Washington County Commissioner election Part 1: 5 Republicans seek seats
Washington County voters are choosing five county commissioners whose positions could shape the county’s data center policy. All five Republican candidates support the existing 12-month moratorium on new data center applications, while differing on infrastructure, water, electricity, setback and development-fee requirements.
The Washington County commissioner election could determine the future of data center development and related infrastructure policy in the Hagerstown area. Republican candidates John Barr, Jeff Cline, Randy Leatherman, Charles Burkett and Dan Young all support the county’s 12-month moratorium on new data center applications, adopted June 30 and scheduled to expire in June 2027 unless extended or modified.
The candidates have raised concerns about water consumption, groundwater, electricity costs, residential setbacks and public subsidies for data center infrastructure. County planners are developing regulations covering noise, water use, electrical infrastructure, setbacks and possible development fees, with draft rules expected next spring followed by public hearings.
The election will also affect decisions on taxes, emergency services, schools, water and sewer systems, and public participation in commission meetings. Candidate positions vary on funding those priorities, including whether to increase the county income tax or require new development to pay for the infrastructure it uses.