HomeMy WebLinkAbout201201aJeffrey A. Cline, President
Terry L. Baker, Vice President
Krista L. Hart, Clerk
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
December 1, 2020
OPEN SESSION AGENDA
The meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County will be held at 100 West Washington Street, Suite 1113,
Hagerstown. Due to Governor Hogan’s Executive Order and gathering restrictions, Board members will be practicing social
distancing. County buildings remain closed to public access except by appointment. Therefore, there will be no public attendance in
the meeting chambers, unless previously scheduled. The meeting will be live streamed on the County’s YouTube and Facebook sites.
10:00 AM MOMENT OF SILENCE AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
CALL TO ORDER, President Jeffrey A. Cline
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: November 17, 2020
10:05 AM COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS
10:10 AM STAFF COMMENTS
10:20 AM CITIZEN PARTICIPATION (citizens are required to submit a request to khart@washco-
md.net or by calling 240.313.2204 at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting)
10:25 AM 2020 SALARY STUDY COMMISSION REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS – JD
Repp, Commission Chair
10:35 AM BUDGET ADJUSTMENT FOR UNBUDGETED COSTS – Sara Greaves, CFO; Dave Hays,
Director, Emergency Services
10:40 AM BUDGET ADJUSTMENT, BOND ISSUANCE COST– Sara Greaves, CFO
10:45 AM EMPLOYEE STEP/COST OF LIVING ADJUSTMENT– Kirk Downey, Interim County
Administrator/County Attorney; Sara Greaves, CFO
10:55 AM CARES ACT WAGE REIMBURSEMENT DISTRIBUTION PLAN – Tom Brown,
Emergency Manager, Emergency Management
11:05 AM TRANSIT CARES ACT FUNDING – ACCEPT AWARDED FUNDING – Allison
Hartshorn, Grant Manager; Kevin Cerrone, Director, Transit Department
11:10 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; to consult with counsel to obtain legal
advice on a legal matter.)
11:25 AM ADJOURNMENT
Cort F. Meinelschmidt
Randall E. Wagner
Open Session Item
SUBJECT: 2020 Salary Study Commission (“Commission”) Report and Recommendations
PRESENTATION DATE: December 1, 2020
PRESENTATION BY: JD Repp, Commission Chair
RECOMMENDED MOTION: N/A
REPORT-IN-BRIEF: The Commission Chair appears before the Board to discuss the
Commission’s report and recommendations, and to answer any questions that the Board may
have prior to the Board’s setting of salaries for each of the offices included in the report and
recommendations.
DISCUSSION:As explained in more detail in the attached report, the Commission’s
recommendations are as follows:
1. County Commissioners – a recommended increase from the current member’s
salary of $38,000 to $39,000 and a recommended increase from the current president’s salary of
$41,000 to $42,000;
2. Board of Education – a recommended increase from the current member’s salary
of $12,000 to $13,500 and a recommended increase from the current president’s salary of
$12,500 to $14,000;
3. Board of License Commissioners (Liquor Board) – a recommended increase from
the current member’s salary of $10,600 to $12,600 and a recommended increase from the current
president’s salary of $10,800 to $12,850;
4. Judges of the Orphans’ Court – a recommended increase from the current Judges’
salary of $7,800 to $8,000;
5. Sheriff – a recommended increase from the current salary of $110,000 to
$126,630 and a recommendation for the Board to request legislation to set the Sheriff’s formula
for compensation as 90% of the Washington County State’s Attorney salary, which is calculated
at 90% of a District Court Judge salary; and
6. Treasurer – no recommended change.
FISCAL IMPACT: Subject to the Board’s decisions to accept, reduce, or reject the
Commission’s recommendations. Any fiscal impact would commence with the next term of
office.
