[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6059997,"mediaKeyId","3293345-3d03c1f1e632b21e135eb0102ce8818a","parentId",3293345,"title","Hagerstown officials weigh response to Washington County’s APFO and excise tax changes amid school‑capacity concerns","audioSeconds",249,"startMs",564000,"endMs",813000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3293345-3d03c1f1e632b21e135eb0102ce8818a&start=564&end=813","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3293345-3d03c1f1e632b21e135eb0102ce8818a/thumbnail_564000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6059997/Hagerstown/Washington-County/Maryland/Hagerstown-officials-weigh-response-to-Washington-Countys-APFO-and-excise-tax-changes-amid-schoolcapacity-concerns","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6059997-f52e025f42dc3852aced253319c28a84/orig.mp4?Expires=1771166036&Signature=ngZNNIWspfw2nv3ltE3zTea6rbc61OiGl50-1Ar0NLYnL5J2uAQHT6YQe29XVFHXbmRf2FTQlZbd-DBUQ2g3WoFpzB18vx9fi5TCunq1tx7bmI9RxLmu2VmcdX~Hb-ZS0-V09t3xA36LzvPUUAlpvN~FTt5ULk3~EVyD5VCiSn5O3rFOab29IpKiKn3lGOv1N9djg6~0-4mzqxk2Yl24NEWYkLSxTyg-9ddyhDXWgX1SePafCTWAvj-Y4ThHnH3QYqWKDFep73nC4VXPcCNI3JaSQ5~1w5qaSpZ2rW5R71EnfxtqVYxJKhyaV3vYdezfUeDXkM1oxU2tjoLZDou7NA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Hagerstown, MD","date","2025-05-13T22:33:03Z","article","City staff presented Washington County’s proposed amendments to the adequate public facilities ordinance (APFO) and to the county excise-tax ordinance at the May 13 work session and asked the Hagerstown City Council for feedback while the county record remained open.

Steven Bachmiller briefed the council on the county proposals, saying the county plans to adjust excise-tax rates (noting a residential new‑construction excise tax would move from $1 per square foot to $2) and that the county is shifting some fee structure items from the APFO into the excise-tax ordinance. Bachmiller said state law treats county and municipal APFOs separately, so the county’s APFO amendments do not legally change the city’s APFO status, but they could have indirect or pass‑through effects.

Councilman Alshar gave an extended statement urging the city to press the county for clarification and additional data. He asked staff to address specific points in a memo: the county memo’s description of removing the AMC from the APFO and applying it to the county excise tax; the county staff estimate that the city had cost the county roughly $2 million in school-construction funds because the city lacks an APFO; and whether the county’s stated rationale (residential growth driving school overcrowding) matches school-seat and redistricting data. Alshar noted the presence of many vacant seats across the county’s elementary, middle and high schools, and he said the city has a disproportionate number of portables at South Hagerstown High School.

Staff confirmed the record was open for two weeks and that any city comment would be due by the following Tuesday. Council members asked staff to prepare a memo that responds to Alshar’s points and to pursue staff‑level conversations with county staff prior to or in addition to formal comments. The council did not take a formal vote; members agreed to prepare feedback for the county while continuing informal discussions.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","May 13, 2025 | Mayor & Council Meeting: Work Session","oneSentenceSummary","City staff briefed the Hagerstown City Council on proposed Washington County amendments to the adequate public facilities ordinance and the excise‑tax ordinance, and the council asked staff to prepare a memo and pursue staff-level talks after concerns about school-seat counts and fee use were raised.","taxTitle","Hagerstown, Washington County, Maryland","taxId",4678,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6060002,"State legislators and Hagerstown leaders debate ballpark tax status; delegation urges talks with ballpark owner",1284,2927000,4211000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3293345-3d03c1f1e632b21e135eb0102ce8818a&start=2927&end=4211","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3293345-3d03c1f1e632b21e135eb0102ce8818a/thumbnail_2927000.jpg","/articles/6060002/Hagerstown/Washington-County/Maryland/State-legislators-and-Hagerstown-leaders-debate-ballpark-tax-status-delegation-urges-talks-with-ballpark-owner","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6060002-fba725cf876ae4846a07623223d8a596/orig.mp4?Expires=1771166036&Signature=nMZJGkv4wuRt74tKxxBMwEHjZp0EloGNheWlisVlWjNAs032czIVzHWWyZnSx0CMTgz9oNNvQv4RcQ9aA25Ca~VsAY6u7K280vYH6XEgeRlruZTp55lDLOtIpz~R0WjszRmS10cBMVfwJwcXivCB-~WjpqovOsdXwfX07NBgpWy01sOQzqKN3lpvkx-IWrz~jAKoinjXp-Q4rFhZL-ipoWrIqu4w4GmqJCV9KoFXoZ-Na0xnhX6vZbEgtpzkTWXO03hpvVyaWblXE3sDlsMrbU5hlg2v~JA1InH3RRlowz4veeMCv8VNmDl0LsRhKCuJ2cily1oogc4wzxxfNGDvgQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Delegate Matthew Schindler and other members of the local delegation briefed the Hagerstown City Council on the recent legislative activity addressing the downtown ballpark’s tax status and urged further local conversations about municipal costs and potential payment-in-lieu-of-tax (PILOT) agreements.

