Jefferson County has been collecting impact fees on new construction projects since 2004. The initial fee schedule was based on a 2003 report prepared by TischlerBise, a Maryland-based consulting firm that specializes in fiscal and economic planning for local governments. The county had TischlerBise update its recommendations again in a 2015 report. At that time, Read the Full Story >>
Steve Pearson
Public Hearing for Draft Comprehensive Plan Will Be December 4
The Jefferson County Planning Commission formally delivered the draft of the “2045 Comprehensive Plan” to the County Commission on October 17. This started a 90 day window for the County Commission to schedule a vote to adopt, amend, or reject the comprehensive plan and the accompanying future land use guide. The County Commission’s first order Read the Full Story >>
County Elections Focus On Local Issues
The 4 new candidates who win seeats on the Jefferson County Commission will be diving in quickly to some complex issues. Read the Full Story >>
School Levy Supports Teacher Pay & Key School Programs
Jefferson County voters will decide on a $25 million/year excess levy to fund the schools. Read the Full Story >>
Home Building Construction Continues On Fast Pace In Jefferson County
County-wide, including Charles Town and Ranson, there were 612 permits issued to begin new home construction in the first half of 2024. Read the Full Story >>
Jefferson County Commission Rejects Solar Project Tax Abatement Request
The Jefferson County Commission voted to reject a tax abatement agreement request for the Wild Hill solar project. Read the Full Story >>
Debut Performance Of “The Niagara Movement Suite” In Harpers Ferry
The Appalachian Chember Music Festival will perform “The Niagara Movement Suite,” a new work by composer Rufus Reid, during a free concert on Sunday August 11 at the Mather Campus in Harpers Ferry. Read the Full Story >>
Jefferson County Is A Popular Place
Jefferson County is a busy place these days with many festivals and lots of new housing on the way. Read the Full Story >>
Shepherdstown Elects New Mayor and Town Council Members
Shepherdstown residents elected James Gatz as mayor on June 4 along with 2 incumbent and 3 new council members. Read the Full Story >>
Draft Map For The Future Of Jefferson County Proposes New Growth Areas
The Jefferson County Planning Commission is holding a final input session on Monday May 13 for public comment on the future land use map and action items for the new county comprehensive plan. Read the Full Story >>
Republican Party Divison Stalls County Government
Following the removal of Tricia Jackson and Jennifer Krouse on May 1, the Jefferson County Commission will operate with only 3 commissioners. Read the Full Story >>
County Commission Hires Administrator, But Many Open Items Still Need Action
The Jefferson County Commision voted on April 22 2024 for Eddie Benites-LM to continue as the County Administrator on a permanent basis. Read the Full Story >>
Things Are Heating Up In Jefferson County
It feels like everything runs a bit faster these days, which is why local residents cherish the bucolic spaces that are still here in Jefferson County. Read the Full Story >>
New Mural Coming To Downtown Shepherdstown
Shepherd Unversity art students are working on a mural that will be hung on the side of Betty's Restaurant in downtown Shepherdstown. Read the Full Story >>
Craft Brewing Around Jefferson County
The tradition of local beer brewing in Jefferson County continues, with modern flavors and welcoming taprooms. Read the Full Story >>