ALLEGANY COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR ANNOUNCED
The Allegany County Commissioners, James J. Stakem, Robert M. Hutcheson, and Dale R. Lewis, announced at today's public meeting that Acting County Administrator David A. Eberly has accepted an offer to serve as Allegany County Administrator. This is effective immediately.

Eberly, who is 49, has served Allegany County as Acting County Administrator from February 2009 to the present time. He also served in this capacity for six months in 2008. Eberly joined Allegany County in December 1999, and has served as the Director of Community Services since that time. During his service with Allegany County, Eberly has been one of eight department heads on the County's Senior Management Team. Eberly came to Allegany County from the City of Frostburg where he worked from 1990 to 1999. Eberly initially was the Community Development Coordinator and subsequently was selected to be Frostburg's City Administrator.

According to Brian P. Westfall, Allegany County Director of Human Resources and Personnel Services, Eberly has a three year contract. Benefits outlined in the contract are similar to those received by other county employees. Eberly is a 1984 graduate of Frostburg State University. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Political Science, and was awarded his Master of Education from FSU in 2001. In 2002, Eberly was recognized as a Fellow in the Academy for Excellence in Local Government through the University of Maryland.

In the community Eberly is an active member of Saint Paul's Lutheran Church and the Elks Lodge, both in Frostburg. Professionally, Eberly is a member of the International City/County Management Association. David and Karen, his wife of 23 years, live on a small farm in Shaft with their two sons, Christian, 18, and Connor, 15.

ALLEGANY COUNTY TRANSIT:  NEW SCHEDULE EFFECTIVE IN FEBRUARY

According to James S. Stafford, Jr., Division Chief of Allegany County Transit, there will be changes to the current schedule effective in February 2010. Fares will stay the same for both the fixed route bus service and the para-transit van service (Alltrans).

FIXED ROUTE BUS SERVICE
Effective Monday, February 8, 2010, there are changes to the Red Line and the Green Line. The Blue Line, the Gold Line, the Red Line Express, the White Line, the Yellow Line, and the Tuesday only bus service in Lonaconing remain the same. Read More

Allegany County Commissioners

As a result of the current economic downturn, the Board of Commissioners of Allegany County announced today at their public meeting that they will be returning their pay raises which were to take effect January 1, 2010.  The Commissioners have asked that these funds be returned to the County’s General Fund. By law, pay increases to the Commissioners are recommended by a salary study commission.  The Commissioners were set to receive a $500 increase.  The Commissioners also cited the fact that employees did not receive raises for this fiscal year.

Maryland Association of Counties Conference

Allegany County Commissioners James J. Stakem, Robert M. Hutcheson, and Dale R. Lewis participated in the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) Annual Winter Conference last week.  The event was held on Maryland’s Eastern Shore at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Hotel in Cambridge. Governor Martin O’Malley and other government officials were in attendance. United States Senator Barbara Mikulski made a special appearance.  The conference theme was “Of the People, By the People, For the People,” focusing on the people in county government who serve the public and are themselves served by the government.  Commissioner Robert M. Hutcheson serves on the MACO Board of Directors and holds the position of Second Vice President. Commissioner Stakem serves on the Legislative Committee. Learn More

Department of Public Safety, Homeland Security & Bureau of Police
The Board of Commissioners of Allegany County has reached a new 18 month employment agreement with Gary E. Moore, the County’s Director of Public Safety, Homeland Security & Bureau of Police.   Effective January 1, 2010, Colonel Moore will continue to serve in his current position, but will work part-time. The County and Moore have agreed to a salary and compensation package of $10,000 per year.  Colonel Moore will continue to develop funding opportunities to support new projects for Allegany County, and will assist the Commissioners in addressing public safety challenges.   Director Moore stated: “I am very proud of the extraordinary accomplishments that my senior leadership and their staffs have achieved in the past 36 months."  Read More

