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Note: This is a SUMMARY of the Commissioners Meeting for the purposes of a Press Release. These are not the official minutes of the meeting.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: NORMAN BASSETT
240-313-2077

Review of Actions Taken in the Washington County
Board of County Commissioners Meeting
March 30th, 2004

BID AWARD: WETLAND MITIGATION

County Chief Engineer Terry McGee brought this contract, for wetlands mitigation, before the Board. McGee recommended that the contract be awarded to East Coast Green, Inc. in the amount of $110,614.65. The contract involves creation of a 1-acre wetland located in the Conococheague Creek floodplain on the north side of 40-West Landfill. The project is intended to mitigate adverse impacts to other wetlands that were disturbed by the construction of the landfill. The action is mandated by Maryland Department of the Environment and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permits, and will complete current requirements. A 120-day calendar contract, the anticipated notice to proceed would be about April 15 th with a completion date of August 13 th. A budget transfer of $50,000.00 was also recommended to cover unforeseen circumstances and cost contingencies not covered in the original engineering consultant’s cost estimate of $59,000.00. The measures were approved by unanimous vote.

GRANT APPLICATION: ALTERNATIVE SANCTIONS

State’s Attorney Ken Long and Terry Masters, Administrator of the Alternative Sanctions division of the State's Attorney's Office requested approval to submit a grant in the amount of $30,950 to fund the salary of the Work Crew Supervisor in that office. This is the fifth year of the grant, funded by the State Division of Parole and Probation. The position became full time at the beginning of the current fiscal Year. The supervisor oversees a 4 day, 10-hour per day workweek by crews of individuals given community service time by District Court. The work is essentially free labor for the County, as the supervisor’s position is funded by the state. 853 hours have been devoted to assisting the Buildings, Grounds and Parks Department this fiscal year in parks cleanup, painting of facilities and picnic tables in the parks. 130 hours were spent in cleanup following Hurricane Isabel last fall. Funds received will reduce amounts needed for support from the State's Attorney's budget, Masters said. State’s Attorney Long told the Board that the full-time supervisor has helped the program to grow and aid the County. The measure was approved by unanimous vote.

COMMUNITY HOUSING RESOURCES FUNDING REQUEST FOR FY 2004-05

Community Housing Resource Board (CHRB)/Hagerstown Home Store Director Patricia McMillan and CHRB Board Chair Lee Downey brought this issue to the Commissioners. CHRB provides educational and counseling programs in Hagerstown and Washington County dealing with housing issues. The City of Hagerstown has reduced CHRB's funding base by $30,000.00, reducing the funding to $108,000.00. CHRB is requesting an additional $19,000 from the City's General Revenue Funds. Joe Kuhna, Administrator of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding for the County, also president of the CHRB Board, told the Commissioners that because some of the projects take place in the County, application could be made to the state for CDBG funds or revolving loans. Commissioner’s President Greg Snook told the housing representatives that a state application will be investigated, and if no state funding exists, the County will look at alternative methods for possible assistance.

APPLICATION TO SUPPORT COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT

Dave Jordan of the Community Action Council and Community Development Administrator Kuhna brought this request to the Board for approval. CAC is requesting permission to apply for $30,000.00 to expand first-time home buyers' counseling and loan packaging for low-income consumers wishing to locate outside the City Limits of Hagerstown, from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development Service. The funding would also allow CAC to implement a Homeless Management Information System at the request of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The County is the official applicant, but there is no impact on the General Fund budget. The measure was approved by unanimous vote. Commissioners’ President Snook requested that Jordan confer with Pat McMillan at the Hagerstown Home Store to determine if duplication of services is taking place.

ADEQUATE PUBLIC FACILITY ORDINANCE TRANSPORTATION FEE MODIFICATIONS

Economic Development Director Tim Troxell told the Board that the proposed modifications to the Transportation portion off the Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance (APFO) would create a variable fee schedule based on type of employment available at the each new development. Troxell said that a building project had revealed flaws in the current APFO fee process, and that the fees are detrimental to economic development projects. "Decimal multipliers" for four basic industry types were developed after review of the Tischler Fiscal Impact Analysis study. Troxell recommended that Residential and Retail be rated at 1.0, Warehouse and Distribution Centers at .75, Industrial and Manufacturing at .50 and Office at .25. Troxell told the Board that many potential economic development projects might not get off the ground if the current fee structure were implemented. Discussion centered on the impact of retail development, and whether retail shopping areas should be charged the same as residential developments. A proposal by Commissioner John Munson, to adopt the Office Development multiplier at .25 with review of the other rates within 45 days, was approved by unanimous vote.

ADEQUATE PUBLIC FACILITIES ORDINANCE (APFO) TRANSITION POLICY

County Attorney Richard Douglas brought this issue to the Board. The Policy brings together a number of transitional rules pertaining to collection of APFO fees for schools,enacted by the Commissioners at different times, into one policy. A resolution was adopted last week providing consistency with the amendment to Section 2 of House Bill 1210 entitled “Washington County - Adequate Public Facilities.” The paragraph applies consistent language to the effective date set forth in the ordinance enacting the amendments Article V-Schools-adopted on December 16, 2003. The policy was adopted by the Commissioners on February 17, 2004, and appears in the minutes from that date. The language simply clarifies that the Policy is a collection of policies that have been in place since January 1, 2004 and that the policies will have retroactive effect from that date. A review of the entire policy will take place in July. The measure was approved by a 4-1 vote with Commissioner Bill Wivell voting “no”.

PUBLIC HEARING: FY 2005 WATER AND SEWER RATES

County Attorney Richard Douglas and Director of the Department of Water Quality (DWQ), Greg Murray brought the water and sewer utility fee rate to Public Hearing in accordance with state law. The Board of County Commissioners conducts public hearings to permit any resident of Washington County to appear and testify concerning the proposed modification of water and sewer rates. On March 16 thWater Quality Director Murray presented proposed water and sewer rates to the Board. A 3% revenue increase per year for both the Water and Sewer funds is projected through Fiscal Year 2006 with the Sewer Fund increasing to 4% in Fiscal Year 2007 and beyond due to increased costs associated with new State requirements for Enhanced Nutrient Removal. An increase in the average Sewer rate of 3% would see the average 12,000-gallon per quarter user's bill increase by $3.00 per quarter. An increase in the Water rate of 3% was recommended, costing the average 12,000 gallon per quarter customer $3.28 per quarter. There is no new borrowing for either the Water or Sewer fund, Murray said. When the Water and sewer debt was originally taken over, the prediction for annual rate increases was 9-11%, which would have meant a total of 80% in increases over the eight-year period since that prediction was made. Through refinancing of debt and sound fiscal policies the actual increase in water and sewer rates has been around 20%, Murray said. No one appeared either in favor of or in opposition to the proposed rate increases of 3%, and utility rates for Fiscal Year 2005 were approved by unanimous vote. Murray told the Board that an April refinancing of bonds funding the Conococheague Industrial Pretreatment Facility will lower interest rates to 0.85%, and will expedite the County's plan to lease that facility.

PUBLIC HEARING: AIRPORT ENTERPRISE ZONE REDESIGNATION

EDC Fiscal Research Specialist Sonja Hoover brought this issue to Public Hearing. Hagerstown Regional Airport and surrounding area is an Enterprise Zone, and as such businesses located there get certain tax incentives. That designation has to be renewed every ten years. The original designation was granted by the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development in 1984, and the designation was reapplied for and approved in 1994. As part of the process, a Public Hearing must be held, in order to give citizens the opportunity to comment in favor of or against the proposal. The zone spans 700 acres and includes the Airport, Topflight Airpark, Bowman Air Park Center at Hagerstown, Washington County Business Airpark and several commercial properties along U.S. Route 11. No one testified either in favor of, or in opposition to the proposal, and the measure was approved by unanimous vote.

