Real Property Tax Rate Reduction
Posted 5/5/26
The Garrett County Commissioners have approved reducing the local Real Property Tax rate for the upcoming fiscal year, lowering it from $1.02 to just $1.00 per $100 of assessed value.
This rate reduction provides meaningful relief while maintaining the County’s strong financial footing.
Lowering the rate helps ease the overall cost burden felt across the community for both residents and commercial property owners. This decision follows a careful review of current financial models, which indicate that Garrett County can responsibly reduce the tax rate while continuing to fund essential services and meet long-term obligations.
“This will help a lot of people across the county,” said Board of Garrett County Commissioner Larry Tichnell.
While Garrett County sets the property tax rate, the State of Maryland controls the assessment process which directly impacts revenue projections. The State determines the value of all properties and phases in adjustments on a triennial basis. Shifts in those values can significantly influence the county’s revenue planning.
If you have questions about your bill or need more information, contact the Garrett County tax office at billingcollections@garrettcountymd.gov or call 301-334-1965 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
First United Community Field dedicated
Posted 5/5/26
Jason Rush, president and chief executive officer for First United Bank and Trust, put Friday's dedication of First United Community Field at Garrett College into perspective.
"Today isn't just about baseball," said Rush. "It's about community, opportunity, and the power of coming together to invest in our kids and in our future."
"It's also about opportunity and access," added Rush. "It's about creating a place where young athletes can dream bigger, train harder, and feel supported."
Dr. Richard Midcap, Garrett College's president, said First United's turf field naming gift "is just the latest example of First United seeing a community need and then stepping in to fill it."
"There are a lot of great things happening at Garrett College," said Midcap. "Many of those things are only possible due to the great support we receive from the business community – and none has been more supportive of Garrett College than First United Bank and Trust."
Cherie Krug, executive director of the Garrett College Foundation, noted that First United's naming gift allowed the College and the Foundation to reach its initial goal for the Athletics Capital Campaign, a $6.3 million project that will support GC's expanding intercollegiate athletic program. The 700 Building renovation – expected to be complete by the end of May – will provide four additional locker rooms, a wrestling room, athletic training space, and coaches offices.
"The Garrett College Foundation is so appreciative of the ongoing support First United Bank & Trust provides the College and the Foundation," said Krug.
Midcap thanked the Garrett County Commissioners – Paul Edwards, Larry Tichnell, and Ryan Savage – for their support of the turf field's construction.
"The Garrett County Commissioners committed $1.5 million to the turf field construction," noted Midcap. "This field would not have been possible without the county's support, and I'd like to express my sincere appreciation for their commitment to this project."
Eric Hallenbeck, GC's head baseball coach and administrative athletics director, noted the turf field benefits the community as well as the College, with high school, American Legion, and youth teams also enjoying access to the field.
"This field has truly become a huge community asset," said Hallenbeck, who recently recorded his 500th victory in 22 seasons as the Lakers' head coach.
Mark Boucot attends National Health Innovation Launch in Chicago
Posted 5/4/26
CHICAGO, IL - Mark Boucot, president and CEO of WVU Medicine Garrett Regional Medical Center and WVU Medicine Potomac Valley Hospital, recently attended the invitation-only AHA West Health Accelerator Launch in Chicago, joining a select group of national health care leaders to advance the future of care delivery through innovation.
Hosted by the American Hospital Association and West Health, the event formally introduced a new national initiative designed to accelerate the path from innovation to implementation. The initiative aims to ensure that proven technology solutions reach more patients, more reliably, and at scale.
The gathering brought together leaders from health systems, technology providers, and national organizations to collaborate on strategies that bridge the gap between emerging health care innovations and real-world application. Discussions focused on improving patient outcomes, enhancing operational efficiency, and addressing barriers that often delay the adoption of new technologies.
“Opportunities like this allow us to collaborate with peers across the country and help shape the future of health care delivery,” said Boucot. “Being part of this effort allows us to share insights, learn from others, and help drive solutions that improve care for the patients and communities we serve.”
Participation in the accelerator launch reflects a continued commitment from both Garrett Regional Medical Center and Potomac Valley Hospital to innovation and delivering high-quality, patient-centered care. By engaging in national initiatives like this, the organizations remain at the forefront of efforts to transform health care through collaboration, technology, and forward-thinking solutions.
