HomeMy WebLinkAbout171205BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF
WASHINGTON COUNTY
Hagerstown, Maryland
December 5, 2017
PRE -LEGISLATIVE FORUM WITH WASHINGTON COUNTY DELEGATION
The County Commissioners attended a pre -legislative meeting at 10:41 a.m. with
Washington County Delegation members Neil Parrott, Andrew Serafini, Michael McKay,
George Edwards and William Wivell at the Hager Hall Conference and Event Center, 901
Dual Highway, Hagerstown.
Deputy County Attorney Kirk C. Downey presented the County's proposed legislation
initiatives for the coming year, as follows:
Legislative Initiatives:
1. Bond Authorization — The County, on a periodic basis, requests authority from the
General Assembly to issue bonds. The existing bond authorization is nearing exhaustion.
For planning purposed, the County needs to receive authority to issue bonds over the next
several years. The Commissioners are requesting authority to issue $70 million in bonds
over the next 5-6 years. The Delegation and Commissioners discussed the proposal.
2. Disabled Veterans Tax Credit — The County has the authority to provide a credit to
veterans with a disability rating of 50% or more against the County's real property tax on a
veterans' legal residence in an amount equal to their disability ranking. The County has
been requested to extend the availability of that credit to any veteran with any amount of
disability. Delegation members were advised that the credit is for disabled veterans with no
age limit, and the Veterans Administration would determine the rating percentage.
Potential Item:
1. Overnight Tractor -Trailer Parking on County Roadways - The County is exploring
whether it needs additional authority to regulate the overnight parking of tractor -trailers
along County roads in certain areas, including industrial parks. Mr. Downey indicated that
additional signage would be burdensome and the County is currently in discussions with
the Maryland Motor Truck Association regarding the matter.
Watch List Items:
1. Restoration of Highway User Revenue — Delegation members were advised of how
the drastic reduction in funding has affected the County budget and other aspects of
citizens' lives. Senator Edwards suggested the Commissioners write respectful letters to
Senate President Mike Miller and House Speaker Michael Busch regarding the matter.
2. Funding for the Urban Improvement Project — the Commissioners requested
support for continued funding in the Governor's budget for the Project.
December 5, 2017
Page 2
3. Sick Leave Bill — the Commissioners requested support of Governor Hogan's veto
of the Paid Sick Leave bill that uniquely burdens local governments, especially as to
seasonal employees, and places Maryland employers at risk. The Commissioners were
advised to communicate their concerns to the legislature.
The meeting ended at 11:02 a.m.
Robert J. Slocum, County Administrator
Kirk C. Downey, Deputy County Attorney
Vicki C. Lumm, County Clerk