Wayne County’s commissioners decided Jan. 22 against Hagerstown’s request to participate in the countywide consolidated EDIT program for just two years.
The town in December provided the county a two-year contract to contribute half of its economic development income tax revenue to consolidated EDIT. That fund pays operating expenses for the Economic Development Corporation of Wayne County and funds economic development projects.
Since its beginning, consolidated EDIT has functioned on four-year contracts, and commissioners did not favor changing the terms for Hagerstown. They voted 3-0 to reject Hagerstown’s two-year contract.
“I think there is benefit to all, and I hope they’ll reconsider,” Commissioner Jeff Plasterer said.
Plasterer said he understands that towns use EDIT money to supplement their budgets and can struggle to carve out the money for consolidated EDIT contributions.
Later in the meeting, commissioners approved signing the contract with East Germantown for its consolidated EDIT participation. Plasterer said East Germantown, Milton and Spring Grove are joining past participants Centerville, Cambridge City, Economy, Richmond and the county in the four-year cycle that’s now beginning.
Building inspections
Greens Fork has requested the county assume responsibility for conducting the town’s building inspections and issuing permits.
The town issued 19 permits last year, with about $1,900 in permit revenue, so it’s not a heavy burden. Commissioners authorized creating an interlocal agreement to take on the responsibility for a year.
Animal welfare
Commissioners approved providing Animal Care Alliance with $3,000 for a low-cost spay and neuter clinic for 30 dogs Jan. 28 and 29.
Residents scheduling appointments could request financial support, and organizers could distribute the money as needed among participants.
The money comes from commissioners’ animal welfare line item in the 2025 budget.
A version of this article appeared in the January 29 2025 print edition of the Western Wayne News.