Cathy E. Blank Assumes Clerk’s Responsibilities - Official Custodian
The Allegany County Commissioners, James J. Stakem, Robert M. Hutcheson, and Dale R. Lewis, appointed Cathy E. Blank to the position of Clerk to the Board of County Commissioners effective January 1, 2010. The Clerk is an important administrative position. The Clerk reports to and assists the Commissioners in the day-to-day administration of the Allegany County Commissioners Office. The Clerk is responsible for the proper recording, transcription, and publication of all actions of the Commissioners pertaining to public meetings, public work sessions, and executive sessions. Overall, the Clerk is the official custodian of the documents of Allegany County Government. Blank earned her Associate in Arts degree in Secretarial Science from Allegany Community College (now, Allegany College of Maryland). Blank has also pursued additional continuing education in technology there. A native of Allegany County, she is a graduate of Mount Savage High School. During her 30 years of employment with Allegany County, Blank has served eight Boards of Commissioners. Blank possesses significant experience in and an extensive working knowledge of the operation of this key office. In the community, Blank is a member of Saint Patrick’s Catholic Church in Mount Savage, serves on the Finance Committee, and is a past parish council member.  Over the years, Blank has volunteered to help a number of school and community organizations.Cathy resides in Mount Savage with her husband, Dennis. They are parents of five adult children, Sean Harr, Chris Harr, Kate Blank, Jeremy Blank, and Chris Blank, and have six grandchildren.Blank follows Carol A. Gaffney who served as Clerk for 35 years. Gaffney’s retirement is effective December 31, 2009.

ALLEGANY COUNTY RESPONSIBLE FOR CRESAPTOWN WATER SYSTEM
The Allegany County Commissioners, James J. Stakem, Robert M. Hutcheson, and Dale R. Lewis, and the officers of the Cresaptown Civic Improvement Association (CCIA) signed an agreement transferring ownership and operation of the CCIA water system to the Allegany County Department of Public Works – Utilities Division effective January 1, 2010. All Cresaptown customers have been mailed detailed information about the water and sewer billing schedule, etc. There is a transition period as Allegany County institutes a quarterly billing schedule for combined water and sewer service. More

Recently Posted: 
Route 220 South Enterprise Zone - Recertification and Expansion
Press release from the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development's Office of Communications pertaining to Allegany County's Route 220 South Enterprise Zone.

Allegany County Board of County Commissioners letter to Western Maryland Delegation

Looking at the photo, left to right:  Allegany County Commissioners James J. Stakem, Robert M. Hutcheson, and Dale R. Lewis and representatives from the Western Maryland Health System, Barry P. Ronan, President and CEO, M. Kathryn Burkey, Chairman of the WMHS Board of Directors, and Thomas C. Dowdell, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.

WESTERN MARYLAND HEALTH SYSTEM WEEK:  December 6, 2009

Allegany County Government wishes to congratulate the Western Maryland Health System on the opening of the new Western Maryland Regional Medical Facility, 12500 Willowbrook Road, Cumberland. The Western Maryland Regional Medical Facility is the embodiment of a masterful vision, a fundamental belief, a key strategic decision, and innumerable subsequent actions over many years.  One Dream, One Promise has come to fruition and One Hospital is now a reality in our community.  The Allegany County Commissioners sincerely appreciate the significant contributions of the Western Maryland Health System and wish to commend Barry P. Ronan, President and CEO, and M. Kathryn Burkey, Chairman of the WMHS Board of Directors, and all associated with the health system and proclaim the week of  to be WESTERN MARYLAND HEALTH SYSTEM WEEK,  December 6-12, 2009 in Allegany County, Maryland and encourage all citizens to reflect on the extraordinary achievements and exceptional and diverse contributions of the Western Maryland Health System.

Diaz Highlights Allegany County Economic Development in Annapolis

Matthew W. Diaz, CEcD, Director of the Allegany County Department of Economic Development, has been invited by the Maryland Department of Business & Economic Development to join three other colleagues from across the state and participate in an important pro-business panel in Annapolis. Diaz is scheduled to provide information to the Maryland Business Tax Reform Commission - Business Incentives in the Tax Code Subcommittee on Thursday, December 3, 2009. The other participants are David Iannucci, Director, Baltimore County Office of Economic Development, Vernon Thompson, Director, Cecil County Economic Development, and Don Fry, President, Greater Baltimore Committee. Diaz will provide important information about how business tax incentives have positively impacted Allegany County. This jurisdiction has benefited from economic development projects that have utilized different incentives: Brownfields Revitalization Incentive Program, One Maryland Tax Credit, Enterprise Zone Tax Credit, Job Creation Tax Credit, and Arts & Entertainment Districts. Mr. Diaz has led Allegany County’s Economic Development since 2006. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Geography and Urban Planning and a Master of Business Administration from Frostburg State University. NOTE: CEcD is Certified Economic Developer. This designation recognizes qualified and dedicated practitioners in the economic development field and sets the standard of excellence within the profession.

PHOTO DESCRIPTION:
Left to right, looking at photo: James R. Lashley, Public Works – Roads, US Navy Seabees, 4 years, James A. McDonald, Public Safety, Homeland Security & Bureau of Police, US Army National Guard, 10 years, Richard E. Beckwith III, Public Works – Engineering, US Air Force, 6 years, Robert J. Prichard, Sr., Sheriff – Corrections, US Navy, 20 years, Larry E. Schlossnagle, Human Resources and Personnel Services, US Army National Guard, 35 years, Gerald M. Joy, Finance – Gaming, US Air Force, 6 years, and Robert M. Hutcheson, Allegany County Commissioner, US Army, 2 years.

ALLEGANY COUNTY GOVERNMENT SALUTES EMPLOYEE-VETERANS

 The Allegany County Commissioners, James J. Stakem, Robert M. Hutcheson, and Dale R. Lewis, honored all County employees were have served in the military at the public meeting on Thursday, November 12, 2009.  Larry E. Schlossnagle, who retired from the U.S. Army National Guard as a Sergeant First Class/SFC, E-7 and is the Risk Manager/Safety Instructor in the Allegany County Department of Human Resources and Personnel Services,  accepted a citation on behalf of all veterans who are employed by Allegany County Government. Forty-four employee-veterans were recognized at the public meeting. Commissioner Stakem recognized employee-veterans who were present at the public meeting. Brian P. Westfall, Director of Human Resources and Personnel Services, read the names of all employee-veterans and their military service to become part of the official public record. NOTE: As announced by Mr. Westfall, these names are those of employees who have elected to notify the department of their veteran status to date. 

PHOTO DESCRIPTION:
Left to right, looking at the photo: Commissioner Dale R. Lewis, Commissioner James J. Stakem, Larry E. Schlossnagle, Allegany County Government’s Risk Manager/Safety Instructor, and Commissioner Robert M. Hutcheson.
Schlossnagle was in the U.S. Army National Guard for 35 years and, while an employee of Allegany County, was deployed to Kuwait and Iraq.

NATIONAL GUARD THANKS ALLEGANY COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Schlossnagle also presented the Allegany County Commissioners with a distinctive wooden plaque in appreciation of their proactive support of veterans. The engraved inscription states: “presented to an American patriot for support of our soldiers in the National Guard who are defending freedom at home and around the world. National Guard, American Soldier, Defending Freedom.”  There is a center metallic medallion with a three dimensional eagle and encircled by “Army National Guard, Once A Solider, Always A Soldier.” Allegany County Government employees who are members of the organized militia or the Army Reserve, Army National Guard, Naval Reserve, Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard, the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, or the Coast Guard Reserve, are eligible for 15 days of paid military leave every year for training purposes.

2009 H1N1 Flu Virus
The Allegany County Department of Public Safety, Homeland Security, and Bureau of Police (Emergency Management Division and Emergency Medical Services Division) is referring all individuals to the Allegany County Health Department’s website, www.alleganyhealthdept.com, for information.

Westernport Town Hall Recycling Newspapers And Cans
Allegany County Government now has a recycling site again in Westernport in the parking lot beside the Town Hall, 19823 Washington Street. This site replaces the previous Tri Towns Plaza location.There are 19 recycling sites operated by Allegany County Government: Bel Air, Cumberland, Flintstone, Frostburg, LaVale, Little Orleans, Lonaconing, Mount Savage, Oldtown, and Westernport. Read More

Fiscal Year 2010 Budget
Review Staff Proposal Presented 9/3/09 to Address State Board of Public Works Action

Review Allegany County State Budget Cuts - Fiscal Year 2010
As a result of the national economic recession and the State’s formal action yesterday to reduce aid to local governments, Allegany County is once again forced to evaluate priorities and planned budget expenditures within months of having adopted the 2010 fiscal budget. As already reported, the State has informed Allegany County Government and other local agencies that the total reduction in state aid to our community is just over $4.75M for the remainder of the 2010 fiscal budget year.  These reductions will impact the Allegany County Health Department, local police departments, local municipalities, Allegany College of Maryland, and Allegany County Government.  Allegany County Government’s highway user revenues were cut $1,926,000 from $2,140,000; the revised appropriation is $214,000. Allegany County Government’s state aid for police protection was cut $88,770 from $253,628; the revised appropriation is $164,858. As of now, the Board of County Commissioners will be required to address a $2,014,770 budget shortfall.  “The process of developing the 2010 budget was excruciating due to previously announced cuts earlier this year. Now we are challenged again to go back to the drawing board and revisit some very difficult issues. We have dealt with this before and will do it again,” commented Jerry L. Frantz, Allegany County Director of Finance. “We are fortunate that our County staff has been discussing potential approaches and scenarios to deal with anticipated cuts.  We look forward to receiving recommendations in the near future,” commented James J. Stakem, President of the Board of Commissioners. Commissioner Robert M. Hutcheson stated, “Allegany County operates in a fiscally responsible manner at all times. This is important.” Commissioner Dale R. Lewis added, “There is nothing for us to cut easily, that is for sure.”  There has been an extensive, on-going review process. In the coming weeks, County staff will again work with the Board of Commissioners to carefully evaluate expenditures across the board.  The County will also be contacting agencies and organizations that receive county funding to seek their assistance in managing this financial challenge. Expenditures related to capital projects, material acquisitions, various operational items, and how the County will handle personnel vacancies will be discussed. The County will also revisit revenue projections. The County appreciates the citizens’ and stakeholders’ continued assistance and understanding.

