Allegany County Board
Chairman Delivers 2024 Recap
On January 2, 2024, newly reappointed
Allegany County Legislative Chairman W. Brooke Harris provided the Chairman’s
annual “State of the County” address:
“Good Morning.
I’d like to thank my fellow Board
members for their support today. The work of the Chair is collaborative, and I
appreciate everyone’s guidance and encouragement as I continue to grow into the
role.
It’s my privilege to speak briefly with
you today about the state of Allegany County. As I’m sure those in attendance
would agree, 2024 was one of the busiest years we’ve had in recent memory.
In development, the County has
vigorously supported our new Office of Economic Development and the
establishment of an independent Economic Development Corporation. Through those
efforts, we’re already reaping benefits in the attraction of new business opportunities
both small and large, and improved support of our existing small businesses,
educational institutions, and large commercial and industrial partners. Lots of
work to be done, but I know that this Board is taking the right steps to create
a sustainable, vibrant, pro-business climate in Allegany County.
In Emergency Services, the Board has
successfully restructured the Office of Emergency Management through strategic
hires and the adoption of the local law creating a Director of Emergency
Management. Further, the 2025 County budget reflects the largest-ever financial
commitment to our County’s irreplaceable volunteer agencies. It’s the Board’s
hope that these investments, including expanded training opportunities and
reimbursements, equipment purchases, and technical support will continue to
encourage recruitment and retention in the volunteer ranks.
I also want to thank the Board for
having the political courage to act in the best interests of public safety
through our contractual relationship with Medical Transport Services. Not only
is a robust EMS system critical to ensuring the safety of County residents, but
it is also a prerequisite to maintaining our quality of life and attracting new
residents and businesses to Allegany County.
I want to thank our administration for
their leadership and commitment to securing outside funding this year. The
amount of work and time committed to this effort has been far greater than in
years past. Because of this, Allegany County was recently awarded millions of
dollars in competitive state and federal grants across multiple project areas
including infrastructure expansion and improvement, economic development,
housing, and outdoor recreation.
There are challenges ahead. With big
ideas and big changes come big expenses. It will be the job of this Board in
the coming year to do the difficult work of prioritizing these projects and
existing services, to judiciously strategize their funding, and ensure that we
continue to operate efficiently and with as little burden to taxpayers as
possible. I’m confident in the ability of this Board to accomplish that goal,
and I look forward to sharing the work with you all.
Finally, I’d like to recognize the
dedicated employees of Allegany County, who work day-in and day-out to provide
vital services and support to County residents. The Board wants to thank you
for your professionalism and commitment and wishes you a heathy and happy 2025.
With that, I humbly yield and thank you all, once again, for your support.”
