Hagerstown’s council held a special meeting Monday, March 30, to readdress previously tabled topics. The full council, Clerk-Treasurer Julie Neal and Town Manager Chris LaMar were present.
At a previous meeting, member Dillon Pitcher introduced the notion to shift the part-time building commissioner position to full time. After review of the current job description and future duties, member Donnie Benedict recommended tabling the decision until further research is done to justify the promotion. Council agreed to reevaluate after three months.
After recent incidents and operational miscues, council is exploring other options for the town hall’s surveillance system. The council currently contracts Richmond’s Midwest I.T., which includes a town-wide camera system. They hope to retain Midwest I.T. as a vendor while using a different service specific for security purposes.
Members Brian Longbons and Benedict were approached about selling a lot near the town’s fire station. The council would be open to the sale pending the future status of its fire department.
Member Longbons also provided an update on the progress of Hagerstown Brewery, a business that was funded via an EDIT loan to create new jobs. Originally set to open last fall, the new business is “slowly moving forward” with construction, Longbons said. The council agreed they need to update the loan application process to ensure accountability for all parties involved.
LaMar said the water line project is close to completion. Despite an unfortunate line break in front of Hagerstown Elementary School that afternoon, all final connections are finished. Work crews are currently filling holes, paving streets and cleaning yards of debris.
Lastly, Neal provided an update on the forthcoming town council handbook. An initial draft will be sent for review to human resources consultant New Focus. A special meeting is scheduled for April 22 to review the handbook’s updated job descriptions.
A future issue of WWN will report on the council’s general monthly meeting, Monday, April 6 at 6:30 p.m.
A version of this article appeared in the April 8 2026 print edition of the Western Wayne News.