Meeting Summary Press Release

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 7, 2006

THE BOARD ATTENDED THE ANNUAL STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS AT THE CLARION HOTEL AND CONFERENCE CENTER AT THE BREAKFAST HOUR

INTRODUCTION OF NEW EMPLOYEES
            Human Resources Administrator Dee Hawbaker brought 6 new employees before the Board for introductions. Christopher Michael, Francis Vincent, and Ray Younker are all new Detention Officers at the Sheriff's Department. Sara Henke, Traci Enciso, and Holly Burbee were recently employed as Planners in the Department of Planning and Community Development.

COMNMISSIONERS REPORTRS AND COMMENTS

downtown redevelopment area were also a topic of discussion. The City will be moving quickly to adopt a tax incentive program to encourage the revitalization of older downtown properties and requested that the County adopt a similar program as recommended by the EDC, the Commissioner said.

            Commissioner Dori Nipps commented on presenting an award to a 6th grade student for winning the Elks’ Essay Contest. The Historic District Committee meeting held last week discussed a house on the Ebersole-Brittner property that was thought to be a brick-overlaid log cabin. The house was found to be solid brick and in very bad shape. The Historic group has decided not to ask that the house be preserved, but is requesting additional buffering between the proposed development in that area and historic homes along Downsville Pike, Nipps said. The Recreation/Parks Board met last week and discussed need for a County aquatic facility for a variety of water-related courses including arthritis therapy. Recreation will offer a Boating Safety course this spring. A class set for April is already filled and registrations are being taken for a May course. Nipps said. Recreation/Park Board member Deborah Murphy was proposed for reappointment to a second three-year term. A motion for that appointment was approved by unanimous vote.

           Commissioners' President Greg Snook told the Board that the Hagerstown Community College Pride Committee would continue to assess the quality of living in Washington County and to distribute its Community Report Card. The Maryland Association of Counties’ Legislative Committee meeting last week discussed Early Voting. The practice will apparently be in place for the coming election, Snook said, and will involve one polling place in the County that will be open ahead of the normal Election Day. The polling place will probably be the Election Board office at 35 West Washington Street, Snook said. MACo also discussed the use of eminent domain and several bills filed to prohibit the use of that practice for Economic Development purposes. Snook said there would continue to be leeway for jurisdictions to demolish blighted properties under those proposals. The Legislative Committee will have a final session at the end of March, to coincide with the close of the General Assembly session.

STAFF REPORTS

            Public Works Director Gary Rohrer reported that the state Highway Administration will hold a joint County-City session next Tuesday at 3:30 p.m. in the Commissioners Workshop Room to present a proposal on the Edgewood Drive/U.S. 40 intersection project. The City is expected to go to construction on Smith Boulevard at the end of 2006 and that plan is largely contingent on the Edgewood Drive project. A presentation on the Pavement Maintenance project will take place soon, in order to look at additional roads that might be included in this year’s overlay plans.

SOLID WATE OPERATIONAL BUDGET AND COST OF SERVICE RATES

            Solid Waste Department Director Bob Davenport and Budget and Finance Director Debra Murray brought the operations budget and rate projections to the Board for review. The proposed revenue for FY '07 is $9.95 million, an increase of $1.3 million or 15%. Of note is a decrease of $284,610 in the General Fund appropriation, a savings of 29% in that line item. Increases in projections for tipping and permit fees drive that change, Davenport said. Proposed fee increases for commercial tipping would be $60 per ton for rubble and composting, and $50 per ton for municipal solid waste. Permits fees would also increase under the plan, with the Senior Citizen fee increasing by $5.00 from $90 to $95 per year and regular permits increasing from $120 to $130 per year. The shortfall in permits could be reduced from $350,000 to about $291,000 in FY ’07. The model does not reflect reopening of the Rubble Landfill, which has been discussed, Murray said. Proposed tipping of 159,000 tons would raise $8.34 million in revenues. Permits would raise $886,000 in revenues, but costs for permits would run about $1.18 million. Davenport told the Board that a new screening plant is proposed in the FY ’07 budget. That facility would remove plastic and other debris from mulch, and make the product more attractive to consumers. Commissioners’ President Snook said that additional time needed to be set aside for discussion of the Solid Waste budget

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

            No one appeared to give comment on this day.

OTHER BUSINESS

            County Administrator Comments: County Administrator Rod Shoop told the Board that during the State of the City address earlier in the day, inaccurate information was given regarding awards received by the City's Finance Department. Washington County Budget and Finance Director Debra Murray has received the same awards for the last two years, Shoop said.

