Hagerstown · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Hagerstown public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
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.
$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.
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.