SBA Offers Disaster Relief to Maryland Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by Drought Low interest disaster loans now available
Posted 4/30/26
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans to small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Maryland who sustained economic losses caused by drought beginning on Nov. 1, 2025.
The disaster declaration covers the Maryland counties of Allegany, Anne Arundel, Baltimore County, Calvert, Carroll, Charles, Frederick, Garrett, Howard, Montgomery, Prince George’s, St. Mary’s and Washington, and the District of Columbia, and the Pennsylvania counties of Adams, Bedford, Fayette, Franklin, Fulton, Somerset, and York, and the Virginia counties of Alexandria City Jurisdiction, Arlington, Fairfax, King George, Loudoun, Prince William, Stafford and Westmoreland, as well as the West Virginia counties of Berkeley, Grant, Hampshire, Jefferson, Mineral, Morgan, and Preston.
Under this declaration, the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to eligible small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs — including faith-based organizations — with financial losses directly related to this disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for aquaculture enterprises.
EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the small business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills which could not be paid due to the disaster.
“Through a declaration by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, SBA provides critical financial assistance to help communities recover,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “We’re pleased to offer loans to small businesses and private nonprofits impacted by these disasters.”
The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.625% for PNPs, with terms of up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.
To apply online visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
The deadline to return economic injury applications is Dec. 10.
Maryland Lifts the Cap on Heritage Tourism Funding, Setting Stage for Economic Boost
Posted 4/28/26
OAKLAND, M.D. – Garrett Regional Medical Center’s (GRMC) subacute unit is proud to announce it has achieved the American Heart Association’s Skilled Nursing Facility Heart Failure Certification—an esteemed recognition that highlights the organization’s commitment to delivering high-quality, evidence-based care for patients with heart failure.
This prestigious certification reflects GRMC’s dedication to improving outcomes for patients transitioning to skilled nursing care following hospitalization for heart failure. By meeting the American Heart Association’s rigorous standards, the facility has demonstrated its ability to provide coordinated, patient-centered care that supports recovery, reduces readmissions, and enhances overall quality of life.
“This certification is incredibly meaningful to our team because it reflects the care and compassion we bring to every patient we serve,” said Lori Davis, RN, LNHA, director of subacute at GRMC. “Our team is committed to supporting patients every step of the way—helping them rebuild strength, regain confidence, and move forward with greater independence.”
Heart failure is a complex condition requiring specialized care and ongoing management. GRMC’s multidisciplinary team works collaboratively to ensure patients receive comprehensive treatment, education, and support throughout their recovery journey. From individualized care plans to patient and caregiver education, the team is focused on empowering patients to better manage their condition and maintain their health.
“This recognition from the American Heart Association reflects our ongoing commitment to clinical excellence and patient-centered care,” said Mark Boucot, president and CEO of GRMC and Potomac Valley Hospital. “We are proud of our team’s efforts to deliver high-quality care that improves outcomes and enhances the lives of the patients we serve.”
The American Heart Association’s Skilled Nursing Facility Heart Failure Certification is awarded to facilities that demonstrate adherence to evidence-based clinical guidelines and a strong commitment to continuous quality improvement. GRMC’s achievement underscores its role as a trusted provider of advanced cardiovascular care in the region.
For more information about Garrett Regional Medical Center and its services, visit WVUMedicine.org/Garrett.
Garrett Regional Medical Center Subacute Unit earns American Heart Association’s Skilled Nursing Facility Heart Failure Certification
Posted 4/28/26
OAKLAND, M.D. – Garrett Regional Medical Center’s (GRMC) subacute unit is proud to announce it has achieved the American Heart Association’s Skilled Nursing Facility Heart Failure Certification—an esteemed recognition that highlights the organization’s commitment to delivering high-quality, evidence-based care for patients with heart failure.
This prestigious certification reflects GRMC’s dedication to improving outcomes for patients transitioning to skilled nursing care following hospitalization for heart failure. By meeting the American Heart Association’s rigorous standards, the facility has demonstrated its ability to provide coordinated, patient-centered care that supports recovery, reduces readmissions, and enhances overall quality of life.
“This certification is incredibly meaningful to our team because it reflects the care and compassion we bring to every patient we serve,” said Lori Davis, RN, LNHA, director of subacute at GRMC. “Our team is committed to supporting patients every step of the way—helping them rebuild strength, regain confidence, and move forward with greater independence.”