AWARD OF BID FOR PUBLIC BONDS OF 2006

            County Budget and Finance Director Debra Murray and Financial Advisor Lester Guthorn brought the award of the bid for the sale of Public Improvement and Runway Extension Bonds for 2006 before the Board. Guthorn told the Board that the County’s bond ratings were increased by Moody’s, Standard & Poor’s and Fitch to overall AA status (See attached news release). Maintenance of cash reserves at approved levels and continued excellence in financial performance and flexibility are necessary for the ratings to be improved even more in the future, Guthorn said. Award of Bid for the Washington County, Maryland Public Improvement and Runway Extension Project Bonds of 2006 in the amount of $25,500,000. For the coming year, $10,500,000 in bonds would be sold for Public Improvements and $15,000,000 for the Runway Extension Project. The Commissioners received electronic bids via Parity, a bond sale website, for the purchase of the 2006 bonds until 11:00 A.M. At that time Lester Guthorn opened the bids via Parity.  The Commissioners viewed the bids on-line, and all bids were evaluated for the lowest interest cost to the County.  After external validation of bids and interest costs, the Commissioners approved the bids, for the public Improvement Bonds from BB&T Capital Markets at 4.174513 % and from Morgan Stanley Dean Witter, Inc. for the Runway Improvement Bonds at 4.264393% on-line. Murray told the Board that the annual bond issuance has been included in the County’s Debt Affordability Analysis. The approval vote was 3-2, with Commissioners Wivell and Munson voting “no”.

AGRICULTURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST POSITION

             Matt Harsh, Ag Economic Development Educator with Penn State Cooperative Extension in Adams County, Pennsylvania brought this informational report to the Board, providing background information for the Commissioners on Agricultural economic development in a neighboring State and County and the need for such a position in Washington County. The Board requested information regarding experiences, job responsibilities, and impacts of an Ag Economic Development Specialist position that would be similar to the Educator position with Penn State Cooperative Extension of Adams County. Harsh told the Board that Agribusiness Management is highly important for farmers to stay competitive. A position of the type proposed for Washington County should be much broader than just marketing and should include business management, and other financial aspects of farming. Adams County pays Harsh’s salary, and Penn State University performs all necessary administrative tasks for the position, which reports to the Cooperative Extension Service Office in Adams County. Commissioners’ President Snook thanked Harsh for the presentation and said the Commissioners are supportive of some form of position to aid Agribusiness in the County.

THE BOARD ATTENDED THE ANNUAL WASHINGTON COUNTY FREE LIBRARY LUNCHEON BUDGET PRESENTATION AT THE NOON HOUR

            The Commissioners met with the Free Library Board of Trustees for the annual budget presentation for the coming fiscal year. The Library requested $2,350,124 for Fiscal Year '07, an increase of $170,176 ort 7.81%.  The increase represents rising costs for full-year operation of Smithsburg Library, 6 months operation for Boonsboro Library, proposed salary increases of 4%, employee health benefits, utilities, maintenance and equipment replacement. All budgets will be reviewed prior to the Budget Hearing in April.           

PROPOSED 2006 GOALS

            County Administrator Rod Shoop brought the Commissioners' goals for 2006 back to the Board for review and discussion. During the February 21st regular meeting, the Commissioners discussed proposed goals and departments responsible for meeting those goals. Goal # 10 was modified by the Board. 1. Present recommendations for equity and land preservation in the rural areas by August, would be accomplished by the Department of Planning and Community Development. 2. Develop a plan and begin implementation of the comprehensive rezoning of the Urban Growth Areas would be accomplished by the Department of Planning and Community Development 3. Analyze recommendations of the Washington County Workforce Housing Task Force and determine which ones will be considered for implementation. This would be a goal of the County Commissioners and County Administrator. 4. Develop a long-range plan for the future use of the Forty West Landfill, would belong to the Division of Public Works and Department of Solid Waste. 5. Develop policies and procedures to initiate the implementation of the Emergency Medical Services Master Plan, would be accomplished by the Department of Emergency Services. 6. Identify selected sections within the Subdivision Ordinance requiring revision.

would be accomplished by the Department of Planning and Community Development. 7. Implement the enterprise Geographic Information System (GIS) would be a function of the Departments of Information Technologies and Planning and Community Development. 8. Resolve intergovernmental operational and funding issues for Central Booking would be a goal of the Board of County Commissioners. 9. Evaluate prospective properties in the Hopewell Valley area for future industrial/flex development would belong to the Economic Development Commission. And number 10. Review and Evaluate options for real estate property tax reductions would be accomplished by the County Commissioners. Once adopted and approved the 2006 Goals would be posted in each County department and appropriate action plans to initiate these goals will be developed. The Commissioners will be briefed on a regular basis regarding the progress of these goals. The measure was approved as amended by unanimous vote.

