Commissioners' Comment June #1
Talking REC. Summer is here and Washington County Recreation programs are in high gear. Recreation Director Jaime (JAMIE) Dick talks about the registration process, new programs, special events, and league play for youth and adults. Of interest is replacement of the indoor track at Hagerstown Community College’s ARCC, home of the REC that will impact some programs. Plus--if you live in one of Washington County's 9 municipalities, your property tax rate will go down effective with tax bills on July 1st. The "Tax Differential" will lower the county portion of property taxes collected in the City and the towns by 12.5 cents per $100 of real property value. Hear about it here!
11:25
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Commissioners' Comment May #1
Commissioners' Comment May #1
The Washington County budget for Fiscal Year 2011, which begins July 1st, has been completed and taken to public hearing. On may 4th County Administrator Greg Murray delivered the budget presentation to the public at Hagerstown Community College. This year’s total budget, balanced at 547 million is almost 51 million less than 2010 due to state cutbacks and other economic issues. Murray talks about challenges the county faced this year.
14:45
The Washington County budget for Fiscal Year 2011, which begins July 1st, has been completed and taken to public hearing. On may 4th County Administrator Greg Murray delivered the budget presentation to the public at Hagerstown Community College. This year’s total budget, balanced at 547 million is almost 51 million less than 2010 due to state cutbacks and other economic issues. Murray talks about challenges the county faced this year.
14:45
Friday, April 16, 2010
Commissioners Comment, April 2010
Commissioners Comment, April 2010
‘This time on Commissioners’ Comment, Director of Washington County’s Permits and Inspections Department Dan DiVito talks about the Residential Stimulus program pout into place by the County Commissioners to help create jobs in a sector of the local economy hard hit by the recession. Homeowners were encouraged to build new homes, make additions, and install energy saving appliances, doors, windows, solar and wind systems, through incentives including lowered excise tax, reduced permit fees and recordation tax waivers for a three month period. The result—three times the new home starts than the same time period one year ago. All about this program in this edition of the program. Plus—a heads up to those traveling into and out of Washington County on I-81 and U.S. 340. The Maryland State Highway Administration plans to make repairs to bridges over the Potomac on both of those highways this spring and summer.
13:55
‘This time on Commissioners’ Comment, Director of Washington County’s Permits and Inspections Department Dan DiVito talks about the Residential Stimulus program pout into place by the County Commissioners to help create jobs in a sector of the local economy hard hit by the recession. Homeowners were encouraged to build new homes, make additions, and install energy saving appliances, doors, windows, solar and wind systems, through incentives including lowered excise tax, reduced permit fees and recordation tax waivers for a three month period. The result—three times the new home starts than the same time period one year ago. All about this program in this edition of the program. Plus—a heads up to those traveling into and out of Washington County on I-81 and U.S. 340. The Maryland State Highway Administration plans to make repairs to bridges over the Potomac on both of those highways this spring and summer.
13:55
Commissioners Comment, Mar 2010
Commissioners Comment, Mar 2010
In this program , Washington County Sheriff Douglas Mullendore talks about re cent improvements to public safety for the citizens of the County and the region. The County’s Consolidated Booking facility means that the processing of people arrested by law enforcement in Washington County is in a single location, meaning the officers can more quickly return to patrol duties. The Consolidated 9-1-1 Center means that all public safety dispatching takes place from one location, rather than four. Complete radio interoperability is nearing fruition. Law enforcement, public safety and county personnel will be able to utilize the same radio frequency, improving communications in times of emergency.
13:37
In this program , Washington County Sheriff Douglas Mullendore talks about re cent improvements to public safety for the citizens of the County and the region. The County’s Consolidated Booking facility means that the processing of people arrested by law enforcement in Washington County is in a single location, meaning the officers can more quickly return to patrol duties. The Consolidated 9-1-1 Center means that all public safety dispatching takes place from one location, rather than four. Complete radio interoperability is nearing fruition. Law enforcement, public safety and county personnel will be able to utilize the same radio frequency, improving communications in times of emergency.