Heart failure is a complex condition requiring specialized care and ongoing management. GRMC’s multidisciplinary team works collaboratively to ensure patients receive comprehensive treatment, education, and support throughout their recovery journey. From individualized care plans to patient and caregiver education, the team is focused on empowering patients to better manage their condition and maintain their health.
“This recognition from the American Heart Association reflects our ongoing commitment to clinical excellence and patient-centered care,” said Mark Boucot, president and CEO of GRMC and Potomac Valley Hospital. “We are proud of our team’s efforts to deliver high-quality care that improves outcomes and enhances the lives of the patients we serve.”
The American Heart Association’s Skilled Nursing Facility Heart Failure Certification is awarded to facilities that demonstrate adherence to evidence-based clinical guidelines and a strong commitment to continuous quality improvement. GRMC’s achievement underscores its role as a trusted provider of advanced cardiovascular care in the region.
For more information about Garrett Regional Medical Center and its services, visit WVUMedicine.org/Garrett.
Garrett Pathways Initiative Advances Following Federal Funding Announcement
Posted 4/20/26
April 17, 2026, Oakland, MD – Following a $2.5 million federal funding announcement, Garrett County Government is proud to share an update on next steps for the Garrett Pathways Initiative, a long-term effort to improve safety, connectivity, and mobility across the county.
The Garrett Pathways initiative is an effort to build a connected system of trails, shared-use paths, and on-road improvements that serve residents, visitors, and daily travel needs. This work is grounded in the County’s adopted safety and transportation planning efforts and is designed to address risks for vulnerable roadway users, including pedestrians and cyclists.
This federal investment will support pre-construction activities, including engineering, environmental review, and final design to position these projects to compete for future construction funding.
Specifically, current planning includes both the MD 135 Pedestrian & Bicycle Pathways Concept Plan and the Oakland to Herrington Manor Trail.
The MD 135 project focuses on creating a system of curb-separated shared-use paths and sidewalk extensions to improve safety and link the towns of Oakland, Mountain Lake Park, and Loch Lynn Heights with parks, schools, and everyday destinations. These improvements are specifically intended to reduce conflicts between vehicles and non-motorized users, particularly along rural roadways where shoulders are limited and speed limits are high.
The Oakland to Herrington Manor Trail represents a complementary investment in recreational and active transportation infrastructure, serving as a natural-surface component of that system., The proposed alignment would connect existing trails and the Town of Oakland and extend into Garrett State Forest and Herrington Manor State Park. While a preferred route has been identified through feasibility study, alignments will continue to be refined through design and coordination with property owners, state agencies, and local partners.
Together, these efforts reflect a long-term approach to building a connected network that supports both daily use and outdoor recreation across Garrett County.
Garrett County is committed to maintaining transparency as these projects move forward.
“We’re encouraged and appreciative of this investment, but it’s important keep this long-range project in perspective,” said Siera Wigfield, Senior Planner for Garrett County Government. “This funding allows us to do the detailed work needed to move these projects toward construction, but there are still several phases ahead before any dirt is moved.”
While timelines for federally funded infrastructure projects are inherently multi-year, the County anticipates the following general schedule:
- - 2026–2027: Preliminary engineering, environmental review, and coordination with property owners and partner agencies;
- - 2027–2028: Final design, permitting, and right-of-way coordination;
- - 2028+: Applications for construction funding through federal and state programs;
- - 2029–2036: Phased construction, beginning with priority segments and advancing toward full network buildout.
This federal funding does not cover construction but will advance these projects from concept toward construction readiness. It is a critical step in ensuring projects are well-designed, community-supported, environmentally responsible, and competitive for future funding opportunities.
For details on these projects, please visit www.GarrettCountyMD.gov/pathways
From 2011 to 2026: Price 4 Charter Buses & Limos Celebrates 15 Years of Providing Ground Transportation
Posted 4/7/26
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Our success is built on being honest, being fast, and always putting your needs first. With the Price 4 Charter Buses & Limos 30-second online quote tool, you can compare vehicle photos, see exactly what amenities you’re getting, and get transparent pricing instantly. That’s why Fortune 500 giants like Amazon, Disney, and Coca-Cola, as well as the White House and top universities, hand us the keys to Price 4 Charter Buses & Limos for their most important events. We make it simple to compare options all in one place—just call 866-265-5479 to get your trip started!
Price 4 Charter Buses & Limos Moved over 1 Million Passengers Across the United States Since 2011
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