COUNTY ENGINEER KEVIN BEACHY RETIRES
STATEWIDE RECOGNITION CAPS OUTSTANDING 31 YEAR CAREER
Kevin T. Beachy, P.E., will retire as the County Engineer from Allegany County Government on September 30, 2009. Beachy earned both his undergraduate and graduate degrees in Civil Engineering from West Virginia University. This specialized profession requires rigorous examination for registration at the state level and Beachy has achieved the Professional Engineer designation in four states: Maryland, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Florida. Overall, Beachy has had a distinguished, exemplary professional career with Allegany County Government. He was hired as an Engineer I in 1978 and subsequently held other engineering positions with the County culminating in promotion to the important position of County Engineer in 1995. In this capacity, Beachy supervised the efforts of the professional and non-professional engineering staff, reviewed project plans, and made recommendations pertaining to the planning/designing phases of complex civil engineering projects in the Department of Public Works. Of note, Beachy also heads the Allegany County Solid Waste Management Committee, responsible for all disposal issues and recycling efforts in the county. Over the span of 31 years, Beachy has been involved with many challenging, notable projects. W. Stephen Young, P.E., Director of the Department of Public Works, cited Beachy’s professional competence and personal dedication to his extensive public works responsibilities for Allegany County Government. Young stated: “Kevin is an extraordinarily talented engineer. The citizens and stakeholders of Allegany County have most definitely been well served by Kevin. I extend my deep and sincere appreciation to Kevin for his significant contributions over the years.”      Beachy has a keen interest in bridges and has managed Allegany County’s bridge program for over two decades. Of note, there are 112 bridges under his direction at the present time. In this capacity, Beachy has administered the bridge inspection program and has overseen the programming, design, and construction of nearly two dozen bridge rehabilitation or bridge replacement projects involving federal and state aid. Allegany County Government honored him by naming a bridge crossing Braddock Run on Bridge Street in LaVale “Beachy Bridge.” This was Beachy’s final bridge engineering responsibility of his career with the County.Beachy is held in high esteem by the Allegany County Commissioners who honored him with a Citation for Exemplary Service in 2006 for his role in the design and construction of the Allegheny Highlands Trail of Maryland (now named the Great Allegheny Passage).  This hiking-biking trail is now a recreational jewel for residents of and visitors to Allegany County. This year Beachy was honored by the County Engineers Association of Maryland (www.countyengineers-md.org) with the prestigious award “Engineer of the Year.” Beachy has served as president of this key, influential professional organization.Over the span of his career, Beachy has published numerous papers, delivered presentations at conferences and seminars throughout the United States, served on committees for the National Academy of Sciences/Transportation Research Board, and taught a course at West Virginia University on preparing specifications and bidding projects. Beachy was born and raised in Allegany County and resides in LaVale.

ALLEGANY COUNTY TRANSIT NEW SCHEDULE EFFECTIVE MONDAY, JULY 6, 2009
- EXPRESS LINES ADDED FOR WILLOWBROOK AREA

According to James S. Stafford, Jr., Division Chief of Allegany County Transit, there will be changes to the current schedule effective on Monday, July 6, 2009. Fares will stay the same for both the fixed route bus service and the para-transit van service (Alltrans).

FIXED ROUTE BUS SERVICE

Allegany County Transit will offer six additional half-hour “Red Line Express” routes to service the Willowbrook Road area. This is part of the Red Line. This will accommodate the increased public transportation needs of the new campus of the Western Maryland Health System opening this fall. In addition to the WMHS, other high volume institutions in this vicinity will be able to be benefit - the Allegany County Health Department, Allegany College of Maryland, and the Thomas B. Finan Center.