Schindler said the ballpark was structured to be owned by a 501(c)(3) industrial foundation — known in session as “Chief” — and that the original intent was to mirror out‑of‑state industrial‑foundation models that treated similar ballparks as tax‑exempt. He said the facility operates as a community amenity, the foundation collects rent and applies proceeds to a capital-improvement fund, and “there was no money that ever began. There was no property tax that ever was to be discussed.” (Transcript attribution: Delegate Matthew Schindler.)

The delegation explained that House bill HB750 (the Washington County tax‑credit vehicle) passed the House and that Senate bill 596 was used as the vehicle to insert language clarifying the ballpark’s exemption. Delegation members said the bills were separated in the process: the county tax‑credit provision and the ballpark clarification were handled on different tracks in each chamber. They urged the city to open discussions with Chief to determine whether a voluntary PILOT or other agreement should be negotiated to cover service costs such as police, fire and parking-deck maintenance.

Council members noted city costs associated with large events — parking-deck debt service, police and fire staffing — and asked for a factual accounting of any revenues the city receives now (for example amusement taxes) and the SDAT (State Department of Assessments and Taxation) assessments that would apply if the property were taxable. The delegation said they were willing to pursue legislative changes if local negotiations did not yield an equitable arrangement.

Multiple council members urged the city and Chief to meet and try to reach an agreement on payments or compensatory measures; the delegation said the bill as enacted allows for a negotiated PILOT agreement as currently written but that the council could pursue a stronger legislative requirement if needed. No formal council vote was taken at the work session; participants agreed the next step is a local conversation between city officials and the foundation that controls the ballpark.","Delegation members briefed the council on recent legislation clarifying the property-tax status of the new downtown ballpark, saying the facility was intended to be tax-exempt via a nonprofit industrial foundation and urging local negotiations for a payment-in-lieu agreement if the city expects costs.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6060006,"Hagerstown leaders outline FY2026 budget proposal including 5.5¢ tax-rate adjustment and $1.08 million for Invest Hagerstown",398,6208000,6606000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3293345-3d03c1f1e632b21e135eb0102ce8818a&start=6208&end=6606","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3293345-3d03c1f1e632b21e135eb0102ce8818a/thumbnail_6208000.jpg","/articles/6060006/Hagerstown/Washington-County/Maryland/Hagerstown-leaders-outline-FY2026-budget-proposal-including-55-tax-rate-adjustment-and-108-million-for-Invest-Hagerstown","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6060006-88175ca7ed6afbb8877afc8681d2fc30/orig.mp4?Expires=1771166036&Signature=id7zGsboB6QqT-dypPi1tDABRD46JFtzcanhTDa7nK0r8Wd8Tkwomdu1ttFBa7Tnz6Bb6ezkotuy~Y8weUxUy4N5juGGkqWW5EjZPOZWxZd0UFgLU9yjCGW-wzTQBW7hF1MS42act5XWcyrOTqnv3vVnDjU2xmjcXDLfYkOY7up8hxnxs42u-iwjqq7cfvairDxzIsr0L1RzpPJQR4iMl0oxbCkR~m-pYRb07iJ1miUTBWfQyxW5ZVQtaBvYjV8N-Vwl2Uru7lnGFwkAND8T1bZSXCPcS~oOz0mY0jzXoMcrCaLB4RUSjiwFHJpsU4SuA0mTMKnDKn35Yd1t8pjTwA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Hagerstown City staff and council members discussed the proposed FY2026 budget during the May 13 work session, saying the recommended 5.5-cent property tax-rate increase would generate roughly $2.2 million and that about $0.7 of every additional dollar per average homeowner would pay for public safety and personnel costs.