GENERAL FUND BUDGET/PERSONNEL DISCUSSION

Budget and Finance Director Deb Bastian and Human Resources Director Dave Hankinson brought FY 2005 Revenue Budget, Employee Benefits changes and Personnel Requests before the Board for review and approval. General Revenue, from property and income taxes plus interest earnings is expected to rise by about 5.49%, or $7.3 million, Bastian said, for a total of $140.3 million. Program revenue, including charges for services, fees, licenses, fines and revenue from sale of resources is expected to rise by 3.63%, to 3.7 million. Income from Grants could rise by over 63%, due to an expected $1.4 million in unallocated income tax, bringing the Grants total to $3.6 million. The $1.4 million windfall is due to Senate Bill 509, titled the Fund Transfers Act of 2004. The state has been holding a reserve of unclaimed Income Tax for over three years. The total amount would be divided among the Counties. This revenue must be used for one-time expenditures, and is not expected to be distributed at this level again in FY '06. Commissioner Dori Nipps told the Board that the figure is only half of what the state should refund to the County for those unclaimed tax refunds. Those funds will not be reflected in the expenditure side of the budget until receipt is confirmed by the state. The Grand total General Fund Revenue for Fiscal Year '05 is expected to be $147,594.363.00, Bastian said. Human Resources Director Hankinson told the Board that with its approval, changes will be made in co-pays for POS and HMO employee medical benefits, and increases in co-pays for prescription drugs. In addition, the County would like to adopt an Inpatient Rehabilitation program, similar to those offered by the City of Hagerstown, the Board of Education and Hagerstown Community College. The program would provide physical and occupational therapy and would cost about $42,000.00, if the benefit is utilized. Hankinson said the services would lessen the amount of time that employees must be off work following injury, and would help reduce disability claims. Commissioners' President Snook suggested investigating offering the service as part of the employee benefit cafeteria plan, and providing cost estimates. About $453,600 would be needed to fund all requested new positions, reclassifications and other personnel costs, Hankinson said. The Board approved creating 8 new positions, in the State's Attorney's Office, the Gaming Office, the Sheriff's Patrol and Detention Divisions, 9-1-1 Communications, Permits and Inspections and the Department of Water Quality. One position was approved pending approval of a grant to fund the employee, in the Special Operations Department. A part-time Contractual employee was approved for the Treasurer's Department, A Planner position was placed on hold until the Planning Department Director position is filled, and an Economic Development Project Coordinator position was placed on "hold" pending further review. None of the reclassification requests or "Other" personnel costs were discussed. Budget categories will be reviewed again prior to the Public Hearing on May 4 th.

SOLID WASTE PERMIT SYSTEM: BUDGET COST CENTER

Solid Waste Department Director Bob Davenport and Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC) Chair Kenneth Conway brought this report to the Board for consideration. The Full Cost Accounting Report for the landfill system was presented by the Budget and Finance Director and the Public Works Director to the SWAC in August. The Board requested that the Committee draft a plan to fully fund the cost center for the permit program, and 6 workshops were held prior to reaching a recommendation. The short-range recommendation was to increase the permit fee from $105 for Regular and $75 for Senior Citizen permits to $130.00 per year for all permits. The long-range recommendation is to develop a county-wide system of waste collection and disposal. A measure to increase the Regular Permit Fee to $120.00 and Senior Permit Fee to $90 was approved by unanimous vote. All other tipping fees and rates would stay as presented, with the fee for heavy use by commercial haulers at $36 per ton for volume use. A plan to close the transfer stations one day per week as a cost-saving measure was discussed.

Once each month, the Board holds an evening meeting in one of the municipalities in order to give citizens increased opportunity to interact with local government. This month, the meeting was held at Community Rescue Service, 100 North Eastern Boulevard, in Hagerstown.

COMMISSIONERS REPORTS AND COMMENTS

Commissioner John Munson commented on a meeting of the Solid Waste Advisory Committee. The Tire recycling project is underway, with the first load of tires being hauled to St. Lawrence Cement form use in that company’s manufacturing process.

Commissioner Dori Nipps reported on making a presentation on the fiscal year 2005 budget to a recent meeting of the Republican Club. House Bill 1230 regarding school funding issues, will include Pay as You Go funding as part of the formula applied to Counties which do nor incur debt for school infrastructure. The bill appears to hold harmless Counties like Washington that do not incur large amounts of debt for school funding.

Commissioner Jim Kercheval commented on a Planning Commission joint meeting with the Health Department to discuss water quality issues. Kercheval raised a question whether property owners wishing to preserve historic structures should be allowed to subdivide additional lots as an incentive for preservation.

Commissioner Bill Wivell reported on the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Elgin Station community center. The Water Quality Advisory Commission requested that the membership be increased from 5 to 7, due to impending membership issues. The Legal Department will look into the bylaws of that Commission and render an opinion.