PURCHASE OF INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT

            County Buyer Rick Curry brought this request before the Board. Each year the County purchases replacement vehicles and heavy equipment for various departments. Items to be purchased included 2 one-ton pickup trucks with plows from Hagerstown Ford at a total of $61,716.00            A one-ton truck with utility body and additional lighting from Hagerstown Ford for a total of $38,600.00. One Self-Propelled Broom Sweeper with Cab from Surface Preparation Tech of Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania in the amount of $44,258.57. Two 2wd Diesel Powered Tractors with Mowers from Landmark Equipment of Hagerstown, at a total of $89,744.00. Three Tag-a- Long 24,000 pound Trailers with Tilt Bed, from Standard Equipment of Frederick, for a total of $55,350.00. Four Single Axle Dump Trucks with Cirus Hydraulic Controls from Freightliner of Hagerstown for a total of $469,512.00. One Single Axle Dump Truck with Cirus Hydraulic Controls from Freightliner of Hagerstown for a total of $117,378.00. One Single Axle Truck with 22,000 gal. Vacuum Tank Body from Freightliner of Hagerstown at a total of $  96,793.00. One  Single-Axle Diesel Roll Off Truck with Cable Hoist/ Tarp and Alternate Equipment from Baltimore Mack Trucks of Hagerstown, at a total of  $134,107.00. One Transfer of Guard Rail Post Driver onto a Stellar Hooklift Body from Truck Mounts of Middletown, for a total of $43,600.00. Two Snowplows, 1.5k lb. Class Power Angle w/straight Moldboard from IM Supplies of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania at $5,825.00 each. The Highways Department, the Department of Water Quality and the Board of Education are the purchasers on the bid. There is a budget transfer request of $117,242.00 between accounts in the Department of Water Quality. The measures were approved by unanimous vote.

HOME RULE TASK FORCE REPORT

            Joe Kroboth, Chair of the Home Rule Task Force (HRTF), brought this report to the Board for infoprmation purposes. Last August the League of Women Voters met with the Board to request consideration for a change from the Commissioner form of government  to the Code Home Rule form of government. Washington County attempted to change the form of government on two prior occasions, 1977 and 1988.  In both failed attempts, the proposal was to adopt a Charter form of government.  In 2002 a “grass roots” movement was initiated by a local civic organization to evaluate home rule as a form of government for Washington County.  The group recommended the adoption of Code Home Rule.  The Board of County Commissioners rejected their recommendation. The Commissioners  appointed a nine-member task force to evaluate and contrast the forms of government available to counties in the state of Maryland. The HRTF  looked at several questions including: What are the forms of government available to counties in the state of Maryland? What are the contrasting differences between the forms of government? What are the general powers and duties of each form of government? What is the process for changing the forms of government? The Task Force met six times during the period and sought technical expertise from Mr. Victor Tervala of the Institute of Governmental Service at the University of Maryland and other practitioners in local government. Representatives from other Counties with varying forms of government were consulted on the advantages and disadvantages relevant to each form.  Three forms of county government are practiced in Maryland – the County Commissioner form, Charter Home Rule, and Code Home Rule.  Both Charter and Code Home Rule offer broader powers to the local government body to exercise local self-government than does the traditional Commissioner form.  The trend throughout Maryland is for counties to move toward a home rule form of government. Under the Commissioner form, the powers of local government derive entirely from the state. Maryland law gives twenty-eight express powers to a Charter County including the power to repeal or amend local laws previously enacted by the General Assembly.  A “general welfare” clause, allows a County Council to enact any law not in conflict with the laws of the state “as may be deemed expedient in maintaining the peace, good government, health and welfare of the County”.  This authority is also called the “police power” and provides general enabling authority for many Charter government enactments. Home rule powers for code counties are similar, but not identical, to those available under the Charter form. Unlike a charter county, code counties’ legislative authority is derived from the General Assembly, primarily under Article 25B of the Annotated Code of Maryland; and from Article XI-F of the Maryland Constitution.  In addition a code county is granted most of the powers that charter counties have. The HRTF made the recommendation to Adopt Charter home rule as the best fundamental form of government for Washington County. A group of citizens known as the Charter Board is selected to write the governmental charter. The HRTF requested that group be broad and represent as many demographic and geographical areas of the county as possible including representatives from western, eastern, central and southern Washington County, professional persons, representatives of labor, and the general public. In order to move to a different form of government, such a Charter would be subject to public hearing, a significant number of citizens would have to sign a petition requesting placement on the General Election ballot, the measure taken to referendum and a vote held. The earliest time frame for the Board to make a decision on the measure would be May, in order for the measure to be on the November ballot.

