Bonds and the Acquired Obligations was examined by The Arbitrage Group, Inc. (the “Verification Agent”). Such computations
were based solely upon assumptions and information supplied by Davenport & Company LLC on behalf of the County. The
Verification Agent has restricted its procedures to examining the arithmetical accuracy of certain computations and has not made
any study or evaluation of the assumptions and information upon which the computations are based and, accordingly, has not
expressed an opinion on the data used, the reasonableness of the assumptions, or the achievability of the forecasted outcome.
Financial Advisor
Davenport & Company LLC, Towson, Maryland (the “Financial Advisor”) is a registered municipal advisor with the
Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board and serves as financial advisor in connection with the issuance of the Bonds and other
matters related to the County’s finances. The Financial Advisor has not been engaged, nor has it undertaken, to audit, authenticate
or otherwise verify the information set forth in this Official Statement, or any other related information available to the County, with
respect to accuracy and completeness of disclosure of such information. The Financial Advisor makes no guaranty, warranty or
other representation respecting the accuracy and completeness of this Official Statement or any other matter related to the Official
Statement.
This Official Statement has been approved and authorized by the County for use in connection with the sale of the Bonds.
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF
WASHINGTON COUNTY
By:
Jeffrey A. Cline
President, Board of County Commissioners
Open Session Item
SUBJECT: Review DRAFT of Washington County and City of Hagerstown COVID-19 Small
Business Emergency Relief Grant Fund
PRESENTATION DATE: May, 19th, 2020
PRESENTATION BY: Susan Small, Director of Business Development
RECOMMENDED MOTION: N/A
REPORT-IN-BRIEF: All County assets and departments have been reporting trough the Joint
Information Center (JIC) throughout the COVID-19 threat to ensure a unified and efficient response. The
City of Hagerstown Department of Community and Economic Development, along with Washington
County’s Department of Business Development, have been actively engaged to participate with the
Emergency Operations Center as stakeholders in the Emergency Support Function -18 for Economic
Resources (ESF-18), transitioning now to the Recovery Support Function – 2 (RSF-2) for Economic
Recovery.
The Federal Government has passed the CARES Act which includes a fund titled the Coronavirus Relief
fund. This fund was established to assist County and Municipal governments offset expenses incurred in
their response to COVID-19. Washington County Government has been allotted $13.178.443.00 for non-
Public Health related response activities to the COVID-19 crisis. The purpose of today’s discussion is to
review and gather comments of the Washington County and City of Hagerstown COVID-19 Small
Business Emergency Relief Grant Fund.
DISCUSSION: Washington County Department of Business Development in partnership with the
Washington County Department of Grant Management and the City of Hagerstown’s Department of
Community and Economic Development has put together a program for the use of the funding available
through the CARES Act. The CARES Act Business Stabilization Program has a proposed funding
amount of $8,960,000. The program will be a grant and/or loan program created to help local employers
sustain operations, stabilize economic and employment by retaining employees, pay vendors, utilities,
rent or mortgage and address the unforeseen reduction in production, consumer demand and
unbudgeted and unknown costs associated w i th a new way of operating under the COVID-19
regulations. Broadly, we intend to distribute funds based on; e ligibility associated with specific
industries, eligibility associated with thresholds such as; employee count, time in business, and a
requirement to be in good standing.
The task force has created the attached DRAFT program description, application and guidelines,
and is actively working on the efficiency and swiftness of the administration of the program. The
portal or electronic acceptance of documents is still under investigation by the teams through research
with our respective information system departments.
FISCAL IMPACT: N/A
CONCURRENCES: N/A
ATTACHMENTS: Draft Summary of further detailed CARES Act Business Stabilization Plan
Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland
Agenda Report Form
Draft Summary
Washington County and City of Hagerstown COVID-19
Small Business Emergency Relief Grant Fund
This COVID-19 Small Business Emergency Relief Grant Fund offers working capital to assist Washington
County and City of Hagerstown small businesses with disrupted operations due to COVID-19. Grant
assistance is intended to provide interim relief complementing actions with its bank, business
interruption insurance, and financial partners.
o Grants up to $10,000 not to exceed 3 months of cash operating expenses businesses impacted
by the COVID-19 with 50 or fewer employees.
o Must be established and operating prior to September 1, 2019.
o Business must be in good standing prior to January 1, 2020
o Annual Revenues of the business must not exceed $5 million (Applicant, its parent subsidiaries
and affiliates, if any, with combined revenues not to exceed $5 million) as evidenced by
Financial Statement or other financial documentation.
o Business is expected to demonstrate efforts to obtain longer term funding through its bank,
SBA, or other source.
o Business will be asked to make a good faith effort to retain/rehire employees and have willing
intentions to continue operating the business for at least the next 12 months. (The program is
not intended for businesses considering permanent closure or bankruptcy proceedings.)
o Program is subject to funding ability.
o Grants will be awarded up to the total funds available.
o Grant award amount will depend on level of demonstrated impact from COVID-19 and
demonstrated business sustainability.
o Grants will be processed on a first come, first serve basis.
Eligible uses include:
o Working capital to support operating expenses including payroll expenses, rent, mortgage
payments, utility expenses, or other similar expenses that occur in the ordinary course of
operations.
o Working capital for unbudgeted costs to modify operations and/or reopen safely in response to
COVID-19.
o Grant funds cannot be used solely to replace loss revenues, and must be spent for operating
expenses.
o Grant funds cannot be used for non-critical inventory, equipment, software purchases,
subscription services.
The eligible business must demonstrate financial stress or disrupted operations, which may include
but are not limited to:
o Notice of inability to make rent or loan payments due to reduced sales/income, suspended
operations.
o Increased cost related to COVID-19 prevention measures.
o Notice of disrupted supply network leading to shortage of critical inventory or materials.
o Other circumstances subject to review on a case by case basis.
Ineligible Applicants:
Businesses such as:
o Non-profit organizations
o Real estate holding companies, LLC’s, Property Management Companies, and the like.
o Bail bonds
o Store front churches
o Home based businesses,
o Hookah shops, tattoo businesses, adult bookstores or other adult businesses, gambling
businesses or the like.
o Applicants who were not in good standing with the City, County, State or Federal Governments
prior to January 1, 2020.