Commissioners’ President Greg Snook told the Board that he will be quoted in an upcoming Washington Post story on Job Growth and Housing in Washington County. A proclamation was presented to the Parent-Child Center to be used as part of the agency’s annual telethon on TV-25. A meeting with the Mayor and Council of Boonsboro discussed the Adequate Public Facilities ordinance, accountability and use of funds to benefit Boonsboro schools. The Emergency Services Advisory Council discussed billing for County-provided medical supplies. $90,000 was set aside for EMS companies to pay for supplies used in emergency calls. That billing will begin in June. The Council reported that nearby Counties are gearing up to recruit 150 paid ambulance positions, and discussed strategies for Manning of ambulance companies. A thank you letter was received from Whorton developers, lauding Permits and Inspections’ staff for outstanding service.

CITIZENS PARTICIPATION

Each week the Board of County Commissioners sets aside time to hear from the Citizens of Washington County on matters of community interest.

Brad Fulton and Mylon Hurst of the Maugansville area requested Board assistance with attempts to have property in the northern part of the County placed within the Urban Growth area. The property was once a part of the UGA, Fulton said. Hurst told the Board that the property on question has been identified as critical to growth for I-81 and more recently for the Airport, and should be included in the growth area.

REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF

Interim Planning Department Director Steve Goodrich presented an appeal on the part of a property owner in the Clear Spring area caught in the transition period of the development moratorium and APFO fee implementation. The single lot property in question, owned by Shawn Reed, was rejected due to a determination that it was the 6 th lot in a subdivision. Recent review indicated that the count could have been conducted in a different manner, and the property should be granted approval. Since the original procedure was conducted prior to January 1 st of this year, when APFO fees for schools were implemented, the owner felt that a waiver should be approved. The Commissioners reached consensus that the original lot should be approved as per the applicant’s statement, and that APFO fees be waived for the single lot in question.

OTHER BUSINESS

Appointments to County Boards and Commissions: County Clerk Joni Bittner brought a request from the Mental Health Authority Board for the reappointments of Carolyn Brooks and Linda Hennessey to the Board. The measures were approved by unanimous vote.

County Administrator's Comments: County Administrator Rod Shoop reminded the Board that the Commissioners’ task force on Comprehensive Rezoning issues will meet on Wednesday at 8:45 a.m. at the Administrative Annex at 8:45 a.m. until Noon.

