# Nov. 3, 2026 | Mayor & Council: Work Session

The City of Hagerstown Mayor and Council held a work session on November 3, 2026. The main procurement- and infrastructure-related discussion concerned Smithsburg’s request for Hagerstown to assume ownership and operation of its entire water system, including meters, billing, storage tanks, and a pump station. Smithsburg cited roughly $10 million in needed improvements and affordability concerns; staff said the transfer could lower customer bills without increasing water production or affecting current Hagerstown customers. Council supported staff continuing discussions with Smithsburg and its counsel and returning the proposal to both elected bodies; no transfer or contract was approved at this meeting. Council also noted that wholesale water rates will need to be considered during the upcoming budget process.

Staff reported that the Edgemont water project remained on track for construction in late summer, subject to permitting, and that a funding application to upgrade the Brickner wastewater plant was planned for January. The Maryland Department of the Environment had identified an additional $36 million for the wastewater plant, including $13 million in principal forgiveness, and offered guidance on project funding applications. Separately, a council member presented a request to prepare a bid for the 2028 USA BMX Gold Cup Northeast Finals at Fairgrounds Park. Other actions discussed included drafting a recovery-house ordinance for future consideration and preparing school-zone amendments; no contract awards, bid approvals, or spending votes were recorded.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Energy & Utilities, Construction & Infrastructure
**Topics:** Physical Infrastructure, Grants & Funding
**Published:** November 04, 2026

### Sources
- [Nov. 3, 2026 | Mayor & Council: Work Session](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBOYBZG-3_c) - City of Hagerstown