CONCURRENCES: N/A
ALTERNATIVES: N/A
ATTACHMENTS: Cover Letter; Commission Report and Recommendations
AUDIO/VISUAL NEEDS: N/A
Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland
Agenda Report Form
2020 Washington County Salary Study Commission
November 23, 2020
Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland
100 West Washington Street
Hagerstown, MD 21740
Re: Report of the 2020 Washington County Salary Study Commission
Dear Commissioners:
Pursuant to Maryland Code Annotated, Local Government Article §§ 28-201 to 28-209, in September,
2020, the Board appointed six members, five representing statutorily designated organizations and one
representing the Commissioners’ at-large appointment, to the 2020 Washington County Salary Study
Commission (“the Commission”). The Commission held its initial meeting on September 25, 2020 and at
its second meeting on October 9, the Commission, in accordance with applicable statutory provisions,
appointed individuals to fill two vacant seats.
The Commission was directed to perform a study of and make recommendations regarding the current
salaries of the six elected positions set forth in Local Government Article § 28-207(a): County
Commissioners, Board of Education, Board of License Commissioners (better known as the Liquor Board),
Judges of the Orphans’ Court, Sheriff, and Treasurer. Members of the Commission, with the assistance of
county staff, namely Deputy County Attorney Kendall Desaulniers and Legal Secretary Rachael McCarty,
received and reviewed statistical information, including past and present salaries and the statutory basis for
said salaries, the responsibilities and time demands of the positions, salaries of subordinate employees as
directed by statute, relevant legislative changes, and comparable information from other jurisdictions in
Maryland. Incumbents in each position were solicited for information. This information, along with
testimony at the public hearing, was used for the Commission’s deliberations on salary considerations and
recommendations in the attached report.
In addition to the public hearing held on November 10, 2020, as required by Local Government Article §
28-206(a), the Commission met seven times. The Commission carefully reviewed and thoroughly
discussed each position, and voted to determine salary recommendations as outlined in the attached report.
The Commission discussed the public service nature of the positions being reviewed, as well as economic
conditions and other relevant information.
The Commission members thank you for the opportunity to have been of service to the citizens of
Washington County. As chair, I look forward to addressing you on behalf of the Commission on December
1 to present the Commission’s recommendations and answer questions you may have. I also offer any
assistance needed to the local delegation who is responsible for introducing legislation to affirm any
changes accepted.
Sincerely,
J.D. Repp, Chair
2020 Washington County Salary Study Commission
Attachment: 2020 Salary Study Commission Report and Recommendations
cc: Kirk Downey, County Attorney
Kendall Desaulniers, Deputy County Attorney
Rachael McCarty, Legal Secretary
2020 Salary Study Report
1
REPORT OF THE
2020 WASHINGTON COUNTY SALARY STUDY COMMISSION
November 2020
PREAMBLE
The Salary Study Commission (“the Commission”) approached the statutory task of making
recommendations on salaries of six elected positions with fiscal responsibility and fair compensation in
mind for each elected office. Being the six positions have varying levels of time commitments,
responsibilities, support staff, benefits, etc., the Commission considered and discussed each position
individually, reviewing all data and relevant information. Factors in common with all positions were
heavily considered and include:
1) These positions have not had an increase in pay since 2016.
2) These positions will receive an increase no earlier than terms beginning in 2022.
3) A salary set to begin in 2022 will be in place until 2026.
The Commission reviewed the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for each year since 2016 and determined
a compounded rate of 2.2%. As a starting point for most positions, the Commission recommends a 2.2%
COLA. While 2020 has been an exception, the Commission noted Washington County has had a healthy
economy since the last time the County Commissioners considered and accepted recommendations in 2016.
SALARY RECOMMENDATIONS
County Commissioners: The Commission did not receive information or testimony for an increase in
salary from any of the current County Commissioners, but the Commission requested information regarding
the amounts and costs of pensions, health insurance coverage, and any other benefits received by the County
Commissioners. The Commission also considered the responsibilities and time commitment for the County
Commissioners. The Commission notes that the County Commissioners accepted a recommended increase
in salary for the first time in 14 years in 2016, and now recommends a 2.2% compounded COLA, rounding
to the nearest hundred dollars, meaning an increase from the current member’s salary of $38,000 to $39,000;
and an increase from the current President’s salary of $41,000 to $42,000.