YOUTH OF THE MONTH

      Angela Helfrick of the Washington County Community Partnership brought High School and Middle School students selected as Youth of the Month (YOM) for September of 2005 through 2006 before the Board.

      The middle school YOM for September 2005 is Damara McDonough of Clear Spring Middle School, daughter of Troy and Stacy McDonough. An eighth-grade student at Clear Spring Middle, Damara has been on the honor roll and distinguished honor roll during her entire middle school years. She is highly motivated and responsible and puts forth special effort in her schoolwork. Damara is a member of the school chorus and plays sports and is a member of the Jr. Olympic fast pitch team. She has served as Vice President of the Junior Youth Fellowship at Salem Reformed Church.  She has also been active in the church by being liturgist, usher, and conducting children's sermons. She has painted dugouts at the community softball field, planted flowers at Clear Spring Elementary School and went caroling at Homewood Retirement Center.

      For October, Zachary M. Valko of Clear Spring Middle School, Son of Mark and Kim Valko in the eighth-grade has been on the honor roll and distinguished honor roll many times during his school career. An active member of Hancock United Methodist Church, Zachary has been an active participant in the holiday concerts.

He is described as cooperative, kind to others, and one who really cares about school.  He is a highly motivated student and is an outstanding citizen. Zachary participated in clean up of the town of Clear Spring, participated in a car wash activity for Hurricane Katrina victims and helped feed the homeless in the winter. Zachary also participants in the Red Dragon Karate, Club Scouts, plays baseball and enjoys family gatherings with his grandparents.

      November's Middle School honoree is Amanda L. Crowl of Clear Spring Middle School, daughter of Teresa Crowl and James Wilhelm. Amanda is an eighth grade student at Clear Spring Middle and has been on the Distinguished Honor Roll.

Academically, Amanda has been an excellent student.  She is a member of the St. James Brethren Church, where she teaches bible school during the summer.  Amanda enjoys helping others and volunteers at the Conococheague School. Amanda has demonstrated to her teachers, counselor, and administrator’s respect for adults as well as her fellow classmates.

      For December, the honoree is Hannah E. House of Clear Spring Middle School

Daughter of Stephen and Mary House. An eighth grade student at Clear Spring Middle, Hannah has been on the Honor Roll and Distinguished Honor Roll many times during her school years.  Hannah has been a model student and her attendance has been outstanding.  She volunteers with the school’s Blazer Homework Club as a peer tutor.  She has shown leadership qualities with her involvement in the student council. Hannah has participated in the State 4-h and shows pigs, sheep, steers, chickens, and capons at the Ag Expo.  She has also participated in Destination Imagination.

      The January, 2006 honoree is Mary Forsyth an eighth-grade student at Boonsboro Middle School and daughter of James and Michelle Forsyth. Mary has been on the Honor Roll and Distinguished Honor Roll.  She also participated in the Character Counts program, the Physical fitness Club and the Teens Church Youth Group.

Mary has also traveled to poor areas and assisted communities through her church. She has assisted with the canned food drive at Boonsboro Middle School and served food at Thanksgiving through her church.

      The High School Honoree for November, 2005 is Jermaine Cain of South Hagerstown High School, son of Wanda Cain. Jermaine, a senior at South Hagerstown, has been on the Distinguished Honor Roll for four years.  He has been a member of “Best Buddies,” South High Chorus, and has been a member of his church’s youth group.  He is rarely absent from school and is a very responsible person, always eager to help wherever and whenever needed. Jermaine helps his mother clean Mt. Aetna School and volunteers at various churches on Sunday morning by playing the organ. Jermaine assists with Food Resources, REACH Caregivers, Star Equestrian Center and the Washington County Humane Society.

      For December, 2005, Bethany Trail of Hancock High School is the honoree. Daughter of Larry Trail and Sherry Rudy, Bethany is a senior at Hancock High, has been on the Honor roll since the 9th grade and the Distinguished Honor Roll in the 11th grade. A member of the yearbook staff and the Honor Club at Hancock High Bethany has had perfect attendance and has won numerous awards from the Kid Crusade for completing at-home curricula. Bethany volunteers at Rocky Gap with her father, sister, and stepmother.  They clean the park, assist the snack shack at the campground and also help with the light festival.  She also participated in taking supplies to Louisiana for the families affected by hurricane Katrina and Rita.