13:37
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Commissioners Comment, Feb 2010
Commissioners Comment, Feb 10
County Commissioners’’ President John Barr delivers the State of the County Address to 230 community leaders on February 2. Barr highlights accomplishments by the County during calendar year 2009 in General Government, Environmental Management, Public Works, Transportation, Planning, Public Safety, Recreation, Education and Economic Development. Education highlights include national honors (U.S. Superintendent of the Year), for Dr. Betty Morgan, four nationally ranked high schools, and major renovations to the Washington County Free Library. Challenges lie ahead in tough economic times, Barr says, and outline4rs what the County is doing towards austerity in budgets.
25:46
County Commissioners’’ President John Barr delivers the State of the County Address to 230 community leaders on February 2. Barr highlights accomplishments by the County during calendar year 2009 in General Government, Environmental Management, Public Works, Transportation, Planning, Public Safety, Recreation, Education and Economic Development. Education highlights include national honors (U.S. Superintendent of the Year), for Dr. Betty Morgan, four nationally ranked high schools, and major renovations to the Washington County Free Library. Challenges lie ahead in tough economic times, Barr says, and outline4rs what the County is doing towards austerity in budgets.
25:46
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Commissioners Comment, Jan10#2
Commissioners Comment Jan 10#2
2010 is a Census year, and Washington County is promoting a complete count of all citizens. Census records date from 1789, and are used to ensure accurate representation of Americans in the U.S. House. Commissioners President John Barr talks about local efforts, because “It Pays to be Counted”. Many sources of federal and state funding to Counties depend in accurate census numbers. Also, Co-Chair Sharon Disque talks about events to be held in the County and the cooperative effort by government, public agencies and the private sector to make sure the count is complete and accurate.
13:27
2010 is a Census year, and Washington County is promoting a complete count of all citizens. Census records date from 1789, and are used to ensure accurate representation of Americans in the U.S. House. Commissioners President John Barr talks about local efforts, because “It Pays to be Counted”. Many sources of federal and state funding to Counties depend in accurate census numbers. Also, Co-Chair Sharon Disque talks about events to be held in the County and the cooperative effort by government, public agencies and the private sector to make sure the count is complete and accurate.
13:27
Tuesday, January 05, 2010
Commissioners Comment, Dec '09-Jan'10 #1
Commissioners Comment Dec-Jan #1
Wasshington County's Emergency Services 9-1-1 Dispatch C enter is moving to new facilities, The move also conso0lodates County and Coty p;olice dispatch with Fire and Emergency Medical Services dispatch, making the operation more respponsive and efficient. Emergency Services Diredctort Kevin Lewis talks about the k9ve and what it will mean to citizensd of Wasjuington County.
13:27
Wasshington County's Emergency Services 9-1-1 Dispatch C enter is moving to new facilities, The move also conso0lodates County and Coty p;olice dispatch with Fire and Emergency Medical Services dispatch, making the operation more respponsive and efficient. Emergency Services Diredctort Kevin Lewis talks about the k9ve and what it will mean to citizensd of Wasjuington County.
13:27
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Commissioners Comment, Nov 2009 #2
Commissioners Comment Nov 2009, #2
Washington County is offering a new recycling program and is planning to add more to its recycling efforts. Just in time for the holidays, cooking oils and greases are being recycled, for free, for County residents only. Landfill Director Cliff Engle talks about what the County is doing to preserve the environment through its solid waste and recycling programs.
14:12
Washington County is offering a new recycling program and is planning to add more to its recycling efforts. Just in time for the holidays, cooking oils and greases are being recycled, for free, for County residents only. Landfill Director Cliff Engle talks about what the County is doing to preserve the environment through its solid waste and recycling programs.
14:12
Monday, October 26, 2009
Commissioners Comment, Oct-Nov 2009 #1
Commissioners Comment Oct-Nov 2009, #1
The Board of County Commissioners has adopted a Local Residential Construction Stimulus Plan, designed to help the flagging construction industry in the County by offering potential home owners incentives of about $10,000 to build a new home. Creation of jobs is the ultimate goal for the plan, and Permits and Inspections Director Dan DiVito talks about details of the plan, how excise taxes, permit fees and recordation taxes will be used to provide the incentives. DiVito talks about the downsizing of his department in light of the economic downturn.