Board of Education: The Commission received written information from the Board of Education
(“Board”) President, Vice President, and two members regarding the responsibilities, school system,
relevant state statutes, and salary comparisons with other counties.
The Commission discussed the role of education as a driver for the economic success of Washington
County. Educated, well-trained employees help attract better-paying jobs and businesses to our county.
The Board of Education is responsible for innovations as well as maintenance of a high-quality education
system to address the diverse needs of our community through its policy-making, Superintendent hiring
and oversight, addressing ever-changing state and federal requirements, and active participation and
outreach with the community. Board members attend a wide array of school events and meetings, but also
attend Chamber of Commerce and other business events to represent education interest and share
information. Board members attend relevant hearings and also testify in Annapolis on important education
issues that impact our county. Board members can easily commit 25 to 30 hours a week to these diverse
and significant duties in order to effectively represent the school system, respond to parents, and to ensure
they are well-informed on current issues impacting our schools.
2020 Salary Study Report
2
The Commission recognizes that oftentimes the majority of candidates for election to the Board of
Education are retired educators. The Commission sees under-compensation as a possible hindrance to
having a diverse cohort of individuals consider serving.
Based on those considerations, the Commission recommends a 2.2% compounded COLA, rounding to the
nearest hundred dollars, plus $1,000 for each position, which is an increase for Board members from the
current salary of $12,000 to $13,500; and for President from the current salary of $12,500 to $14,000.
Board of License Commissioners: The Commission received information from the Board of License
Commissioners, better known as the Liquor Board, via email, phone call, and personal testimony at the
public hearing. The Liquor Board is 100% self-funded through license fees, transfer fees, applications, etc.
and receives no county or state funding. The Liquor Board oversees roughly 200 licensees over the county
consisting of a growing number of breweries, distilleries, wineries, clubs, etc. In addition to the work hours
of several staff members, each Liquor Board Commissioner dedicates roughly 10 hours per week for
hearings, enforcement, site visits, etc.
In 2016, the Liquor Board did not ask for, and did not receive a salary increase. Considering all of this, the
Commission recommends a 2.2% compounded COLA, with an eight-year variable rather than four years,
rounded to the nearest hundred dollars. This would be an increase for members’ salaries of $10,600 to
$12,600; and Chair’s salary of $10,800 to $12,850.
Judges of the Orphans’ Court: The Commission requested information from the Judges of Orphans’
Courts regarding responsibilities, any compensation outside of salaries, and comparable county’s Judges of
the Orphans’ Court. The Judges of the Orphans’ Court did not receive a salary increase in 2016. The
Commission recommends a 2.2% compounded COLA, rounded to the nearest hundred dollars, increasing
the salary of $7,800 to $8,000.
Sheriff: Sheriff Doug Mullendore attended the public hearing and noted that he does not plan to run for
re-election and he supports increasing the Sheriff’s salary, emphasizing responsibilities involved.
Washington County is one of only 10 Sheriff's Offices in the state that has a jail, civil process, judicial
division, and patrol services. The Sheriff manages 275 employees, and over 300 inmates on any given day.
The Sheriff’s Office responds to over 70,000 calls for service each year, handles over 1,500 accidents, and
is the primary law enforcement agency for the county. The Sheriff is the primary person involved in
Homeland Security for the county, and is the liaison to the Western Maryland Information Center and the
Maryland Coordination and Analysis Center.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office is the only law enforcement agency in the state certified through
the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s Kids Readiness Project and is among only 25%
of law enforcement agencies in the country accredited through the Commission on Accreditation for Law
Enforcement Agencies. The Washington County Sheriff’s Office is considered one of the premier law
enforcement and correctional agencies in the state.