Note: This is a SUMMARY of the Commissioners Meeting for the purposes of a Press Release. These are not the official minutes of the meeting. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: NORMAN BASSETT 240-313-2077 Review of Actions Taken in the Washington County Board of County Commissioners Meeting March 30th, 2004 BID AWARD: WETLAND MITIGATION County Chief Engineer Terry McGee brought this contract, for wetlands mitigation, before the Board. McGee recommended that the contract be awarded to East Coast Green, Inc. in the amount of $110,614.65. The contract involves creation of a 1-acre wetland located in the Conococheague Creek floodplain on the north side of 40-West Landfill. The project is intended to mitigate adverse impacts to other wetlands that were disturbed by the construction of the landfill. The action is mandated by Maryland Department of the Environment and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permits, and will complete current requirements. A 120-day calendar contract, the anticipated notice to proceed would be about April 15 th with a completion date of August 13 th. A budget transfer of $50,000.00 was also recommended to cover unforeseen circumstances and cost contingencies not covered in the original engineering consultant’s cost estimate of $59,000.00. The measures were approved by unanimous vote. GRANT APPLICATION: ALTERNATIVE SANCTIONS State’s Attorney Ken Long and Terry Masters, Administrator of the Alternative Sanctions division of the State's Attorney's Office requested approval to submit a grant in the amount of $30,950 to fund the salary of the Work Crew Supervisor in that office. This is the fifth year of the grant, funded by the State Division of Parole and Probation. The position became full time at the beginning of the current fiscal Year. The supervisor oversees a 4 day, 10-hour per day workweek by crews of individuals given community service time by District Court. The work is essentially free labor for the County, as the supervisor’s position is funded by the state. 853 hours have been devoted to assisting the Buildings, Grounds and Parks Department this fiscal year in parks cleanup, painting of facilities and picnic tables in the parks. 130 hours were spent in cleanup following Hurricane Isabel last fall. Funds received will reduce amounts needed for support from the State's Attorney's budget, Masters said. State’s Attorney Long told the Board that the full-time supervisor has helped the program to grow and aid the County. The measure was approved by unanimous vote. COMMUNITY HOUSING RESOURCES FUNDING REQUEST FOR FY 2004-05 Community Housing Resource Board (CHRB)/Hagerstown Home Store Director Patricia McMillan and CHRB Board Chair Lee Downey brought this issue to the Commissioners. CHRB provides educational and counseling programs in Hagerstown and Washington County dealing with housing issues. The City of Hagerstown has reduced CHRB's funding base by $30,000.00, reducing the funding to $108,000.00. CHRB is requesting an additional $19,000 from the City's General Revenue Funds. Joe Kuhna, Administrator of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding for the County, also president of the CHRB Board, told the Commissioners that because some of the projects take place in the County, application could be made to the state for CDBG funds or revolving loans. Commissioner’s President Greg Snook told the housing representatives that a state application will be investigated, and if no state funding exists, the County will look at alternative methods for possible assistance. APPLICATION TO SUPPORT COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT Dave Jordan of the Community Action Council and Community Development Administrator Kuhna brought this request to the Board for approval. CAC is requesting permission to apply for $30,000.00 to expand first-time home buyers' counseling and loan packaging for low-income consumers wishing to locate outside the City Limits of Hagerstown, from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development Service. The funding would also allow CAC to implement a Homeless Management Information System at the request of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The County is the official applicant, but there is no impact on the General Fund budget. The measure was approved by unanimous vote. Commissioners’ President Snook requested that Jordan confer with Pat McMillan at the Hagerstown Home Store to determine if duplication of services is taking place. ADEQUATE PUBLIC FACILITY ORDINANCE TRANSPORTATION FEE MODIFICATIONS Economic Development Director Tim Troxell told the Board that the proposed modifications to the Transportation portion off the Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance (APFO) would create a variable fee schedule based on type of employment available at the each new development. Troxell said that a building project had revealed flaws in the current APFO fee process, and that the fees are detrimental to economic development projects. "Decimal multipliers" for four basic industry types were developed after review of the Tischler Fiscal Impact Analysis study. Troxell recommended that Residential and Retail be rated at 1.0, Warehouse and Distribution Centers at .75, Industrial and Manufacturing at .50 and Office at .25. Troxell told the Board that many potential economic development projects might not get off the ground if the current fee structure were implemented. Discussion centered on the impact of retail development, and whether retail shopping areas should be charged the same as residential developments. A proposal by Commissioner John Munson, to adopt the Office Development multiplier at .25 with review of the other rates within 45 days, was approved by unanimous vote. ADEQUATE PUBLIC FACILITIES ORDINANCE (APFO) TRANSITION POLICY County Attorney Richard Douglas brought this issue to the Board. The Policy brings together a number of transitional rules pertaining to collection of APFO fees for schools,enacted by the Commissioners at different times, into one policy. A resolution was adopted last week providing consistency with the amendment to Section 2 of House