13:30
The Board of County Commissioners has adopted a Local Residential Construction Stimulus Plan, designed to help the flagging construction industry in the County by offering potential home owners incentives of about $10,000 to build a new home. Creation of jobs is the ultimate goal for the plan, and Permits and Inspections Director Dan DiVito talks about details of the plan, how excise taxes, permit fees and recordation taxes will be used to provide the incentives. DiVito talks about the downsizing of his department in light of the economic downturn.
13:30
Commissioners Comment, October, 2009 #1
Commissioners Comment October 2009, #1
October is Disabilities Awareness Month in Washington County, proclaimed by the Commissioners on October 6th. The Washington County Disability Advisory Committee celebrates its tenth year of service with an awards event on October 30th. DAC Chair Peggy Martin talks about purpose of the Committee, its activities and provides details on the awards event. Also featured: an overview of accessible parking for persons with disabilities, rules regulations and responsibilities.
13:49
October is Disabilities Awareness Month in Washington County, proclaimed by the Commissioners on October 6th. The Washington County Disability Advisory Committee celebrates its tenth year of service with an awards event on October 30th. DAC Chair Peggy Martin talks about purpose of the Committee, its activities and provides details on the awards event. Also featured: an overview of accessible parking for persons with disabilities, rules regulations and responsibilities.
13:49
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Commissioners Comment, September 2009 #1
Commissioners Comment September 2009, #1
Washington County Maryland Director of Special projects Gary Rohrer will retire September 30th after 20 years of service to the citizens of Washington County. The County’s first Director of Public Works, Rohrer guided development and construction of infrastructure county-wide, from roads and bridges, to landfill and water utility projects. He talks about the major accomplishments of his tenure with the County and how he thinks local government will fare in times of state a federal budget cuts.
Time: 14:28
Washington County Maryland Director of Special projects Gary Rohrer will retire September 30th after 20 years of service to the citizens of Washington County. The County’s first Director of Public Works, Rohrer guided development and construction of infrastructure county-wide, from roads and bridges, to landfill and water utility projects. He talks about the major accomplishments of his tenure with the County and how he thinks local government will fare in times of state a federal budget cuts.
Time: 14:28
Monday, August 10, 2009
Commissioners Comment, August 2009 #1
Commissioners Comment August 2009, #1
The Washington County Gaming Commission has distributed over two million dollars to charitable organizations and Volunteer Fire and Rescue companies this year. Gaming Office Director Jim Hovis talks about this year’s fund, the application process, and how his office ensures accountability. The Gaming Tax is applied to “tip jars” and other amusements in the County and helps reduce taxpayer contributions to these agencies and organizations.
ALSO: Vicki Lumm is officially sworn in as County Clerk. The last time this occurred was 1981.
Run time: 14:53
The Washington County Gaming Commission has distributed over two million dollars to charitable organizations and Volunteer Fire and Rescue companies this year. Gaming Office Director Jim Hovis talks about this year’s fund, the application process, and how his office ensures accountability. The Gaming Tax is applied to “tip jars” and other amusements in the County and helps reduce taxpayer contributions to these agencies and organizations.
ALSO: Vicki Lumm is officially sworn in as County Clerk. The last time this occurred was 1981.
Run time: 14:53
Monday, July 06, 2009
Commissioners Comment, July 2009 #1
Commissioners Comment July 2009, #1
County Administrator Greg Murray talks about the Fiscal Year 2010 budget, and the difficulties of maintaining services without increasing taxes in this trying recession. Murray discusses the County’s conservative fiscal program, and outlines why Washington County was not in fiscal trouble as were many Counties in Maryland. Murray also talks about the County’s ongoing effort to improve the public information process thorough Commissioners meetings streamed live and archived on the internet.
