FY26 budget book final

Fiscal Year 2026

Operating and Capital Budget

BUDGET DOCUMENT GUIDE

FY 2026

Guide to Reading the Budget

This document presents the FY2026 Washington County budget. The County budget is based on the fiscal year beginning July 1 and ending on June 30. The budget document, a comprehensive guide to the County’s financial plans and strategies, is divided into several sections:

The Table of Contents provides a link to each section and subsection. The County Administrator Message provides insight into the County’s strategic plans, prior year accomplishments; issues the County faces and actions taken to remedy those issues. It also provides FY2026 budget highlights. The Organization and Community Profile provides information about the elected Board of Washington County Commissioners and Administrative Officials; the County’s Mission and Vision Statements; goals and objectives; the County organizational structure; summary of personnel and general information about the County, it’s form of government, and recent demographic and economic data. The Operational Overview provides a detailed look into the County’s fiscal policies and budget processes, an overview of the different operating funds and information on sources and uses of County funds. The Capital Program and Debt Management section provides summary information about our Capital Program, a debt affordability analysis, and a summary of capital projects. A comprehensive look at our Capital Improvement Program can be located by clicking here -> Ten Year Capital Improvement Plan and selecting the 2026-2035 Capital Improvement Plan document. This will take you to the County Budget and Finance page where you can find current and historical Capital Improvement plans as well as other financial documents. The General Fund section focuses on the County’s largest fund and consists of summaries of revenues and expenses in the general fund followed by detailed expenditures by department. In each department, the reader can find detailed information on:

The function of each department The goals for the current fiscal year

• •

• Accomplishments from the prior fiscal year • Performance indicators or services provided • Sources of funding • Breakdown of expenditures by wages and benefits, operating expenses and capital expenses, and budget highlights explaining major changes to the budget • Personnel summary along with any changes in staffing The Highway Fund, Other Governmental Funds and Enterprise Funds provide similar information as the general fund. The Information and Resources section provides users with answers to frequently asked questions, contact information for County officials and definitions for commonly used terms and acronyms within the budget document.

2026 Budget Document

FY 2026

2026 Budget Document

TABLE OF CONTENTS

FY 2026

Table of Contents

Guide to Reading the Budget ............ Introduction

Board of Education .............................................. 68 Hagerstown Community College......................... 71 Washington County Free Library......................... 73 Library Maintenance ........................................... 75 General Fund Public Safety Summary ................. 77 Sheriff’s Division Summary .................................. 78 Judicial ................................................................. 79 Process Server ..................................................... 81 Patrol ................................................................... 83 Sheriff Auxiliary ................................................... 85 Central Booking ................................................... 86 Detention Center................................................. 88 Day Reporting Center .......................................... 90 Narcotics Task Force............................................ 92 Washington County Police Academy................... 94 Division of Emergency Services Summary........... 96 Air Unit ................................................................ 97 Special Operations............................................... 98 EMS Operations................................................. 100 Fire Operations .................................................. 103 Public Safety Training Center ............................ 105 Civil Air Patrol .................................................... 107 Fire and Rescue Volunteer Services .................. 108 Division of Emergency Management and Communications Summary ............................... 110 911 Communications......................................... 111 Emergency Management .................................. 114 Humane Society of Washington County............ 116 General Fund Transfers Summary..................... 119 Operating Transfers........................................... 120 Capital Transfers................................................ 121 General Fund Court System Summary .............. 123 Circuit Court ...................................................... 124 Orphan’s Court .................................................. 127 State’s Attorney ................................................. 128 General Fund State Functions Summary ........... 131 Election Board ................................................... 132 Soil Conservation............................................... 134 Weed Control .................................................... 136 Environmental Pest Management..................... 138 Health Department ........................................... 139 Social Services ................................................... 142 University of Maryland Extension ..................... 145 Cooperative County Extension .......................... 145 General Fund Community Funding Summary ... 149 General Fund General Operations Summary .... 153 County Commissioners...................................... 154

County Administrator Message ........................ i-vi

Organization and Community Profile: Vision and Mission Statements .............................1 County Commissioner Profiles ..............................2 Administrative Official Profiles .............................3 Organizational Chart .............................................4 Personnel Summary by Department .....................5 Summary of Changes in Full-Time Positions .........7 Goals and Objectives .............................................8 Primary Goals by Department ..............................9 Community Profile ..............................................11 Operational Overview: Comprehensive Fiscal Policies ............................21 Budget Practices and Process .............................28 Fund Summaries .................................................33 Total Sources and Uses of County Funds ............36 Combined Statement of Revenue, Expenditures, and Changes in Undesignated Fund Balance ......37

Capital Program and Debt Management:

