Washington County commissioners OK airport lease extension, new safety policies

Washington County commissioners approved a one-year airport lease extension, adopted new concussion and abuse-prevention policies for county recreation programs and authorized a Sheriff’s Office supervisory change during a brief meeting Tuesday.

Official response and confirmed impact

The actions came before commissioners moved into closed session to discuss appointments, personnel matters and legal advice.

Commissioners approved a 12-month extension of Royal Aircraft Services LLC’s leases for Hangars 21 and 22 at Hagerstown Regional Airport while the county and company continue negotiating a longer-term agreement.

The temporary agreement establishes a uniform rental rate of $7 per square foot for the two hangars. The extension runs through Sept. 30, 2027.

The two leases currently generate about $131,426 annually, according to the commissioners’ agenda packet.

Under the temporary rate, annual rent will increase to $212,800, an increase of about $81,000.

Commissioners adopted a formal concussion-management policy for Parks and Recreation programs following a risk-control review by the county’s insurer, Travelers.

Incident background

Airport Director Bill Doran said the hangars date to approximately the late 1980s. Commissioners approved the extension without opposition.