Director of Special Projects Gary Rohrer reports to the Commissioners on the Edgewood Drive-U.S. 40 (Dual Highway) intersection project, set to get underway after 6 years in the planning and bid process. The project is being conducted jointly by the State Highway Administration, the County and the City of Hagerstown. Time 14:04
County Administrator Greg Murray talks about the Fiscal Year 2010 budget, and the difficulties of maintaining services without increasing taxes in this trying recession. Murray discusses the County’s conservative fiscal program, and outlines why Washington County was not in fiscal trouble as were many Counties in Maryland. Murray also talks about the County’s ongoing effort to improve the public information process thorough Commissioners meetings streamed live and archived on the internet.
Director of Special Projects Gary Rohrer reports to the Commissioners on the Edgewood Drive-U.S. 40 (Dual Highway) intersection project, set to get underway after 6 years in the planning and bid process. The project is being conducted jointly by the State Highway Administration, the County and the City of Hagerstown. Time 14:04
Friday, June 12, 2009
Commissioners Comment, June 2009 #1
Commissioners Comment June 2009, #1
On this edition of Commissioners’ Comment, the Washington County Agricultural Marketing effort at 1 year. In April 2008, Washington County created an Agricultural marketing specialist position, to assist farmers in selling locally produced goods locally, preserving the family farm and educating consumers on the benefits of local farm products. Leslie Hendrickson, Ag Marketing Specialist, talks about the mission of the office, how it has worked so far, and what’s on then horizon.
Norman Bassett reports on the County Commissioners’ Video on Demand. Viewers of commissioners meetings can now access any point in the proceedings through an agenda-based video archive system on the County web page.
14:12
On this edition of Commissioners’ Comment, the Washington County Agricultural Marketing effort at 1 year. In April 2008, Washington County created an Agricultural marketing specialist position, to assist farmers in selling locally produced goods locally, preserving the family farm and educating consumers on the benefits of local farm products. Leslie Hendrickson, Ag Marketing Specialist, talks about the mission of the office, how it has worked so far, and what’s on then horizon.
Norman Bassett reports on the County Commissioners’ Video on Demand. Viewers of commissioners meetings can now access any point in the proceedings through an agenda-based video archive system on the County web page.
14:12
Monday, May 18, 2009
Commissioners Comment, May 2009 #1
Commissioners Comment May 2009, #1
On this edition of the program, Washington County Recreation Director Jamie Dick talks about summer programs in the parks and in the recreation centers. Registration for programs is limited, and citizens are urged to sign up soon.
County Recycling Coordinator Harvey Hoch talks about new initiatives for Recycling that include Styrofoam packing material and insulation, kitchen oil and grease, and recycling of electronics. The ten-year plan for solid waste and recycling is being updated, and a series of public meetings will be held in May. New methods for recycling are needed, Hoch says, as the drop off bins in 16 locations county-wide are being overwhelmed with the volume of recyclable materials.
13:45
On this edition of the program, Washington County Recreation Director Jamie Dick talks about summer programs in the parks and in the recreation centers. Registration for programs is limited, and citizens are urged to sign up soon.
County Recycling Coordinator Harvey Hoch talks about new initiatives for Recycling that include Styrofoam packing material and insulation, kitchen oil and grease, and recycling of electronics. The ten-year plan for solid waste and recycling is being updated, and a series of public meetings will be held in May. New methods for recycling are needed, Hoch says, as the drop off bins in 16 locations county-wide are being overwhelmed with the volume of recyclable materials.
13:45
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Commissioners Comment, April 2009 #1
Commissioners Comment April 2009, #1
On this edition of Commissioners’ Comment: Daily air service returns to Hagerstown Regional Airport with service to BWI-Baltimore.
Maryland Senator Barbara Mikulski talks about how the Congressional delegation has worked to secure funding for airport enhancements and the return of daily air service. Commissioners’ President John Barr on the Senators’ efforts. Chair of the Hagerstown Regional Airport Commission Wayne Alter on the economic impact the service brings to the airfield. Cape Air President and CEO Dan Wolf on how his airline, the largest regional commuter airline in the U.S., will work with the Washington County community and the region.
Time: 14:20
On this edition of Commissioners’ Comment: Daily air service returns to Hagerstown Regional Airport with service to BWI-Baltimore.