Capital Improvement Program ...........................41 Capital Improvement Plan Process .....................41 Components of the Capital Program ..................42 Capital Improvement Budget Overview ..............46 Operating Impact of Capital Improvement Projects ..............................................................46 Ten Year Capital Improvement Plan Summary....48 Debt Affordability Analysis ..................................49 Outstanding Debt ................................................53 Statement of Revenues and Expenditures ..........56

General Fund:

General Fund Revenue Summary .......................57 General Fund Revenue Detail .............................58 General Fund Expenditure Summary...................65

General Fund Expenditure Detail by Department/Agency:

General Fund Education Summary ......................67

2026 Budget Document

TABLE OF CONTENTS

FY 2026

Table of Contents

County Clerk ....................................................... 156 County Administrator ........................................158 Public Relations and Marketing .........................160 Budget and Finance ...........................................163 Independent Accounting and Audit...................165 Purchasing..........................................................166 Treasurer............................................................168 County Attorney.................................................170 Human Resources ..............................................172 Information Technology ....................................174 General Operations ............................................ 177 Wireless Communications .................................178 Business and Economic Development ...............180 General Fund Other Summary ...........................183 Women’s Commission .......................................184 Veteran’s Advisory Committee ..........................186 Diversity and Inclusion Committee....................187 Animal Control Board ........................................189 Forensic Investigator .......................................... 190 Commission on Aging.........................................191 Museum of Fine Arts..........................................193 General Fund Public Works; Engineering; Permits and Inspections; Zoning Summary.....................197 Public Works ......................................................198 Buildings, Grounds and Facilities .......................200 Engineering ........................................................202 Permits and Inspections.....................................205 Planning and Zoning...........................................208 Zoning Appeals ................................................... 211 General Fund Parks and Recreation Summary ..213 Martin L. Snook Pool..........................................214 Parks and Recreation .........................................215 General Fund Facilities Summary ......................217 Facilities .............................................................218

Cascade Town Centre ........................................ 224 Agricultural Education Center ........................... 225 Grant Management ........................................... 227 Inmate Welfare ................................................. 229 Gaming .............................................................. 230 Hotel Rental Tax ................................................ 232 Land Preservation.............................................. 233 Hagerstown/Eastern Panhandle Metropolitan Planning Organization (HEPMPO) ..................... 235 Emergency Services Billing ................................ 237 Contraband........................................................ 239 Foreign Trade Zone............................................ 240

Enterprise Funds:

Enterprise Funds Summary .............................. 241 Solid Waste........................................................ 242 Water Quality .................................................... 246 Transit................................................................ 251 Airport ............................................................... 255 Golf Course ........................................................ 260

Information and Resources:

Frequently Asked Questions ............................. 265 Contact Information .......................................... 267 Glossary ............................................................. 268 Commonly Used Acronyms ............................... 275

Highway Fund:

Highway Fund Summary ...................................219 Highway .............................................................221

Other Governmental Funds:

Other Governmental Funds Summary...............223

2026 Budget Document

OFFICE OF THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR

July 2025

To the Citizens of Washington County

As County Administrator for Washington County, it is my privilege to serve our community, and I would like to reaffirm our tireless commitment to support our residents, businesses and visitors. The approved budget for fiscal year 2026 of $506.1 million applies resources in a responsible and effective manner and prioritizes this administration’s core values of transparency, accountability, and sustainability. The budget reflects community involvement and input while demonstrating fiscal responsibility and strategic community and infrastructure investments in key focus areas: public safety, capital improvements and economic development. An important role of the County Administrator is to develop a budget that identifies and invests in the priorities of our community. Budgets are an expression of our values; and the approved budget supports efficient, community-focused services. This budget also recognizes the efforts put forth by our county employees who work hard each day to make Washington County the best place to Live ● Work ● Play .

Washington County’s financial health and its economy are strong. Rating reports from the three largest bond rating agencies continue to reflect their confidence in Washington County. Washington County’s AA+ rating reflects its financial resilience assessment of ‘aaa’ . This assessment incorporates a high midrange level of budgetary flexibility assessment and assumes maintaining available reserves at approximately 20% of general fund spending. Other positive credit factors include a strong liability

burden, fixed carrying costs metric for debt service and annual pension spending at 9.4% of governmental expenditures (85 th percentile). This AA+ bond rating allows us to garner low interest rates that ultimately save taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars, which in turn is reinvested in our community. Outcome-based strategies were used in the development of the fiscal year 2026 budget. This strategy ensures that division budgets align with the County’s goals of making Washington County the best place to Live ● Work ● Play . In preparation of the budget, Budget and Finance Staff and I met with all of our departments and many of our partner agencies to review their

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historical expenditures and upcoming requests. Where possible, this budget uses one-time funding for one-time expenditures to ensure fiscal responsibility. From January 2025 through May 2025, residents shared their budget priorities at numerous budgetary sessions held during citizen comment at regular meetings and at public hearings that were held to discuss the fiscal year 2026 proposed budget and proposed service rates for operations at the landfill, water, sewer and the airport. I worked very closely with the Board, department heads, and community leaders to develop innovative, common-sense solutions while continuing to make significant investments in our public safety, emergency services, public schools, and core services.

