The Allegany County Public Safety Committee on Jan. 2 approved acceptance of grant funds for the county ignition interlock program, reappointed several traffic safety board members and approved its Dec. 4 minutes, all by voice vote.

The committee, meeting Jan. 2, approved a maintenance-of-effort (MOE) action to accept state grant funds to support the county’s ignition interlock program. Committee members voiced approval and the motion was carried.

Why it matters: The additional state funds reimburse the county for managing the ignition interlock program and support continued monitoring and equipment costs for people convicted of certain impaired-driving offenses.

Details of votes and motions
- Approval of Dec. 4 meeting minutes: Motion made by Legislator Barnes; second not specified in the transcript; outcome: approved by voice vote.
- Acceptance of MOE grant funds for the ignition interlock program: Motion moved (mover not specified in the transcript); second credited as "Helios" in the meeting record; outcome: carried by voice vote. The office of probation reported the award was larger than the previous year and reflects conviction and arrest rates in 2024.
- Traffic Safety Board appointments: The clerk of the board, Brenda Wrigley Realey, reported recommendations to reappoint Guy James, Brian Perkins and William Weaver and to appoint John Valentine as a new member. The committee moved and seconded the nominations and approved them by voice vote.
- Adjournment: Motion to adjourn moved by Legislator Barnes and seconded by a member identified in the transcript as "Chemical;" outcome: carried by voice vote.

The committee did not record roll-call vote tallies in the transcript for these items; minutes show voice voting and the chair announced each motion carried. Members who introduced or discussed motions are recorded where the transcript identifies them; several motions did not include a clearly labeled mover or seconder in the audio record.

Looking ahead: The committee signaled routine oversight of grant-funded programs and appointments will continue at future meetings.