May 19, 2026 | Mayor & Council: Work Session

The City of Hagerstown held a Mayor and Council work session and special voting session on May 19, 2026. Key procurement and budget-related actions included the adoption of ordinances establishing tax rates for rental and business personal properties for fiscal year 2026-2027, and approval of water and wastewater rates for FY27 through FY31 based on a cost of service study by NewGen Strategies and Solutions LLC. Several contract awards and renewals were reviewed and approved, including utility bill processing with Archista Information Systems for $228,000, medical coverage administration with United Healthcare for $286,876, and various blanket contracts for vegetation management, substation maintenance, line work, and equipment refurbishment totaling several hundred thousand dollars. The council also approved contracts for security camera system expansions, water meter purchases, fire hydrant procurement, and patching contracts. Additionally, the council discussed the Bay Restoration Fund grant application to support wastewater treatment upgrades and addressed the city's structural budget deficit, emphasizing transparency and early public engagement for the FY28 budget process. No new tax rate increases were approved, and the council highlighted ongoing capital improvement projects and utility system maintenance efforts.