Bill 1210 entitled “Washington County - Adequate Public Facilities.” The paragraph applies consistent language to the effective date set forth in the ordinance enacting the amendments Article V-Schools-adopted on December 16, 2003. The policy was adopted by the Commissioners on February 17, 2004, and appears in the minutes from that date. The language simply clarifies that the Policy is a collection of policies that have been in place since January 1, 2004 and that the policies will have retroactive effect from that date. A review of the entire policy will take place in July. The measure was approved by a 4-1 vote with Commissioner Bill Wivell voting “no”. PUBLIC HEARING: FY 2005 WATER AND SEWER RATES County Attorney Richard Douglas and Director of the Department of Water Quality (DWQ), Greg Murray brought the water and sewer utility fee rate to Public Hearing in accordance with state law. The Board of County Commissioners conducts public hearings to permit any resident of Washington County to appear and testify concerning the proposed modification of water and sewer rates. On March 16 thWater Quality Director Murray presented proposed water and sewer rates to the Board. A 3% revenue increase per year for both the Water and Sewer funds is projected through Fiscal Year 2006 with the Sewer Fund increasing to 4% in Fiscal Year 2007 and beyond due to increased costs associated with new State requirements for Enhanced Nutrient Removal. An increase in the average Sewer rate of 3% would see the average 12,000-gallon per quarter user's bill increase by $3.00 per quarter. An increase in the Water rate of 3% was recommended, costing the average 12,000 gallon per quarter customer $3.28 per quarter. There is no new borrowing for either the Water or Sewer fund, Murray said. When the Water and sewer debt was originally taken over, the prediction for annual rate increases was 9-11%, which would have meant a total of 80% in increases over the eight-year period since that prediction was made. Through refinancing of debt and sound fiscal policies the actual increase in water and sewer rates has been around 20%, Murray said. No one appeared either in favor of or in opposition to the proposed rate increases of 3%, and utility rates for Fiscal Year 2005 were approved by unanimous vote. Murray told the Board that an April refinancing of bonds funding the Conococheague Industrial Pretreatment Facility will lower interest rates to 0.85%, and will expedite the County's plan to lease that facility. PUBLIC HEARING: AIRPORT ENTERPRISE ZONE REDESIGNATION EDC Fiscal Research Specialist Sonja Hoover brought this issue to Public Hearing. Hagerstown Regional Airport and surrounding area is an Enterprise Zone, and as such businesses located there get certain tax incentives. That designation has to be renewed every ten years. The original designation was granted by the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development in 1984, and the designation was reapplied for and approved in 1994. As part of the process, a Public Hearing must be held, in order to give citizens the opportunity to comment in favor of or against the proposal. The zone spans 700 acres and includes the Airport, Topflight Airpark, Bowman Air Park Center at Hagerstown, Washington County Business Airpark and several commercial properties along U.S. Route 11. No one testified either in favor of, or in opposition to the proposal, and the measure was approved by unanimous vote. GENERAL FUND BUDGET/PERSONNEL DISCUSSION Budget and Finance Director Deb Bastian and Human Resources Director Dave Hankinson brought FY 2005 Revenue Budget, Employee Benefits changes and Personnel Requests before the Board for review and approval. General Revenue, from property and income taxes plus interest earnings is expected to rise by about 5.49%, or $7.3 million, Bastian said, for a total of $140.3 million. Program revenue, including charges for services, fees, licenses, fines and revenue from sale of resources is expected to rise by 3.63%, to 3.7 million. Income from Grants could rise by over 63%, due to an expected $1.4 million in unallocated income tax, bringing the Grants total to $3.6 million. The $1.4 million windfall is due to Senate Bill 509, titled the Fund Transfers Act of 2004. The state has been holding a reserve of unclaimed Income Tax for over three years. The total amount would be divided among the Counties. This revenue must be used for one-time expenditures, and is not expected to be distributed at this level again in FY '06. Commissioner Dori Nipps told the Board that the figure is only half of what the state should refund to the County for those unclaimed tax refunds. Those funds will not be reflected in the expenditure side of the budget until receipt is confirmed by the state. The Grand total General Fund Revenue for Fiscal Year '05 is expected to be $147,594.363.00, Bastian said. Human Resources Director Hankinson told the Board that with its approval, changes will be made in co-pays for POS and HMO employee medical benefits, and increases in co-pays for prescription drugs. In addition, the County would like to adopt an Inpatient Rehabilitation program, similar to those offered by the City of Hagerstown, the Board of Education and Hagerstown Community College. The program would provide physical and occupational therapy and would cost about $42,000.00, if the benefit is utilized. Hankinson said the services would lessen the amount of time that employees must be off work following injury, and would help reduce disability claims. Commissioners' President Snook suggested investigating offering the service as part of the employee benefit cafeteria plan, and providing cost estimates. About $453,600 would be needed to fund all requested new positions, reclassifications and other personnel costs, Hankinson said. The Board approved creating 8 new positions, in the State's Attorney's Office, the Gaming Office, the Sheriff's Patrol and Detention Divisions, 9-1-1 Communications, Permits and Inspections and the Department of Water Quality. One position was approved pending approval of a grant to fund the employee, in the Special Operations Department. A part-time Contractual employee was approved for the Treasurer's Department, A Planner position was placed on hold until the Planning Department Director position is filled, and an Economic Development Project Coordinator position was placed on "hold" pending further review. None of the reclassification requests or "Other" personnel costs were discussed. Budget categories will be reviewed again prior to the Public Hearing on May 4 th. SOLID WASTE PERMIT SYSTEM: BUDGET COST CENTER Solid Waste Department Director Bob Davenport and Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC) Chair Kenneth Conway brought this report to the Board for consideration. The Full Cost Accounting Report for the landfill system was presented by the Budget and Finance Director and the Public Works Director to the SWAC in August. The Board requested that the Committee draft a plan to fully fund the cost center for the permit program, and 6 workshops were held prior to reaching a recommendation. The short-range recommendation was to increase the permit fee from $105 for Regular and $75 for Senior Citizen permits to $130.00 per year for all permits. The long-range recommendation is to develop a county-wide system of waste collection and disposal. A measure to increase the Regular Permit Fee to $120.00 and Senior Permit Fee to $90 was approved by unanimous vote. All other tipping fees and rates would stay as presented, with the fee for heavy use by commercial haulers at $36 per ton for volume use. A plan to close the transfer stations one day per week as a cost-saving measure was discussed. Once each month, the Board holds an evening meeting in one of the municipalities in order to give citizens increased opportunity to interact with local government. This month, the meeting was held at Community Rescue Service, 100 North Eastern Boulevard, in Hagerstown. COMMISSIONERS REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner John Munson commented on a meeting of the Solid Waste Advisory Committee. The Tire recycling project is underway, with the first load of tires being hauled to St. Lawrence Cement form use in that company’s manufacturing process. Commissioner Dori Nipps reported on making a presentation on the fiscal year 2005 budget to a recent meeting of the Republican Club. House Bill 1230 regarding school funding issues, will include Pay as You Go funding as part of the formula applied to Counties which do nor incur debt for school infrastructure. The bill appears to hold harmless Counties like Washington that do not incur large amounts of debt for school funding. Commissioner Jim Kercheval commented on a Planning Commission joint meeting with the Health Department to discuss water quality issues. Kercheval raised a question whether property owners wishing to preserve historic structures should be allowed to subdivide additional lots as an incentive for preservation. Commissioner Bill Wivell reported on the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Elgin Station community center. The Water Quality Advisory Commission requested that the membership be increased from 5 to 7, due to impending membership issues. The Legal Department will look into the bylaws of that Commission and render an opinion. Commissioners’ President Greg Snook told the Board that he will be quoted in an upcoming Washington Post story on Job Growth and Housing in Washington County. A proclamation was presented to the Parent-Child Center to be used as part of the agency’s annual telethon on TV-25. A meeting with the Mayor and Council of Boonsboro discussed the Adequate Public Facilities ordinance, accountability and use of funds to benefit Boonsboro schools. The Emergency Services Advisory Council discussed billing for County-provided medical supplies. $90,000 was set aside for EMS companies to pay for supplies used in emergency calls. That billing will begin in June. The Council reported that nearby Counties are gearing up to recruit 150 paid ambulance positions, and discussed strategies for Manning of ambulance companies. A thank you letter was received from Whorton developers, lauding Permits and Inspections’ staff for outstanding service. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION Each week the Board of County Commissioners sets aside time to hear from the Citizens of Washington County on matters of community interest. Brad Fulton and Mylon Hurst of the Maugansville area requested Board assistance with attempts to have property in the northern part of the County placed within the Urban Growth area. The property was once a part of the UGA, Fulton said. Hurst told the Board that the property on question has been identified as critical to growth for I-81 and more recently for the Airport, and should be included in the growth area. REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Interim Planning Department Director Steve Goodrich presented an appeal on the part of a property owner in the Clear Spring area caught in the transition period of the development moratorium and APFO fee implementation. The single lot property in question, owned by Shawn Reed, was rejected due to a determination that it was the 6 th lot in a subdivision. Recent review indicated that the count could have been conducted in a different manner, and the property should be granted approval. Since the original procedure was conducted prior to January 1 st of this year, when APFO fees for schools were implemented, the owner felt that a waiver should be approved. The Commissioners reached consensus that the original lot should be approved as per the applicant’s statement, and that APFO fees be waived for the single lot in question. OTHER BUSINESS Appointments to County Boards and Commissions: County Clerk Joni Bittner brought a request from the Mental Health Authority Board for the reappointments of Carolyn Brooks and Linda Hennessey to the Board. The measures were approved by unanimous vote. County Administrator's Comments: County Administrator Rod Shoop reminded the Board that the Commissioners’ task force on Comprehensive Rezoning issues will meet on Wednesday at 8:45 a.m. at the Administrative Annex at 8:45 a.m. until Noon.

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