PUBLIC SAFEY

Building stronger neighborhoods means ensuring that communities where residents Live ● Work ● Play are safe. It is the job of County government to be vigilant and forward-thinking. Responsive, respectful and vigilant public safety is required to ensure that our communities are safe. In fiscal year 2026, we executed two (2) year collective bargaining agreements

for our personnel in emergency medical and fire services, law enforcement officers and detention officers by providing well-deserved pay increases to all three (3) bargaining units. This salary initiative began in fiscal year 2022 and has continued yearly since then by providing additional increases, recruitment and retention bonuses, and shift differential incentives for those employees. These salary initiatives have improved retention and provide competitive wages in

order to attract the next generation of individuals interested in making public safety their lifetime careers. In response to the need for added public safety in Washington County that was identified through community input during a Public Safety Town Hall, the Board unanimously approved the mid-year addition of eight (8) patrol officer positions and five (5) detention officer positions in fiscal year 2025.

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Washington County, Maryland FY2026 County Administrator Message

In recent years, the Board began transitioning fire and emergency medical services from an all-volunteer model to a combination-model that includes both volunteers and County paid staffing. County paid staffing counts for fire and emergency medical services have increased from 10 positions in fiscal year 2017 to 108 positions in the proposed fiscal year 2026 budget. In fiscal year 2026, the county is applying for funding through the Staffing for Adequate Fire and emergency Response (SAFER) grant program to partially fund the addition of 9 to 18

additional fire positions. The budget for fiscal year 2026 includes an additional $500 thousand to continue the transition of emergency medical services personnel. I’d like to extend a warm thank you to all of the men and women in Washington County who serve in our law enforcement, detention, fire and emergency medical services departments for their hard work and dedication to our communities.

EDUCATION

Washington County has historically made consistent investments in our schools; and, the County has continued that funding priority with additional funds that focus on our youth. The fiscal year 2026 budget includes $120.6 million in funding for Washington County Public Schools (WCPS) based on State mandated Maintenance of Effort (MOE) calculations and an additional $2.2 million to fund additional state cost shifts for teacher pension costs in the MD State Retirement and Pension System. This equates to an increase of $12.7 million over fiscal year 20 25’s budget of $110.2 million . Although student enrollment growth has been stagnant, by making this strategic investment in education, funding is in place for future years as WCPS works to implement the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future. The ten (10) year 2026-2035 Capital Improvement Plan (Plan) includes $51.1 million for a replacement elementary school with $18.6 million from County dedicated funding, $32.1 million in state funding and an additional $400 thousand in local contributions. This project is currently in the design phase and is expected to be completed by fiscal year 2028. This project includes the construction of a new elementary school that will replace two (2) existing elementary schools that are beyond the normal expected service life; and, it will provide modernization, create efficiencies and expand student capacity to meet the needs of our growing community. For fiscal year 2025, the Plan includes an additional $6.7 million in tax supported funding ($2.1 million in local dollars) for maintenance and repairs of buildings at WCPS and $60,000 for local libraries. Additionally, $17.4 million is included for a replacement public library that serves the community in the Town of Williamsport. That project includes $4.5 million in local tax dollars, $12.2 million in state funding and $749 thousand in other contributions.

Investing in our aging infrastructure is essential to ensuring that our community is vibrant. This strategic focus allows us to enhance and advance community priorities.

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Washington County, Maryland FY2026 County Administrator Message

Lifelong learning is essential for a healthy life, and that is why the fiscal year 2026 general fund operating budget includes $122.8 million for WCPS, $10.7 million for Hagerstown Community College, and $5.5 million for the County’s five ( 5) free public libraries.

COUNTY WORKFORCE

As previously mentioned, our Board is committed to ensuring that our public safety personnel have competitive wages; likewise, the Board is equally committed to ensuring that our entire workforce is healthy, happy and productive by recognizing how dedicated they are to providing the best possible services to our residents.

In fiscal year 2024, the Board began a salary scale realignment that brought the lowest grades on the non-public safety salary scales to the new Maryland minimum wage of $15.00 per hour. This resulted in a compression of the non- public safety grade scale. In fiscal year 2025 and again in fiscal year 2026, the Board approved additional wage increases to employees covered by the non-public safety wages scale to work towards decompressing the scale. The fiscal year 2026 budget provides for a COLA of 1.0%, a step of 2.5% for eligible employees and a decompression of the salary scale

that resulted from the fiscal year 2024 realignment. As part of the salary scale decompression, the fiscal year 2026 budget provides for an additional 1.0%-8.0% for employees in all grades (grades 1-22).