      The January 2006 Youth of the Month is Elizabeth Conner of South Hagerstown High School, daughter of Kathie Conner. Elizabeth is a senior at South Hagerstown High School, has been on the Honor Roll and Distinguished Honor Roll, and is currently taking classes at Hagerstown Community College.  She participates in several clubs at South Hagerstown High, including the History Club, Honor Club, Academic Team, and National Honor Society.  She is currently serving as the secretary of the Key Club. Elizabeth assists her mother by making sure her little brother is driven to his extracurricular activities.  She also takes her grandmother shopping. She states that “my family is my life.” Elizabeth has assisted at soup kitchens, made baby blankets for impoverished families in Brazil, and helped with school functions.  She has acquired over 123 hours of community service.

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT REVIEW

            Budget and Finance Director Debra Murray and Planning Department Director Mike Thompson brought a review of the revenue portion of the Capital Improvement Project (CIP) budget before the Board for review. The projected CIP budget is $83.14 million, and would be balanced with projected expenses.  The budget was broken down by line item. Highlights include $11.8 million from the Excise Tax for Schools, $2.54 million from the Excise Tax for Roads, $450,000 from the Excise Tax for Libraries, and $554,000 for Excise Tax from the "Other" category. Excise Tax for non-residential construction is at a conservative $250,000 estimate. The School Excise Tax would be bolstered by funds from several other line items to fully fund the $29,362,076 School Construction and Improvement request from the Board of Education.  The General Government Capital Improvement Projects and the Water and Sewer fund will be reviewed next week. All budgets are subject to further review prior to the budget hearing set for April 18th at Hagerstown Community College's Kepler Theater.
           
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COUNTY'S BOND RATINGS UPGRADED TO AA

      All three major U.S. bond rating agencies, Moody's, Standard and Poor's (S&P) and Fitch Ratings have given Washington County a rating of AA based on the its given track record of good financial performance in Fiscal Year 2006.

      Moody's increased the rating from 'A1' to 'Aa3' and S&P improved the rating from  'A+' to the 'AA-' level. Fitch Ratings released the AA- in fiscal year 2005.  The upgrades were announced in the March 7th meeting of the Washington County Board of County Commissioners.

            Moody's said the upgrade reflects the county's strong financial position, supported by conservative fiscal management and comprehensive financial policies. The rating also reflects the county's recent economic growth resulting from its proximity to the Baltimore-Washington corridor and the county's emergence as a regional economic center.

            S&P said that Washington County's performance is "reflected by consecutive general fund surpluses for at least the last 8 fiscal years, coupled with consistently healthy and steadily increasing reserve levels." The upgrade reflects ongoing growth and diversification in the local economy and the county's role as a regional employment center. S&P also cites a large tax base exhibiting healthy growth, strong financial performance and position as a result of sound fiscal policies and a low debt burden with manageable future capital needs.

      Fitch said that increases in cash reserves over the past decade to $23.5 million, or 14.8% of expenditures was a primary reason it increased the rating, and commended the County for its program of fiscal conservatism.

      The rating notices were received over three working days, March 2nd through 6th, and announced during the Board of County Commissioners' meeting on March 7th, prior to the sale of $25,500,000 in bonds for 2006.

       County Commissioners' President Greg Snook said, "This announcement is perhaps the most significant in the financial history of Washington County. 10 years ago, our financial shape was not very good. Over the last decade, our Management and Staff have put financial models in place that mean we are, today, among the most creditworthy of counties of our size in Maryland. This is only one example of our management system that focuses resources and staff expertise on getting positive results for our citizens."

      "The people of Washington County need to know that receiving high bond ratings means saving money, because it lowers our cost of borrowing. This means that our county will be able to continue to provide quality services at the lowest per-citizen cost in the state," Snook said.

      County Administrator Rod Shoop said, "The ratings are the completion of a Commissioners goal that we initiated in 2001 and have worked diligently to put into place. County Budget and Finance Director Debra Murray, her department staff, and all County employees have demonstrated a commitment, and have worked very hard over the years to get us to where we are today. The increased ratings are the measurement of that long-range planning, those aggressive fiscal policies and lots of hard work."

      "We are fortunate to have a Director of Deb's caliber and dedicated financial staff that can look a task squarely in the eye, formulate a plan and push forward until positive results are obtained," Shoop said.

            The announcement came shortly before the 2006 bond sale, which garnered a rate of  4.174513% for $10,500,000 in Washington County, Maryland Public Improvement Bonds from BB&T Capital Markets and 4.264393 % for $15,000,000 in Runway Extension Project Bonds from Morgan Stanley Dean Witter, Inc.

 

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