The budget memo showed the city expects a roughly $2.1 million uptick from assessment growth and $2.0 million from development growth, leaving a roughly $2.2 million “gap” that the 5.5-cent increase is designed to cover. Finance staff and a council member presented a line-item breakdown showing where the additional revenue would be spent, with the largest single categories being police and other public-safety costs.

Councilman Alshar asked staff for a simple, department-level plug‑and‑play worksheet to show how reductions would affect the 5.5‑cent increase. Staff distributed a table indicating the dollar impact on an average home assessed at about $200,000 (about $110 per year) and showing how small portions of that amount map to legal, finance, public safety and other line items. Michelle (identified in the session as a city staff member leading the budget review) said the chart is intended to help the public and council see concrete tradeoffs.

Council members and staff also reviewed related special fund budgets. The city’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program — federally funded by HUD — remains tentatively budgeted at roughly the same entitlement level, but staff warned the final FY2026 CDBG award had not been announced and that public‑service allocations (capped by HUD at 15% of the entitlement) might change if the award differs from expectations. Staff explained that CDBG revenue includes loan repayments and interest from prior years, so the annual expenditure total can exceed a single-year entitlement.

Economic redevelopment funding is again proposed to receive a $1.08 million transfer from the general fund to support Invest Hagerstown incentive programs (city center redevelopment, citywide redevelopment, homeownership, rental rehabilitation and façade/sign grants). Economic development staff noted that if the council removed or reduced that transfer the saved dollars would remain in the general fund but would not be available for the incentive programs.

Staff said next steps include finalizing numbers for adoption at the regular session next week and called out that some line items (for example, personnel) are constrained by existing contracts and market‑driven material costs.

Council members asked for continued outreach and clearer public messaging about the tax change, noting the difference between a 5.5‑cent rate change and a percentage increase. Staff agreed to refine public materials and return with any adjustments required by final CDBG entitlement information.","City staff presented the proposed fiscal 2026 general fund and related special-revenue spending, explaining a 5.5-cent tax-rate increase would generate about $2.2 million and that most of the rise would fund public safety and personnel costs; the city also budgets a $1.08 million transfer to Invest Hagerstown for redevelopment incentives.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6059987,"Council agrees to exempt Meredith Park July 4 fireworks from noise ordinance after city marshal confirms staffing",181,1476000,1657000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3293345-3d03c1f1e632b21e135eb0102ce8818a&start=1476&end=1657","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3293345-3d03c1f1e632b21e135eb0102ce8818a/thumbnail_1476000.jpg","/articles/6059987/Hagerstown/Washington-County/Maryland/Council-agrees-to-exempt-Meredith-Park-July-4-fireworks-from-noise-ordinance-after-city-marshal-confirms-staffing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6059987-31e7deecea4c1f46209d6831a3434718/orig.mp4?Expires=1771166036&Signature=co6qQi6fM1NWTQpBB2JJksJuzT6-7i0r4hYMYGyPAEVLhODUkF6~GDqG~EwxpYlR9RfJhcwsh4AlM268p3iWLybBekuABmZ3~pbDzAVuHcdY1PuC-n0TpDrL4izjLNZLnjrDxrkXPrajvyyBoTTk7HPGAZvIw4BzMCUjp-j~i-4Hx7vZkP6L425678qz7dmyb9ZB-Y56k7RZQTE3UYunBKkAnNjwRlONqId931qquQatklX1lbGlBziYSPtLGNVyB~UUwhUSzag-nNEl1LAJdbut~fWIThV~47RuYoyqaZ5xdUovKDWipmIqH1P3dIgfkIxo9m-eLK2Tt9HrVtp7AA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Hagerstown City Council agreed at its May 13 work session to exempt the Meredith Park July 4 fireworks show from the city’s noise ordinance after the city’s fire‑safety staff confirmed sufficient certified personnel to cover multiple events that night.

