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