CAPITAL PROJECTS INITIATIVES

The proposed fiscal year 2026 Capital Improvement Plan (Plan) includes new appropriations of $111.8 million to support County projects. The commitment to enhancing and maintaining County infrastructure is reflected in the budget. Some of the notable projects in the $74.7 million general fund Plan include: • $4.6 million for bridge replacements • $40.9 million for a new elementary school and maintenance to existing schools, colleges and libraries. • $5.6 million for parks and recreation improvements at various parks such as Pen Mar Park, Martin Luther King Gymnasium, Mt. Briar Park and Marty Snook Pool and Park. • $8.9 million for public safety projects such as the Tactical Village at the Public Safety Training Center, maintenance and repairs of the detention center and patrol administration buildings, and vehicle and equipment replacements for patrol and emergency services.

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Washington County, Maryland FY2026 County Administrator Message

• $10.5 million for road improvements such as the pavement maintenance and preservation program, Eastern Boulevard extended and widening, and vehicle and equipment replacements for the Highways Department.

The $37.1 million Plan for self-supporting funds include the following notable projects:

• The Airport fund includes $23.2 million for a replacement Air Traffic Control Tower, terminal expansion and taxi way maintenance. • The Water Quality fund includes $2.6 million for pump station upgrades, maintenance of buildings, and vehicle and equipment replacements. • The Solid Waste fund includes $7.0 million for construction of Cell 5 at the 40 West Landfill, and vehicle and equipment replacements. • The Transit fund includes $4.2 million for renovations and expansion of the West Washington Street facility, preventative maintenance, and bus replacements.

A HEALTHY BUDGET FOR WASHINGTON COUNTY

Over the last few years, Washington County has experienced significant residential and commercial growth. Although the population for Maryland decreased in 2022, Washington County has seen a net population gain as workers from other counties in Maryland migrate to Washington County to take advantage of our lower home prices, lower cost of living and available jobs. Our Department of Business and Economic Development is focused on identifying strategies to bring high-paying, quality jobs to our County, and to support local businesses and entrepreneurs as they begin or expand in our County. Having Interstates 70 and 81 intersect in our County has been integral to that recent economic growth. The approved budget for fiscal year 2026 sets aside healthy reserve funds, meets our long- term pension obligations and makes strategic investments to protect our AA+ bond rating. This budget ensures that the County has strong financial health while also providing programs and services that our residents need to be safe and healthy. It maintains infrastructure investments and provides funding for our schools, libraries, law enforcement, roads, fire and emergency medical services and much more. I want to thank our Budget and Finance Team, our Board of County Commissioners and our entire WCC workforce for their expertise and diligence as we finalized this year’s operating and capital budgets. Development of the budget is a complex and time intensive endeavor. This approved budget reflects collaboration, community input and invests in our citizens. We have employed a strategic and responsible approach to ensure that Washington County remains strong, vibrant and the best place to Live ● Work ● Play .

Sincerely,

Michelle Gordon, MBA County Administrator

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Washington County, Maryland FY2026 County Administrator Message

Page vi

Washington County, Maryland FY2026 County Administrator Message

Organization & Community Profile

2026 Budget Document

WASHINGTON COUNTY APPROVED BUDGET

FY 2026

Vision and Mission Statements

Vision Statement

The vision of Washington County Government is to become the regional leader in providing and coordinating efficient and effective public services in an open and cooperative manner.

Mission Statement

Supporting and strengthening individual and community self-reliance and responsibility; promoting education, economic opportunities, public health, safety, and welfare; protecting the environment and cultural resources we share; and planning for future urbanization and a culturally diverse population.

