Board of County Commissioners Evening Meeting with the Town of Smithsburg - November 10, 2026

The Washington County Board of County Commissioners’ evening meeting with the Town of Smithsburg on November 10, 2026, focused on municipal infrastructure and water-service planning. Smithsburg reported that sewer pump-station replacements are estimated to cost $3.5 million. Funding identified includes the county’s $137,000 ARPA contribution, $50,000 for engineering, a $306,000 grant, and an $800,000 grant; the town has also applied for an additional $1.4 million grant. The town said its wastewater treatment plant upgrades are complete and capacity is available, with final SCADA programming and minor electrical work ongoing. For the Safe Routes to School pedestrian-safety project, Smithsburg reported receiving $308,880 for engineering and design.

The town discussed preliminary talks with Hagerstown about transferring its water system, citing approximately $10.5 million in identified infrastructure needs; no agreement or detailed terms have been reached. County officials said they are assessing potential water sources, including wells near Smithsburg, and described purchasing water from Hagerstown as a possible interim option. The town said it had engaged Davenport Financial for due diligence. Smithsburg also reported that its council had moved forward with an RFP for a financial advisor for a Special Taxing District related to development. No procurement award or spending motion by the county commissioners was identified; the meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn.