Town manager Chris LaMar’s updates on current and potential city projects were the bulk of the discussion at the hour-and-a-half-long Hagerstown council meeting on Feb. 2. LaMar addressed the latest on the town-wide water line project and council’s questions on issues of concern.
Progress on the water line project has advanced, with Pearl and Harrison street portions complete. Work on Washington Street remains, with the project being two to three months out from completion. This is beyond the original due date because winter weather delayed repaving. Council questioned whether this would result in a penalty or loss of funding, but LaMar reassured them that it would not be a problem. There were also questions about a possible refund from the vendor, given that the project permits were finalized late.
A weekend wastewater backup was handled, reopening an earlier conversation about educating residents not to use flushable wipes as they cause sewage issues. LaMar stated they are working with Banning Engineering to inspect each maintenance hole and hope to secure a bid for a camera system to monitor the town’s sewer system.
Different cameras were the focus of discussion about the town hall’s surveillance system. A recent incident at the property was not recorded, allegedly because the cameras were offline. Council member Donnie Benedict questioned whether the system was currently operational. Police Chief Keith Folkner said he had no access to surveillance footage and that attempts to contact the vendor, Midwest IT, for assistance had gone unanswered. The council recommended an in-person meeting with the vendor to resolve this issue.
The town’s energy plan with the Midcontinent Independent System Operator is set to be renewed for May 2026 through May 2027. After much discussion about the varying rates from year to year, the council recommended waiting for auction prices, as they have done in the past.
Other discussions included expediting safety upgrades to the water plant’s catwalk; possibly removing a current $500 cap on building permits; updating the council’s business loan application process with improved protections; and future funding for the bicentennial celebration in 2032.
The police department saw 50 more calls in January than in December, for a total of 188.
Both the Parks & Recreation and Airport boards will meet later this month. Invoices for the water line project to Warner Engineering and Earthworks were approved.
The town hall will be closed to observe Presidents Day on Monday, Feb. 16. The next meeting is scheduled for March 2, at 6:30 p.m. The public is invited.
A version of this article appeared in the February 11 2026 print edition of the Western Wayne News.