2026 Budget Document

WASHINGTON COUNTY APPROVED BUDGET

FY 2026

Washington County Commissioners

J OHN F . B ARR , a fourth-term County Commissioner, serves as President of the Board of County Commissioners, and was first elected in 2006. He was raised in Boonsboro, Maryland and is a Master Electrician in five states. In high school, Mr. Barr worked for his father as a field electrician at M/L Electric, Inc., founded in 1927. In 1979 he formed the management team overseeing the service department. In 1984, Mr. Barr bought the company from his father and changed the name to Ellsworth Electric, Inc. He remained president and owner until his son purchased the business in 2020. Mr. Barr is active in various service organizations and community projects. He also served a one-year term as President of the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) in 2016 and in December 2024 he was re-installed as a member of the MACo Board of Directors. J EFFREY A. “J EFF ” C LINE , a fourth-term County Commissioner, serves as Vice President of the Board of County Commissioners and is a resident of Williamsport, Maryland. He is a graduate of Williamsport High School and Hagerstown Community College. Mr. Cline has experience as a realtor since 2003. H e graduated from the Maryland Association of Realtors’ 2008 Leadership Academy and received the Graduate of Realtor Institute (GRI) designation. He is also a graduate of the 2013 Leadership Washington County Class 26. Mr. Cline served on the Williamsport Town Council from 2005 to 2009. R ANDALL E. “R ANDY ” W AGNER , a second-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 Trucks 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 21 years and is a licensed private pilot. He also served on the Animal Control Board and held the position as Vice Chair for eight years. He currently serves on the Airport Advisory Board, the Planning Commission, the Health Advisory Board, the Black Rock Golf Course Board and the Emergency Services Advisory Council. DEREK HARVEY , Colonel, USA (retired), a first term County Commissioner, worked on Capitol Hill as the Lead Investigator and Senior Advisor to the House Permanent Select Intelligence Committee, and in the White House National Security Council under President Donald J. Trump during President Trump’s first term. After serving as an Airborne Ranger Infantry Officer and a decorated Army colonel, earning a Bronze Star and multiple Meritorious Service Medals, he transitioned into government service as a Senior Intelligence Executive. Mr. Harvey has been an adjunct professor at the University of Maryland and Central Texas College and was a Fellow at Carnegie Mellon University. As a Professor and Research Institute Director at the University of South Florida, he focused on supporting local governments with insights to help with smarter decision making. Elected to the Board of County Commissioners in 2022, he is a member of the Morris Frock American Legion and resides in Smithsburg. R ANDAL L EATHERMAN , A longtime resident and dedicated community member, has served on the Hagerstown Regional Airport Advisory Committee, Washington County Republican Central Committee, and various fire departments throughout Washington County. His contributions to public safety and emergency response have been recognized with numerous awards, including the Fairfax County Fire Department Bronze Medal for Lifesaving and the Air National Guard’s Meritorious Service Medal.

2026 Budget Document

WASHINGTON COUNTY APPROVED BUDGET

FY 2026

Administrative Officials

M ICHELLE A. G ORDON , County Administrator, holds a B.A. degree in management with concentrations in accounting and information technology from Hood College. She earned a Master of Business Administration degree with a Certified Public Accounting Track from Mount St. Mary’s University and was in th e first graduating class of the Mount St. Mary’s. Richard J. Bolte, Sr. School of Business. Mrs. Gordon is a lifelong resident of Washington County, Maryland. She was appointed to the position of County Administrator in September 2023 and has been employed with Washington County since October of 2022 when was hired as the Chief Financial Officer. Prior to her employment with Washington County, she was employed as the Chief Financial Officer of Jefferson County, West Virginia and as the Director of Finance of the City of Hagerstown, Maryland for a combined total of 12 years. Her governmental experience also includes six years of progressive accounting work at the City of Frederick, Maryland. In total, Mrs. Gordon has 34 years of governmental, private and public accounting experience. Mrs. Gordon serves as an active member of the Auxiliary at the Potomac Fish and Game Club in her hometown of Williamsport, Maryland. She is a member of the Board of Directors for the Maryland Theatre, the Board of Directors for the University System of Maryland – Hagerstown, the Maryland Association of Counties, the Maryland Government Finance Officers Association and the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA). K ELCEE G. M ACE , Chief Financial Officer, holds a B.A. degree in Accounting from Juniata College. Mrs. Mace was appointed as the Chief Financial Officer effective October 14, 2023. She is currently working towards the Certified Public Finance Officer designation through the GFOA. Mrs. Mace was hired by Washington County Government in 2014 as an accountant, was promoted to Deputy Director of Budget and Finance in 2018, was appointed as Interim Chief Financial Officer in June 2023, and served in such position until becoming the Chief Financial Officer. She is a member of the Maryland Government Finance Officer Association and the GFOA. She is currently serving a three-year term on the MDGFOA board of directors, representing Western Maryland. K IMBERLY K. E DLUND , 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 is a Certified Public Accountant and earned a Master of Business Administration degree from Frostburg State University. Ms. 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. Ms. 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 GFOA. She is a member of the Board of Directors for the Maryland Theatre, the Secretary of the Hagerstown Community College Alumni Association, and a member of the Women’s Club. Z ACHARY K IEFFER , County Attorney, was appointed in March of 2024. He joined Washington County Government as the Assistant County Attorney in January 2023 and was appointed as the Deputy County Attorney in November of 2023, and Interim County Attorney in February 2024. Mr. Kieffer graduated from The Pennsylvania State University in 2008 with a B.A. degree. He received his J.D. degree from the University of Baltimore School of Law in 2011 and was admitted to the Maryland Bar. He is also admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland and served as Judicial Law Clerk to the Hon. Leo E. Green Jr., Prince George’s County Circuit Court in 2012. Mr. Kieffer maintained a private practice from 2012 – 2022. He is a member of the Washington County Bar Association.

