Two Hagerstown residents and a longtime business owner pleaded for more assistance with flood repairs at the town council’s Sept. 8 meeting.
Jennifer Small said she saw up to $30,000 in damage and her basement was ruined because three drains behind her home on Tidewater Street were filled with mud prior to the rain. Town manager Chris LaMar stated the drains are in the county’s jurisdiction but near the railway’s right of way, complicating ownership. Council recommended Small seek legal counsel and bring her issues to the county commissioners.
John Bennett’s home on South Elm Street experienced sewage backup from Aug. 1 rainfall. After $25,000 of repairs, the Aug. 12 flood damage was limited to a downstairs crawl space, he said. He was told someone from the town would inspect the damage, but no one followed up.
“What are we doing to prevent this in the future?” asked Bennett, who also seeks financial restitution. Council member Brian Longbons acknowledged the failure of communication and said they’d review possible solutions.
Business owner Gary Schuette detailed over $1M in damage to Nettle Creek Ace Hardware, 485 E. Main St. Fifty-two inches of flood water gutted equipment, fixtures, inventory and the building. Schuette blames a ditch east of the building that has long needed repairs.
“We need boots on the ground,” said Schuette, fearing what a loss of his and other surrounding businesses would mean for the town.
Jessica Gregory will assume Schuette’s duties as Heart of Hagerstown president so he can focus on the repairs. Council acknowledged Schuette’s service and his role in the community.
In other business, council:
- Heard an update on the Sept. 11 Foam Glow Party in Miller Park, and the Oct. 10 Fall Festival relocation.
- Discussed railroad repairs near AutoCar and the Frontier pole attachment project.
- Began the process of abolishing the town court through an ordinance approval.
- Approved a police vehicle lease, a property exchange and waived flood-related permit fees.
- Received updates from parks, police, fire, airport, wastewater and electric departments, including flood recovery efforts, grants and infrastructure projects. The fire department reported 49 calls last month, with 16 water rescues all on Aug. 12. The police department had 70 more calls in August, for a total of 300.
- Reviewed three wastewater plant reconstruction bids and approved claims.
Hagerstown council’s next meeting is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 14 at 6:30 p.m. at 49 E. College St., Hagerstown. The public may attend.
A version of this article appeared in the September 16 2026 print edition of the Western Wayne News.
