WASHINGTON COUNTY APPROVED BUDGET
FY 2026
(EMTs), and five part-time ALS technicians. This team deploys four highly specialized ALS chase units which support the eight independent emergency medical services companies.
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 the regulations and applying them to the operations of these departments. 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. The department also operates five solid waste convenience centers that are strategically located throughout Washington County. The County currently provides water and/or wastewater services to nearly all the immediate densely populated area surrounding the City of Hagerstown (except the Dual Highway corridor), in the areas of Highfield, Elk Ridge, Sandy Hook, Mt. Aetna, and the towns of Sharpsburg and Smithsburg. Five treatments plants serve the County water system in addition to five treatment plants for the County 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 (privatized in 2006 through a long-term lease), and the City of Hagerstown. The only major wastewater treatment facility for public use, other than those operated by the County, is the Hagerstown Wastewater Treatment Plant, owned and operated by the City of Hagerstown.
Department of Business & Economic Development
The Washington County Department of Business & Economic Development (“DB E D”) is dedicated to creating and sustaining a positive pro-business climate. DBED currently has six full-time employees and the support of a dedicated Small Business Development Consultant. It provides business support and resources, business retention efforts, and markets business attractions both locally and nationally. DBED also 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 and elsewhere in Washington County. Throughout the year, DBED meets with representatives of existing companies in need of assistance, as well as businesses interested in moving or expanding to Washington County. Discussions include appropriate funding programs, incentive benefits, customized training programs, workforce development efforts, and other sources of business support. DBED 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 the Washington County Convention & Visitors Bureau to better serve the needs of businesses in Washington County. DBED was actively involved in Washington County’s becoming certified as the first ACT Work Ready Community in Maryland, an initiative that matches the labor force with available jobs in Washington County.
2026 Budget Document
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