2026 Budget Document

WASHINGTON COUNTY APPROVED BUDGET

FY 2026

Citizens of Washington County, Maryland

Sheriff • Judicial

Treasurer

Board of County Commissioners

State’s Attorney attorney

• Process Servers • Central Booking • Patrol • Detention Center • Day Reporting • Narcotics Task Force • Police Academy

County Clerk

County Administrator

County Attorney

Chief Financial Officer • Audit

• Finance • Budget • Purchasing

Business & Economic Development

• Grant Management/Gaming • Emergency Services Billing

Emergency Management • 911 Communications • Emergency Planning

Information Systems • Information Technology • Radio Communications • Broadband Wireless Access • GIS

Emergency Services • Air Unit

• EMS Operations • Fire Operations • Special Operations • Public Safety Training Center • Volunteer Fire & Rescue

Permits & Inspections • Permit Processing • Building, Trades and Fire Plan Review • Building, Trades and Fire Plan Inspections • Issuance of Use and Occupancy Certifications Planning & Zoning

Engineering • Engineering • Survey

• Agriculture Preservation • Comprehensive Planning • Environmental Planning • Transportation Planning • Zoning

Human Resources • Pension Management • Benefits Management • Risk Management • Training • Employee Relations Environmental Management • Solid Waste • Water Quality • Stormwater Operations

Public Works • Buildings, Grounds, & Facilities • Parks & Recreation • Golf Course • Highways Public Relations & Marketing • Public & Media Relations • Marketing and Event Planning • Website Management

• Transit • Airport

2026 Budget Document

WASHINGTON COUNTY APPROVED BUDGET

FY 2026

Personnel Summary by Department

Change from 2025 (adjusted) to 2026

Summary of Full-Time Budgeted Positions

2025 Adjusted

% of Employees

2026

2025

2024

General Fund: Judicial Process Servers

2.93% 0.10%

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 9 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0

11.81%

Patrol

113

104

105

1.04%

Central Booking

13.58%

Detention

130

125

0.21% 0.21% 5.64% 5.54% 7.00% 0.42% 0.73% 0.10% 2.61% 4.60% 0.10% 0.52% 0.10% 0.21% 0.52% 1.99% 0.63% 0.52% 0.63% 1.04% 1.46% 0.73% 0.42% 0.21% 1.88% 2.40% 3.24% 1.36% 0.84%

Day Reporting Center Narcotics Task Force 911 Communications

2 2

2 5

54 53 67

54 51 58

54 31 47

EMS Operations Fire Operations

Emergency Management Public Safety Training Center Fire & Rescue Volunteer Services

4 7 1

3 7 1

3 6 1

Circuit Court

25 44

25 42

25 39

State's Attorney Weed Control

1 5 1 2 5

1 5 1 2 4

County Commissioners

County Clerk

County Administrator

Public Relations & Marketing

Budget & Finance

Purchasing Treasurer

6 5 6

County Attorney Human Resources

10 14

10 13

Information Technology Business Development Wireless Communications

7 4 2

6 5 2

Public Works

Buildings, Grounds & Facilities

18 23 31 13

18 23 28 13

18 24 28 13

Engineering

Permits & Inspections Planning & Zoning Parks & Recreation

2026 Budget Document

WASHINGTON COUNTY APPROVED BUDGET

FY 2026

Personnel Summary by Department cont.

Change from 2025 (adjusted) to 2026

Summary of Full-Time Budgeted Positions

2025 Adjusted

2024 Adjusted

% of Employees

2026

2025

Highway Fund

88 23

88 22

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0

9.20% 2.40% 0.10% 0.42% 0.21% 0.10% 8.36% 1.88% 1.25% 0.63% 0.10%

Solid Waste Fund

Agriculture Education Center

1 4 2 1

Grant Management

Gaming Fund

Land Preservation Fund

Water Quality Fund

80 18 12

80 18 11

Transit Fund Airport Fund

Golf Course Fund EMS Billing Fund

6 1

Total

957

938

893

891

100.00%

The Summary of Full- Time Budgeted Positions represents each department’s personnel for the years listed. A detailed schedule reflecting each position for the department can be found in the appropriate sections of this budget document.

Represents Change

2026 Budget Document

WASHINGTON COUNTY APPROVED BUDGET

FY 2026

Change in Full-Time Positions

Function

Explanation of Change between FY2025 Adjusted and FY2026

Change

Administrative Assistant position to replace a position that is needed but was eliminated after the restructure of the Division of Emergency Services and 911 Communications. Scheduling and Logistics Coordinator position to manage the daily work schedule due to the increase in the size of the division. Eight new firefighter positions to provide full-time staff at one or two volunteer fire stations. Shift Supervisor position to ensure a senior level management presence at all events due to the increase in size of the department.