Maryland Senator Barbara Mikulski talks about how the Congressional delegation has worked to secure funding for airport enhancements and the return of daily air service. Commissioners’ President John Barr on the Senators’ efforts. Chair of the Hagerstown Regional Airport Commission Wayne Alter on the economic impact the service brings to the airfield. Cape Air President and CEO Dan Wolf on how his airline, the largest regional commuter airline in the U.S., will work with the Washington County community and the region.
Time: 14:20
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Commissioners Comment, March 2009 #1
Commissioners Comment March 2009, #1
Washington County Division of Fire and Emergency Services Director Kevin Lewis talks about the Basic Emergency Operations Plan, and the framework it provides for government and private agencies working together in time of crisis. Lewis talks about how addition of Charlie Summers, longtime City of Hagerstown Police Captain, as Deputy Division Director, will aid in accomplishing critical projects now underway.
14:30
Washington County Division of Fire and Emergency Services Director Kevin Lewis talks about the Basic Emergency Operations Plan, and the framework it provides for government and private agencies working together in time of crisis. Lewis talks about how addition of Charlie Summers, longtime City of Hagerstown Police Captain, as Deputy Division Director, will aid in accomplishing critical projects now underway.
14:30
Friday, February 13, 2009
Commissioners Comment, February, 2009 #1
Commissioners Comment February 2009, #1
Washington County Board of County Comnmissioners' President John Barr delivers the 2009 State of theCounty Address on February 3rd. Barr presents highlights of County accomnplishments in 2008, and talks about County fisval policies. Washington County's conservative financial approach has placed County government in a more stable position than others in the region.
14:18
Washington County Board of County Comnmissioners' President John Barr delivers the 2009 State of theCounty Address on February 3rd. Barr presents highlights of County accomnplishments in 2008, and talks about County fisval policies. Washington County's conservative financial approach has placed County government in a more stable position than others in the region.
14:18
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
Commissioners Comment, January, 2009 #1
Commissioners Comment January 2009, #1
In this program, Agricultural Land Preservation Planner Eric Seifarth talks about the $2.8 million in funding for easements approved by the state Board of Public Works from the FY 2008 cycle. 3 farms totaling 357 acres and 1 Rural Legacy farm in the Antietam area were approved .
Deputy Director of Public Works-Capital Projects Rob Slocum updates engineering reports aired previously.
A story on Christmas Tree recycling in Washington County.
Time 14:30
In this program, Agricultural Land Preservation Planner Eric Seifarth talks about the $2.8 million in funding for easements approved by the state Board of Public Works from the FY 2008 cycle. 3 farms totaling 357 acres and 1 Rural Legacy farm in the Antietam area were approved .
Deputy Director of Public Works-Capital Projects Rob Slocum updates engineering reports aired previously.
A story on Christmas Tree recycling in Washington County.
Time 14:30
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
Commissioners Comment, December 2008 #1
Commissioners Comment December 2008 #1.
In this edition of Commissioners’ Comment, Washington County Public Works Director Joe Kroboth talks about the infrastructure improvements and repairs the County made during calendar year 2008. Bridge projects included the Funkstown stone arch bridge, scheduled to open December 15th, one month before the project completion was projected. The major road accomplishment, Maugans Avenue and U.S. Route 11 intersection, was completed on time and is open to traffic. Kroboth talks about projects coming up in 2009, including more bridge rehabilitation projects and the re-working of the Halfway Boulevard/Massey Boulevard intersection at Valley Mall.
13:30
In this edition of Commissioners’ Comment, Washington County Public Works Director Joe Kroboth talks about the infrastructure improvements and repairs the County made during calendar year 2008. Bridge projects included the Funkstown stone arch bridge, scheduled to open December 15th, one month before the project completion was projected. The major road accomplishment, Maugans Avenue and U.S. Route 11 intersection, was completed on time and is open to traffic. Kroboth talks about projects coming up in 2009, including more bridge rehabilitation projects and the re-working of the Halfway Boulevard/Massey Boulevard intersection at Valley Mall.
13:30
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