Unlike the elected positions listed previously, the Sheriff’s elected position is intended to be a full-time,
“career” position. Even as a career position, this position is afforded no standard employee benefits such
as health insurance, sick or annual leave, retirement benefits, etc. The Commission spent a great deal of
time considering how comparable counties in the state determine salary compensation for their sheriff. The
Commission found that a common formula was tying a full-service sheriff’s salary to the salary of the
State’s Attorney. Statute sets the salary of the State’s Attorney at 90% of the salary of a District Court
Judge. The Commission recommends setting the salary of the Sheriff at 90% of the salary of the State’s
Attorney.
2020 Salary Study Report
3
The Commission also strongly encourages the Board of County Commissioners to request legislation to
remove the Sheriff’s salary from the purview of this Commission and set the salary formula to 90% of the
State’s Attorney’s salary.
Treasurer: The Treasurer’s salary is currently part of the County’s employee grade/step compensation
scale and therefore subject to periodic increases on the same basis as other County employees. Therefore,
no change is recommended to the current process or amount of the Treasurer’s salary. The Commission
recommends that the Treasurer’s salary be set at $6,000 to remain consistent therewith.
Open Session Item
SUBJECT: Budget adjustment for unbudgeted costs
PRESENTATION DATE: December 1, 2020
PRESENTATION BY: Sara Greaves, Chief Financial Officer; Dave Hays, Director of
Emergency Services
RECOMMENDATION: To approve the budget adjustment as presented.
REPORT-IN-BRIEF: The County refunded 2011 and 2012 bonds on September 30, 2020
initiating a savings in debt service. Staff would like to redirect savings to other known costs.
DISCUSSION: Debt service savings of $149,347 are being requested for reallocation to
provide an increase in the required LOSAP contribution. We receive estimates from the actuary
early in the budget season, but unfortunately the estimate we received in FY20 for FY21 was
short by $49,347. Additionally, an oversight occurred during budgets and the $100,000 to
provide for the accounting review provided by SEK was removed. This is a contracted cost that
must be funded.
FISCAL IMPACT: $149,347
CONCURRENCES: N/A
ALTERNATIVES: Do not approve the budget adjustment as presented
ATTACHMENTS: 93130 Budget Adjustment forms
AUDIO/VISUAL NEEDS: None
Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland
Agenda Report Form
Department Head Authorization
Budget & Finance Director Approval
County Administrator Approval
Required > $ 25,000 with date
Washington County, Maryland
Budget Adjustment Form
Explain
Budget Adjustment
Budget Transfer - Moves revenues or expenditures from one account to another or between budgets or funds.
Budget Amendment - Increases or decrease the total spending authority of an accounting fund or department
County Commissioners Approval
Transaction/Post -Finance
Deputy Director - Finance
Preparer, if applicable
Expenditure /
Account Number
Fund
Number
Department
Number Project Number Grant Number Activity Code Department and Account Description Increase (Decrease)
+ / -
Required approval with date
Required approval with date
If applicable with date
Required approval with date
Division Director / Elected Official Authorization
Required Action by
County Commissioners No Approval Required Approval Required Approval Date if
Known
Print Form
o utilize savings from debt service account to provide for unbudgeted costs related to volunteer fire and rescue.
501050 10 12700 Bond Interest -149,347
500130 10 93130 Pension 49,347
515000 10 93130 Contracted Purchased Services 100,000
Open Session Item
SUBJECT: Budget adjustment – Bond Issuance Cost
PRESENTATION DATE: December 1, 2020
PRESENTATION BY: Sara Greaves, Chief Financial Officer
RECOMMENDATION: To approve the budget adjustment as presented.
REPORT-IN-BRIEF: The County refunded 2011 and 2012 bonds on September 30, 2020.
DISCUSSION: The issuance costs for this transaction were included in the refunding and
provided to the County as bond proceeds. We must initiate a budget adjustment to allocate the
proceeds accordingly.