EMS Operations

Fire Operations

Emergency Management

Training Planner position to educate County employees and the public on emergency response and recovery plan.

Assistant State's Attorney II position due to a projected 150% increase in juvenile court cases and 125% increase in District Court cases. Digital Evidence Technician position to review digital surveillance.

State's Attorney

System Network Engineer position to implement, design and maintain a robust network infrastructure.

Information Technology

Fire Plans Examiner/Inspector; Commercial Plans Examiner; Fire Inspector positions all due to bringing fire prevention life safety as a County provided service into the department.

Permits & Inspections

Airline Lead Cross Utilized Agent to support airline station leader due to increased activity at the airport.

Airport

2026 Budget Document

WASHINGTON COUNTY APPROVED BUDGET

FY 2026

Goals and Objectives

The County has identified broad goals in accordance with the County’s Mission Statement. A goal and objective are provided for each of the five core service categories defined by Washington County Government. The service categories provide a basis for making resource allocation decisions during the budget process and serve as a focal point for assessing and coordinating various long-range plans.

Public Safety:

Goal:

Protect and promote the general welfare of residents and visitors and provide a hospitable climate for business.

Objective:

Ensure public health, safety, and welfare of residents and visitors. Employ well- trained professionals to serve in law enforcement, fire and rescue, emergency services, utilities, and building codes.

Education:

Goal:

Provide the financial resources, facilities, and coordination in leadership to promote quality education to primary and secondary learners as well as learners of all ages. Ensure that students have a safe and stimulating environment in which to learn and promote the availability of academic and technical education programs that prepare all students to compete in the global marketplace.

Objective:

Human Services:

Goal:

Preserve and enhance the County’s quality of life for residents and visitors.

Objective:

Provide diverse recreational, educational, and cultural opportunities for children and adults and promote the health and well-being of a vibrant and active community.

Infrastructure:

Goal:

Plan, program, build and maintain the physical assets necessary to accommodate a thriving community and robust economy.

Objective:

Utilize public funds, grants, and private partnerships to manage and improve roads, bridges, utilities, buildings, parks, landfills, airport, and transit resources.

Economic Development:

Goal:

Nurture existing businesses and promote new businesses which fuel the economic engine necessary for success in all other service lines.

Objective:

Foster a culture within government that encourages opportunity and supports private investment in Washington County’s new and existing businesses.

2026 Budget Document

WASHINGTON COUNTY APPROVED BUDGET

FY 2026

Primary Goals by Department

Public Safety

Human Services

Economic Development

Education

Infrastructure

Department

General Fund: Education:

Board of Education Hagerstown Community College Washington County Free Library Library Maintenance Public Safety: Judicial Process Servers Patrol

Sheriff Auxiliary Central Booking Detention Center

Day Reporting Center Narcotics Task Force Police Academy Air Unit Special Operations 911 Communications

EMS Operations Fire Operations Emergency Management Public Safety Training Center Civil Air Patrol Fire Rescue Volunteer Services

Humane Society Court System: Circuit Court

Orphan's Court State's Attorney State Functions: Election Board Soil Conservation Weed Control Health Department Social Services Agricultural Extension Service

2026 Budget Document

WASHINGTON COUNTY APPROVED BUDGET

FY 2026

Public Safety

Human Services

Economic Development

Education

Infrastructure

Department

General Operations: County Commissioners County Clerk County Administrator Public Relations & Marketing Budget & Finance Purchasing Treasurer County Attorney Human Resources Information Technology Business & Economic Dev. Wireless Communications Other: Women's Commission Veteran's Advisory Committee Diversity & Inclusion Committee Animal Control Board Commission on Aging Museum of Fine Arts Public Works/Eng./Permits: Public Works Buildings, Grounds & Facilities Engineering Construction

Parks & Recreation: Martin L. Snook Pool Parks and Recreation

Highway Fund: Solid Waste Fund: Water Quality Fund:

Transit Fund: Airport Fund:

Black Rock Golf Course Fund: Other Governmental Funds: Agricultural Education Center Grant Management Inmate Welfare Gaming Land Preservation HEPMPO

EMS Billing Contraband Foreign Trade Zone

2026 Budget Document

WASHINGTON COUNTY APPROVED BUDGET

FY 2026

Community Profile

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 467 square miles in area. The County Seat, Hagerstown, is 70 miles northwest of Washington, D.C. and 72 miles

west of Baltimore. Two major highways, Interstate 81 – running north and south, and Interstate 70 – running east and west, cross within the County’s borders.

