Two Frederick County commissioners sparred today over a decision to hire a grants specialist who will apply for state and federal money to pay for water, sewer and road projects.

The Frederick Board of County Commissioners unanimously created the new position in the County’s Manager’s Office, but the move was not without controversy.

It started when Commissioners’ President Blaine R. Young (R), who typically does not support grant-funded programs, said he is skeptical of grants in general.

“I’m also weary of the word ‘grant,’ but I don’t mind when it’s for infrastructure,” he said. “I’m not for grants for programs.”

That comment elicited a response from Commissioner David P. Gray (R), who said he disagreed with Young’s opposition to grant-funded programs. Gray said he wants the grants specialist not only to apply for infrastructure grants, but also for social programs.

“I certainly don’t share your feelings about grants,” said Gray, who argued the money can benefit low-income families. “I believe we should pursue them. To walk away from money for services, I just think is not responsible.”

Young countered he does not want to apply for state and federal grants that require a financial match from the county.

“I have a problem with grants that increase spending,” he said. “When you accept grants for programs, you have to accept those ramifications.”

Commissioners will discuss future funding for grant-funded programs at their Sept. 15 meeting.

Because the county is in the midst of a hiring freeze, Young said they will look to fill the new position from within the county government.

“I’ve asked if there is anybody on county staff that could do it,” said Young, who also suggested if the county hires someone on the outside, it could be on a contractual basis.

Young also said, if the commissioners hire from the outside, it will not happen until after they discuss a proposal to change the benefit package for new hires.

“Someone from the outside wouldn’t be hired until our discussion of new hires is complete,” he said. “I’m talking about benefits.”

Commissioners are slated to discuss changes to employee benefits later this month.

The full-time grants specialist position will pay between $44,928 and $71,885 annually, according to the job description. The individual hired will be responsible for coordinating, monitoring and researching federal, state, local and foundation grants.

The position could provide health care benefits, depending on the salary.

County Manager David Dunn presented commissioners with the job description, and said the county should have a full-time grants specialist. Dunn said during the Maryland Association of Counties’ summer conference, he was asked why the county does not apply for state and federal grant money available for infrastructure.

Dunn said the $5 million Community Development Block Grant from the federal government’s Department of Housing and Urban Development, which helps counties pay for water and sewer projects, street paving and sidewalk construction, is an example of a grant the county has passed up.

Dunn said he saw firsthand the number of grants a government can apply while working as the city administrator for the City of Brunswick before coming to the county earlier this year.

Dunn said Brunswick has one person who manages 30 grants. During the course of a year, he said Brunswick won $18 million in grants, $12 million of which went to wastewater improvements.

Creating a position for a grant’s specialist is part of the commissioners’ reorganization of the County Manager’s Office.

Commissioners announced Aug. 26 the retirement of Assistant County Manager Michael Gastley, effective Sept. 30, and his executive assistant, Sharon Hale, who retired on Aug. 30.

Mary Baker, who served as the administrative coordinator in the County Manager’s Office, transferred to the county’s Division of Fire and Rescue Services. Baker’s position has been eliminated and Gastley’s position will be frozen.

sgreenfield@gazette.net