By Paul Sylvain

Chris Gardner and Vinton Cassidy’s days as Washington County Commissioners are numbered, with newly elected commissioners David Burns and William “Billy” Howard set to step into their shoes when their terms expire on Dec. 31. 

Still, Gardner — the commissioners’ often pointedly outspoken chairman — had plenty to say about the ongoing 2025 budget process and the effect lack of state police coverage in Washington and other rural counties is having on the proposed budget’s bottom line at the board’s Nov. 12 meeting.