The majority of Washington County is fertile valley with rolling terrain. The lowland belt known as the Hagerstown Valley, which lies between the Blue Ridge Mountains to the west and the Appalachian ridges to the east, is an extension of the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Washington County is a great place, not only for locating a business, but also for living and raising a family. The rural, friendly, community environment offers a taste of traditional values – and the proximity to Baltimore and Washington D.C. offers access to a metropolitan culture and lifestyle. It is the best of both worlds.

Culture and Recreation

Founded in 1776, Washington County was the first county in the United States to be named for then General George Washington. The history of Washington County is exhibited at 5 national parks, 8 state parks, 14 county parks, numerous monuments and more than 35 museums that tell America’s story spanning three centuries. Hagerstown was founded by German immigrant Jonathan Hager who was a volunteer Captain of Scouts during the French and Indian War. Located in the center of the Great Valley in Western Central Maryland, Hagerstown was at the crossroads of the Civil War. The Valley provided a natural corridor for refugees and troop movements between Virginia and Pennsylvania. As a regional crossroads town, just north of the Potomac River, Hagerstown was a favorite staging area for military leaders traversing the region.

A revitalized Arts & Entertainment District in downtown Hagerstown complements shopping, historical sites, and museums in Washington County. Residents and visitors discover a wonderful collection of beautifully renovated retail shops, restaurants, and condominiums all within walking distance of cultural

2026 Budget Document

WASHINGTON COUNTY APPROVED BUDGET

FY 2026

attractions. Hagerstown hosts several annual festivals downtown, most notably the Alsatia Mummer’s Day Parade. Some of Washington County’s major local attractions include:

 Antietam National Battlefield – the site of one of the most famous Civil War battles.  Fort Frederick State Park – fort built in 1756 for use during the French & Indian War.  Appalachian National Scenic Trail – the trail in Maryland follows a 40-mile route along the backbone of South Mountain.  Fort Ritchie – U.S. military base built in 1926 and closed in 1998. Now is undergoing major revitalization and has a museum, residences, and businesses with several community events each year.  Hagerstown Speedway – one of the fasted and safest dirt tracks in the United States.

Hagerstown Speedway

Source: Hagerstown Speedway

 C&O Canal National Historic Park – for nearly 100 years, the canal served as a waterway to transport products, and it now provides a place to relax and enjoy nature.  Washington County Museum of Fine Arts – home of a permanent collection of over 6,000 works of art as well as changing exhibitions.  The Maryland Theater – built in 1915, and renovated in 2019, it is home to the Maryland Symphony Orchestra and Miss Maryland Pageant.  Meritus Park Stadium – opened in May 2024 and is the home of the Flying Boxcars, a team in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. The stadium will also serve as a venue for concerts, community events, and much more.

Fort Ritchie, Cascade, MD

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 central telephone number is (240) -313-2210 and its website is www.washco-md.net.

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

2026 Budget Document

WASHINGTON COUNTY APPROVED BUDGET

FY 2026

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. 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 act, 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 based on his or her executive and administrative abilities, including his or her knowledge and experience in public administration. He or she is charged with the supervision of the departments and agencies of the County and is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the County government 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 Chief Financial Officer ( “ CFO ” ) based on his or her experience in financial administration. The CFO is charged with assisting the Board in the preparation and administration of County budgets and other accounting and fiscal matters as the Board deems necessary. In addition, the CFO is responsible for the fiscal methods and procedures of each office, department, board, commission, institution, and agency of County government. The CFO reports to the County Commissioners.

Services

Transportation

Hagerstown Regional Airport (HGR) is a Part 139-certified facility which provides two to four flights weekly to Orlando Sanford International (SFB) year-round, via Allegiant Airlines. Allegiant also offers two to four flights weekly to St. Pete-Clearwater (PIE) ten months of the year and to Myrtle Beach (MYR) for five months in the summer and fall. Additionally, the airfield offers fixed base operator services to general aviation, corporate, air cargo, and military aircraft at the Rider Jet Center. There are approximately 40 airport-based businesses employing 2,000 and providing a variety of aeronautical services for nearly all types and sizes of aircraft. In addition, Washington Dulles International (IAD), Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall (BWI), and Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) airports are located within 75 miles of Hagerstown. Other transportation outlets include auto rental services, County bus service, commercial bus lines, taxi, Lyft, Uber, freight common carriers, and limousine service. The main rail lines of CSX and Norfolk Southern provide shipment to anywhere on the Atlantic Seaboard.

Hospital and Medical Care

Meritus Health, Western Maryland’s largest health care provider, is located at the crossroads of Western Maryland, Southern Pennsylvania, and the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia. With nearly 3,000 employees, 500 medical staff members and 250 volunteers, Meritus Health services over 200,000 residents of the tristate region. Meritus Medical Center has 327 beds and is a Joint Commission accredited

2026 Budget Document

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