Hagerstown · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Hagerstown public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Leftover COVID grant money going back to HUD
After years of HUD delays and completed projects, the city can't legally spend the last $3,990 of 2020 CARES grant money before the November 10 deadline, so it's recommending relinquishing it — no actual check written back.
FY 2028 agency contributions — adding a ninth agency
Council agreed to add the Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area and raise the total to $215,000, though some members worried about the precedent of adding non-core agencies.
2027 State Legislative Agenda
Key Annapolis bills include the Governor's housing density preemption (Starter and Silver Homes Act), a bill letting the city flag out-of-state drivers' registrations for unpaid tickets, Mason's Law requiring storm drain grates, and funding for downtown transformational projects. Highway user revenue and police state aid appear safe for now.
Electric rate increase filing
The city administrator said electric costs are the highest he can remember, driven by PJM supply costs, and urged residents to sign up for the average payment plan or assistance programs.
Energy equity grants for low-income households
The city plans to apply for $575,000 in state grants with no local match to help low- and moderate-income households — including renters — pay for energy efficiency upgrades and appliances.
Rental licensing program (Sections 197 and 95)
Councilmember Aleshire observed a tenant's landlord-tenant court case and concluded the city's rental inspection program — which relies on turnover inspections — is failing residents stuck in substandard apartments. He wants to revisit the program's parameters.
FY 2027 federal grant plan (CDBG/HOME)
Thanks to the city's federal lobbyist, $850,000 for bridge repair is on the House appropriations list, adding to $1 million already secured for stormwater repairs.
Social media archiving renewal
The city was scheduled to consider renewing its Civic Plus social media archiving service for $11,099.31. This is the service that preserves the city's social media posts for the public record.
Lease consideration ('test lease')
The council had a 'test lease' on its new business agenda requiring approval, with a financial impact listed as 90. The packet offers no detail about what property or purpose is involved.
$10 million structural deficit and FY 2028 budget planning
The budget comes to council April 7, and staff are warning that even a balanced budget leaves the city structurally underwater — with costs rising faster than residents' ability to pay. Expect some long budget evenings this spring.
Boulevard Contractors settlement — 32 North Potomac Street
The renovation of the former M&T Bank building ran over a year late with quality problems, and the city is holding $243,000 in retainage. The proposed settlement gets subcontractors paid while the city forgoes liquidated damages rather than risk arbitration.
FY 2028 Community Legacy and Strategic Demolition grant requests
The state will hand out FY 2028 grant money for fire suppression upgrades, downtown alley improvements, blighted property demolition, and the Elizabeth Hager Center storm drain fix. Council wants to shift $200,000 from the Elizabeth Hager Center item into blighted property demolition.
Non-union employee pay raise
Non-union city employees get a 5% raise starting July 6, part of the FY27 budget.
City facility maintenance contracts
The council approved four contracts — HVAC, elevator, electrical, and janitorial — keeping city buildings running for FY27 at a combined cost of roughly $178,000.
IBEW Local 307 wage agreement
City electric utility workers get a raise — 3% minimum, up to 8% for linemen who were underpaid versus competing utilities. Costs city wages about 5.98% more.
FY 2027 city budget
A public hearing on the FY 27 property tax rate, budget, and water and wastewater rates is set for May 12 at 7 p.m. — residents' chance to weigh in on what they'll pay.
ARC grant for 2028 comprehensive plan
A $150,000 ARC request plus $150,000 local match would fund a contracted update of the city's comprehensive plan, last done in-house in 2018.
New ERP and IT modernization
The city is replacing its 16-17 year old ERP system and boosting cybersecurity and GIS — the biggest new item in the general fund budget.
FY 2027 budget and projected FY 2028 structural gap
The FY27 budget is balanced without a tax increase, but projections show an $8.5 million revenue gap for FY28 if nothing changes. Staff is developing structural revenue-growth strategies rather than relying on cuts or tax hikes.
Rent stabilization town hall
Council members praised last week's well-attended town hall, but noted some renters were afraid to speak publicly for fear of landlord retaliation — written comments are open through the 19th, with council discussion planned for March.
City-County Tax Differential Dispute
City leaders argue Hagerstown provides regional services — police, fire mutual aid, downtown infrastructure — that county residents use without paying city taxes, and want the county back to the table.
AFSCME 1540 contract terms
The tentative union deal gives raises of 3%, 5%, and 4% over three years and gives the city more flexibility on healthcare premiums — going to a vote next week.