FISCAL IMPACT: $87,388
CONCURRENCES: N/A
ALTERNATIVES: Do not approve the budget adjustment as presented
ATTACHMENTS: ADM001 Adjustment form
AUDIO/VISUAL NEEDS: None
Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland
Agenda Report Form
Department Head Authorization
Budget & Finance Director Approval
County Administrator Approval
Required > $ 25,000 with date
Washington County, Maryland
Budget Adjustment Form
Explain
Budget Adjustment
Budget Transfer - Moves revenues or expenditures from one account to another or between budgets or funds.
Budget Amendment - Increases or decrease the total spending authority of an accounting fund or department
County Commissioners Approval
Transaction/Post -Finance
Deputy Director - Finance
Preparer, if applicable
Expenditure /
Account Number
Fund
Number
Department
Number Project Number Grant Number Activity Code Department and Account Description Increase (Decrease)
+ / -
Required approval with date
Required approval with date
If applicable with date
Required approval with date
Division Director / Elected Official Authorization
Required Action by
County Commissioners No Approval Required Approval Required Approval Date if
Known
Print Form
o apply bond proceeds that are to be used for issuance costs related to the 2020 Refunding B bonds.
Kelcee Mace Digitally signed by Kelcee Mace
Date: 2020.10.06 10:45:31 -04'00'
498016 30 10500 ADM001 0000 Bond Fund - 2020 87,388
599999 30 15000 ADM001 BOND Cost of Bond Issuance 87,388
Sara Greaves Digitally signed by Sara Greaves
Date: 2020.10.12 10:54:25 -04'00'
Open Session Item
SUBJECT: Employee Step/Cost of Living Adjustment
PRESENTATION DATE: December 1, 2020
PRESENTATION BY: Kirk C. Downey; Interim County Administrator; Sara Greaves, Chief
Financial Officer
RECOMMENDED MOTION: I move to implement a mid-year adjustment to employee wages to
include a 2.5% employee step increase (to employees with at least 6 months’ tenure) ) for all regular
employees and a 1% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA, effective the pay period ending January 8,
2021, with a pay date of January 15, 2021.
REPORT-IN-BRIEF: A proposed 3.5% wage adjustment was removed from the FY21 budget during
the spring planning process when the COVID-19 pandemic became apparent. The Board stated that
they would review later in the year for a potential mid-year adjustment.
DISCUSSION: Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the county has taken a very conservative
approach to all things budgetarily-related, including budgeted wages for employees.
Steps and COLA’s are important to maintain a competitive workforce, recognize effort and
performance, and recruit and retain qualified personnel. Moreover, they are required to minimize
disparity with other similarly-situated public sector employers.
The County recently reduced the wage scale from 3.5% to 2.5% between steps. This was due to the
3.5% step being cost prohibitive where COLAs were concerned, leading to a decision each year to
choose between the two--providing one or the other but not both. The Board agreed that an effort to
provide more consistent steps and COLAs (annually) would be the best approach moving forward.
This is even more critical due to the adopted Maryland minimum wage scale and the impact to our
County.
$10.10 Current
$11 on Jan. 1, 2020, 9% increase
$11.75 on Jan. 1, 2021, 7% increase
$12.50 on Jan. 1, 2022, 6% increase
$13.25 on Jan. 1, 2023, 6% increase$14 on Jan. 1, 2024, 6% increase
$15 on Jan. 1, 2025, 7% increase
Throughout the pandemic, Washington County employees have continued to provide necessary
governmental services to our community, even while facing increased risk and an uncertain work
environment. Meanwhile, the County has not provided any hazard pay to employees through the
CARES funding. It has been the County’s focus to utilize those funds to serve our citizens and
businesses first.
The County has moved forward with a conservative budget with prudent planning efforts. County
revenues have been greater than anticipated. The County finds itself in a place where it can fulfill its
original goal to provide County employees with the step increase and COLA it originally envisioned.
