Washington County explains annual budget process

HAGERSTOWN – Members of the Washington County Office of Budget and Finance staff are offering information about the annual budget process for county government, which starts each December. Each year, they noted, the Board of County Commissioners reviews and approves an operating budget that spans more than 200 departments, 12 agencies and a range of committees and organizations.

Whether residents live in one of Washington County’s cities or its rural areas, the approved budget supports a variety of essential services that impact daily life.

Key Services Supported by the County Budget Include:

• Emergency Services: Police, fire, emergency management, emergency communications and public health services.
• Transportation: Road and bridge maintenance, public bus transportation and the Hagerstown Regional Airport.
• Education: The Board of Education, a network of local libraries, Hagerstown Community College and the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts.
• Recreation: Parks, recreational programs, the Agricultural Education Center and Black Rock Golf Course.
• Public Utilities and Other Services: Landfill management, water and sewer operations, election services, court systems, land preservation, planning and permitting.

The budget process begins in the fall each year when the county administrator meets with budget and finance staff members to identify potential challenges and outline a plan for the upcoming fiscal year. Two main budgets are developed:

1. Operating Budget: Supports day-to-day operations of the county.
2. Capital Improvement Budget: Focuses on long-term development and infrastructure goals.

Steps in the County Budget Process

1. December – Preliminary Budget Estimates: County departments calculate anticipated costs for the next fiscal year and compile requests for new resources or personnel.
2. January – Budget Submissions: County departments, partners and non-profit agencies submit budget proposals for review by the county administrator and budget and finance staff.
3. February – Budget Review: The Board of County Commissioners reviews the requested budget. As with a household budget, difficult decisions are made regarding which requests can be funded based on available revenue sources, including income and property taxes, grants, service fees and state or federal aid.
4. March through May – Public Work Sessions and Drafts: Budget work sessions allow departments to present their budget requests to the BOCC. These sessions, held during regular BOCC meetings, are open to the public and streamed live on Facebook and YouTube.
5. April – Proposed Budget Draft: Budget and finance staff make final adjustments to balance the budget. Public feedback is welcomed during BOCC meetings as part of citizen participation.
6. May – Public Hearings: The BOCC hosts two hearings to gather community input on the proposed budget:

• Rate Change Hearing: Held during a BOCC meeting, this hearing allows residents to comment on any proposed rate or fee changes.
• Proposed Budget Hearing: Held in the evening to accommodate all residents, this hearing provides a comprehensive review of the proposed county budget.

After the hearings, the BOCC will either direct adjustments to the budget or move forward with a final vote. Once approved, each department in Washington County is accountable to its allotted budget.

To make the budget accessible to all citizens, the Budget and Finance Department publishes a detailed document outlining the approved budget. This document is available online and in local libraries.