September 09, 2026 | Mayor & Council Meeting: Work Session

The City of Hagerstown held a Mayor & Council work session on September 9, 2026, which included several procurement and budget-related discussions. A significant portion of the meeting focused on the proposed electric utility rate increase, with presentations from GDS Associates detailing a recommended $1.44 million increase to maintain operations, representing a 19% increase on base operating rates but about a 3.5% overall increase on customer bills. The council discussed the cost of service study, rate design adjustments, and the timing of filing the rate case with the Maryland Public Service Commission, ultimately approving the filing. Additionally, the council reviewed a $1 million federal earmark for storm drainage improvements, discussing the need to hire engineering consultants for evaluation and design before proceeding with construction. Other procurement-related topics included updates on pedestrian safety plans affecting parking and potential impacts on city revenue, as well as a grant opportunity from the Maryland Energy Administration for residential energy equity programs, which requires application by October 1st. The council also considered zoning ordinance amendments related to townhouse development and bicycle parking requirements, deciding to defer the bicycle parking changes to a future package. The meeting concluded with endorsements of historic district design guideline updates and community event announcements.