FISCAL IMPACT: Mid-year implementation: 1% COLA $270,000; 2.5% Step $670,000; Total -
$940,000
CONCURRENCES: Chief Financial Officer
ALTERNATIVES: N/A
ATTACHMENTS: N/A
Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland
Agenda Report Form
Open Session Item
SUBJECT: CARES ACT Wage Reimbursement Distribution Plan
PRESENTATION DATE: December 1, 2020
PRESENTATION BY: Tom Brown, Emergency Manager
RECOMMENDED MOTION: Approval to reimburse County and Municipal governments
and Volunteer Fire and EMS departments a portion of full and part time wages based on an
equitable calculation of the percentage of each request as compared to the total amount of
available funds.
REPORT-IN-BRIEF: CARES ACT funding was awarded by the State and Federal
government to Washington County in an effort to offset expenses related to COVID-19. At this
time all funding received is to be utilized by December 30, 2020.
DISCUSSION: Approval to reallocate remaining non-healthcare CARES ACT funding to
reimburse County and Municipal governments and Volunteer Fire and EMS departments for a
portion of full and part time wages was approved during the October 27, 2020 BOCC meeting.
All municipalities with public safety personnel, all volunteer fire and EMS companies, and the
County’s wages for public safety personnel were requested on multiple occasions for a sex-
month period during the allowable CARES ACT funding period. These requests totaled
$13,225,836. Each request was calculated as a percentage of the total requests and it is
recommended that applicants would receive that percentage of available remaining funds.
Additional funding from the health care CARES ACT funding has been made available and will
be utilized to meet requests.
FISCAL IMPACT: None
CONCURRENCES: Interim County Administrator, Chief Financial Officer
ALTERNATIVES: Deny recommendation and determine an alternate distribution plan.
ATTACHMENTS: TBD
AUDIO/VISUAL NEEDS: N/A
Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland
Agenda Report Form
Open Session Item
SUBJECT: Transit CARES Act Funding-Accept Awarded Funding
PRESENTATION DATE: December 1, 2020
PRESENTATION BY: Kevin Cerrone, Director, Washington County Transit, and Allison
Hartshorn, Grant Manager, Office of Grant Management
RECOMMENDED MOTION: Move to approve the acceptance of $3,534,237 from the
Maryland Department of Transportation/ Maryland Transit Administration.
REPORT-IN-BRIEF: The proposed funding is for operational and maintenance expense relief
due to COVID-19
DISCUSSION: Washington County Transit (WCT) is the sub-recipient of federal CARES Act
funds in the amount of $3,534,237. Administered by the Maryland Department of
Transportation/ Maryland Transit Administration (MDOT/ MTA), the multi-year project is
documented as an amendment to the previously executed FY ’20 Annual Transportation Plan
(ATP).
This Plan was originally presented to the Washington County Board of County Commissioners
(BOCC) on September 25, 2019 for the purpose of application and receipt of federal, state and
local transit funding. The CARES Act funds now associated with the Plan will be eligible for
COVID-19 related expenses and lost revenue. The Project Time Period will be extended as
necessary by MDOT/ MTA until all funds have been completely drawn down. The funds are
100% federal dollars with no state or local match requirement. The funds may not be used as a
substitute for required annual FTA Formula 5307 Small Urban Program operating fund matches.
As a sub-recipient, WCT will use these funds to offset overmatch expenses and anticipated
revenue losses over the next several years. All requests for reimbursement must be transit
related. It is anticipated draws will pay for various cleaning supplies, equipment, vehicle and
facility upkeep, along with payroll expenses associated with the COVID-19 pandemic beginning
January 20, 2020.
FISCAL IMPACT: N/A
CONCURRENCES: Susan Buchanan, Director, Office of Grant Management
ALTERNATIVES: Deny acceptance of funds
ATTACHMENTS: N/A
AUDIO/VISUAL NEEDS: N/A
Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland
Agenda Report Form