Washington County approves GDMS LLC consulting agreement to study water and sewer needs
May 22, 2026 | Washington County, Maryland
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The Washington County Board of County Commissioners voted 3-2 to approve a consulting contract with GDMS LLC to assess water and sewer capacity, regulatory obligations and options for meeting future growth across the county.
Michelle Gordon, county administrator, presented the agreement and said the consultant would "assess existing capacity and deficiencies of water and or sewer service in areas of Washington County," review regulatory requirements and growth projections, and consider options including infrastructure improvements, service consolidation, joint projects and other measures. Gordon said the contract proposes an hourly rate (presented as $70 per hour plus a listed Social Security offset), includes a 30-day period to produce a detailed scope and allows a 10-day written termination without cause. Funding for the work, she said, will come from the county's water and sewer fund.
Rosie, a legal staff member who reviewed the contract, told commissioners the agreement was "legally sufficient" and cited the Code of Public Local Law, section 1106.5, as giving the board discretion to procure these professional services.
During debate, commissioners pressed for clearer timelines and objectives and noted past consultant work such as an AquaLaw study. One commissioner urged a broader procurement process and said the county should "search for a consultant" rather than immediately proceed. The meeting was briefly disrupted by a member of the public, who was removed by deputies before the vote.
The presiding official emphasized long-standing county water challenges and said the county needed "an aggressive, intelligent plan for water for everyone," then cast the deciding vote in favor of advancing the contract. The board recorded the final tally as 3 in favor and 2 opposed.
No amendments to the contract terms were recorded in the public discussion; commissioners asked staff to ensure the detailed scope and timelines were produced during the 30-day planning period.
The board moved on to the next agenda item following the vote.
Michelle Gordon, county administrator, presented the agreement and said the consultant would "assess existing capacity and deficiencies of water and or sewer service in areas of Washington County," review regulatory requirements and growth projections, and consider options including infrastructure improvements, service consolidation, joint projects and other measures. Gordon said the contract proposes an hourly rate (presented as $70 per hour plus a listed Social Security offset), includes a 30-day period to produce a detailed scope and allows a 10-day written termination without cause. Funding for the work, she said, will come from the county's water and sewer fund.
Rosie, a legal staff member who reviewed the contract, told commissioners the agreement was "legally sufficient" and cited the Code of Public Local Law, section 1106.5, as giving the board discretion to procure these professional services.
During debate, commissioners pressed for clearer timelines and objectives and noted past consultant work such as an AquaLaw study. One commissioner urged a broader procurement process and said the county should "search for a consultant" rather than immediately proceed. The meeting was briefly disrupted by a member of the public, who was removed by deputies before the vote.
The presiding official emphasized long-standing county water challenges and said the county needed "an aggressive, intelligent plan for water for everyone," then cast the deciding vote in favor of advancing the contract. The board recorded the final tally as 3 in favor and 2 opposed.
No amendments to the contract terms were recorded in the public discussion; commissioners asked staff to ensure the detailed scope and timelines were produced during the 30-day planning period.
The board moved on to the next agenda item following the vote.
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