Because of the additional Red Line Express routes, adjustments were made to the Red Line and the Gold Line: The Red Line:  Bedford Road/State Line and North Cumberland areas will have service on the 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m., and 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. runs only. The other Bedford Road/State Line and North Cumberland runs are now dedicated to the Red Line Express route. The Gold Line (Frostburg/LaVale) will operate from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. During Frostburg State University’s fall and spring semesters (August 21, 2009 through December 18, 2009 and January 25, 2010 through May 21, 2010), the shuttle will be available until 11:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Fixed route bus service will not be offered on Saturday. The final service date was Saturday, June 27, 2009.

PARA-TRANSIT SERVICE

Para-Transit van services (Alltrans) will operate Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. This will provide parallel service to the fixed route bus system for elderly individuals and ADA service for those individuals who are unable to use the fixed route bus system. Alltrans Saturday hours will be from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. effective on Saturday, July 11, 2009. Read More

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY, HOMELAND SECURITY & BUREAU OF POLICE
At the weekly public meeting of the Allegany County Commissioners on Thursday, June 18, 2009, Acting County Administrator David A. Eberly announced that Gary E. Moore, Director of the Allegany County Department of Public Safety, Homeland Security & Bureau of Police, has been offered and has accepted a two year contract extension to serve in his current capacity through June 30, 2011. He became associated with Allegany County in 2006. Read More

Census 2010
The census is a count of everyone living in the United States every 10 years and is mandated by the U.S. Constitution. The next census is in 2010 and your participation in the census is required by law.  It will take less than 10 minutes to complete and federal law protects the personal information you share during the census.  The census data are used to distribute Congressional seats to states, to make decisions about what community services to provide, and to distribute $300 billion in federal funds to local, state and tribal governments each year.  Please participate and be counted!

Governor O'Malley Launches 2010 Census Outreach Effort in Maryland (11/24/2009)

BUREAU OF POLICE
Upon the recommendation of Gary E. Moore, Director of the Department of Public Safety, Homeland Security & Bureau of Police, Acting County Administrator David A. Eberly advised the Board of County Commissioners that Deputy Chief J. Robert Dick will assume the position of Chief of the Bureau of Police effective July 1, 2009. This announcement was forwarded to all affected personnel within the County’s Bureau of Police prior to the Commissioner’s meeting.  “No major changes are anticipated as a result of the decision,” commented Eberly. Read More

Economic Development Director Earns National Designation
Certified Economic Developer (CEcD)
Matthew W. Diaz, Director of the Allegany County Department of Economic Development, has earned the designation of Certified Economic Developer (CEcD). This is a national recognition that denotes a mastery of principal skills in economic development, professional attainment, and a commitment to personal and professional growth. Diaz passed the CEcD exam, which was administered by the International Economic Development Council ( www.iedconline.org ), the premier organization for the economic development profession, on May 30 – 31 in Raleigh, North Carolina. He has joined the elite group of 1,200 CEcDs in the United States. Read More

Presentation: Allegany County Commissioner Code Home Rule Bill No. 2-09 as presented May 28, 2009 Download

Allegany County Commissioner’s Amended Code Home Rule Bill No. 2-09
"An Act To Amend Chapter 141 Entitled ‘Land Development’ Part 4, Zoning, Of The Code Of Public Local Laws Of Allegany County, Maryland (1983 Edition As Amended).” Review Document

Great Allegheny Passage - Allegany County, Maryland Rules and Guidelines

The Allegany County Commissioners hereby establish the rules and guidelines for the safe and peaceful enjoyment of the section of the Great Allegheny Passage (i.e., trail) in Allegany County, Maryland for citizens of and visitors to our community. The 22 mile section of the Great Allegheny Passage is now complete through Allegany County, Maryland and stretches from Cumberland, Maryland to the Pennsylvania line. This 17 year project involved $12,000,000+ of public and private funding. Allegany County is now responsible for all law enforcement and emergency response as well as maintenance of this recreational right of way (ROW). Trail Rangers associated with the Allegany County Bureau of Police patrol the trail. These law enforcement personnel wear uniforms and carry County issued photo identification. Download Rules, Guidelines and Special Use Application

Tourism Contract Awarded:

The Allegany County Commissioners, James J. Stakem, Robert M. Hutcheson, and Dale R. Lewis, have awarded the contract for management services of County tourism to River’s Edge Business Associates. Read More