City staff explained the July 4 date had been pulled from the initial list of Meredith Park fireworks dates because the fire marshal’s office initially said it might lack adequate personnel to cover the Meredith Park show, the Fairgrounds Park show and citywide patrol for illegal fireworks that same night. The chief and fire‑marshal staff reported they now have enough state‑certified personnel and internal training to keep loading sites staffed and provide needed patrol coverage for neighborhoods.

When asked how that would be accomplished, the chief explained that state rules require a certified fire marshal to remain at a site where fireworks are loaded and that the city had completed additional internal training and worked with the Office of the State Fire Marshal to ensure there would be certified staff at event sites. After the marshal’s confirmation, council members said they were comfortable approving the exemption; no formal roll‑call vote was recorded at the work session, but council members expressed agreement to include the July 4 Meredith Park fireworks on the calendar and exempt the event from the noise ordinance.","Council members agreed at the May 13 work session to exempt the July 4 Meredith Park fireworks show from the city's noise ordinance after the city fire marshal and staff said the Office of the State Fire Marshal‑certified personnel would be available to cover loading sites and provide public-safety coverage.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6059992,"Hagerstown proposes $75,000 Middle Neighborhoods Emergency Repair Grant to help ‘ALICE’ households",98,1716000,1814000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3293345-3d03c1f1e632b21e135eb0102ce8818a&start=1716&end=1814","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3293345-3d03c1f1e632b21e135eb0102ce8818a/thumbnail_1716000.jpg","/articles/6059992/Hagerstown/Washington-County/Maryland/Hagerstown-proposes-75000-Middle-Neighborhoods-Emergency-Repair-Grant-to-help-ALICE-households","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6059992-f80baefe9ed13bc9b0c352dc52af2d9c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771166036&Signature=Bdu7Z3VTv72cZXi7JdhcPEFXWlTthAysLPu7-TSUHKr-CB1gSQbCVuE6UEzztN4V6VcvGnnS2rVh2p78pope50ov-U3NNgI5UCqZXFHaSEViicHRID-jlw8FInqnq1nWDAFziTuoYpcH5okEJ7ATX0mJqbiqO5p1cuW-MUM47Dzme105mvxNbKRa5Ttku4YrZL1qQqqmkbPBIZXR-IjEX7e7arLK3iHJTijzthQNq8uIKkRLPPxMdYROp4WpBWamTx4dddfZD~O9aWxmAjmPFJRqirRK0el9ozU9~FLZqnG0nIh3zA8AaTVLoTqwIAQPcX7VZFx86k4ioGYHsukwsA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff presented guidelines for a new Middle Neighborhoods Emergency Repair Grant Program during the May 13 work session, saying the program will use $75,000 in state Community Legacy funds and will cover 75% of eligible repair costs for qualifying homeowners.

Margie Jo and Rachel Paul explained the program is modeled on the existing federal CDBG emergency repair program but uses state Community Legacy funding and raises the income threshold to 120% of area median income (AMI) so that households who are “asset limited, income constrained, employed” (ALICE) can qualify. Staff said the grant will pay 75% of eligible repairs and homeowners would be responsible for the remaining 25%; they estimated the funding could assist five to seven households.

Staff described the application steps: income documentation, three contractor estimates, and a city community liaison preparing a scope of work. They warned the process can take several months depending on contractor schedules and homeowner readiness, and they said homeowners may select a contractor from a provided list or submit their own bids. The program uses state rather than federal funding, so staff said it offers somewhat more flexibility than the federal CDBG rules.

Staff said they will present the program for a council vote at the May 27 regular session; if approved, staff will publish the program and start taking applications.","City staff proposed a Middle Neighborhoods Emergency Repair Grant using $75,000 in state Community Legacy funds to cover 75% of repair costs for households up to 120% of area median income; staff will seek council approval at the May 27 regular session.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Hagerstown officials weigh response to Washington County’s APFO and excise tax changes amid school‑capacity concerns

State legislators and Hagerstown leaders debate ballpark tax status; delegation urges talks with ballpark owner

Hagerstown leaders outline FY2026 budget proposal including 5.5¢ tax-rate adjustment and $1.08 million for Invest Hagerstown

Council agrees to exempt Meredith Park July 4 fireworks from noise ordinance after city marshal confirms staffing

Hagerstown proposes $75,000 Middle Neighborhoods Emergency Repair Grant to help ‘ALICE’ households