[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6565475,"mediaKeyId","3218877-eeea42f7d773131984a067047b219036","parentId",3218877,"title","Votes at a glance: Wicomico County Council passes code update, zoning and infrastructure resolutions; approves appointments","audioSeconds",422,"startMs",3198000,"endMs",3620000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3218877-eeea42f7d773131984a067047b219036&start=3198&end=3620","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3218877-eeea42f7d773131984a067047b219036/thumbnail_3198000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6565475/Wicomico-County/Maryland/Votes-at-a-glance-Wicomico-County-Council-passes-code-update-zoning-and-infrastructure-resolutions-approves-appointments","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6565475-3f8ae7f478bba7a6d7d85e9fd38e696a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770951993&Signature=gq-F9t6M~jFsCUe43tnu4TLgiZ1iW4iVWWsK0ZIO7MyDL4Xihu-sf7IHmHyD8qe2wFJjBAih7NL6Snug4ZWHdZnkKmPrknUjl08QsO~9iFcbMeYSjRsceAnlAmA0dylWmX3vHTPRV~KWMJHlj1BSVWopezklvYxyGf6Qv7NOA03E-R5WsoiX1op6M2WsViWHl8KAxg38Itmh-V1IKpTAJuRqC64NTns0Rk0edntoYRiQlhvhKEdyR4Cyh-Ji~h2NN-tdpI5wD6sa8WA3F9TkV2a39i6OizzgxFltvHABc48-i0BpObz3QCw5AGLg~zIHuO85-Wj6GQ7P0OyV2X04Tg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Wicomico County, MD","date","2025-05-07T20:45:19Z","article","Wicomico County Council recorded multiple votes during its May 6, 2025 legislative session. Most items passed unanimously by voice or roll-call votes. Below are the actions taken at the meeting with key details and outcomes.

1) Legislative Bill 2025-05 (Building code update)
- Action: Adopted an amendment to County Code Chapter 117 to adopt the 2021 International Residential Code, International Building Code and International Energy Conservation Code and to streamline future code updates.
- Vote: Passed unanimously by roll call.
- Authority: Legislative Bill 20 25-05.

2) Resolution 52-2025 (Comprehensive Water & Sewer Plan amendment: Reagan's Run Subdivision)
- Action: Amended the 2009 Wicomico County Comprehensive Water and Sewer Plan to designate a parcel on Riverside Drive for no planned sewer service to allow construction of a 10-lot subdivision with individual wells and septic systems.
- Vote: Passed unanimously by voice vote.
- Authority: Resolution 52-2025.

3) Resolution 53-2025 (Tower lease with Selco Partnership d/b/a Verizon Wireless)
- Action: Approved a lease to extend a tower structure by 20 feet and to place communications equipment at 21083 Cedar Hill Parkway; initial term five years with four five-year renewal options; initial annual base rent $24,400 adjusted 2% annually.
- Vote: Passed unanimously by voice vote.
- Authority: Resolution 53-2025.

4) Resolution 54-2025 (MDOT Consolidated Transportation Program priority letter)
- Action: Approved the county\u0000s annual priority letter to the Maryland Department of Transportation for FY2026-FY2031 project priorities (system preservation, safety and planning projects).
- Vote: Passed unanimously by voice vote.
- Authority: Resolution 54-2025.

5) Resolution 55-2025 (Mosquito Control sole-source vendor)
- Action: Authorized Clark Mosquito Control Products, Inc. as a sole-source vendor for the Clark Cougar ULB sprayer for the county mosquito-control program. This resolution carried a supermajority requirement; council approved it.
- Vote: Passed unanimously (supermajority requirement met).
- Authority: Resolution 55-2025 (SM).

6) Resolution 56-2025 (Council composition and districts)
- Action: Amended Article 2 to create seven single-member councilmanic districts and require council candidates to reside in the district they seek; this action complied with a federal court consent decree resolving a voting-structure lawsuit.
- Vote: Passed unanimously by voice vote.
- Authority: Resolution 56-2025.

7) Appointments (Resolutions 57-2025 and 58-2025)
- Action: Confirmed appointments of G. Matthew Drew to the School Building Commission and Georgetta L. Wainwright to the Lower Shore Workforce Alliance.
- Vote: Both confirmations passed by voice vote.
- Authority: Resolutions 57-2025 and 58-2025.

Administrative submissions and introductions
- Legislative Bill 2025-06 (FY2026 budget and appropriation bill) was introduced and a public hearing was held the same evening; the council voted to introduce the bill unanimously.
- The county executive submitted the nomination of William Holmes as Assistant Director of Administration; the submission was read and will follow the council\u0000s confirmation process.

How the council voted: Several items were adopted by unanimous voice vote; the building code update and the introduction of the FY2026 budget were recorded by roll-call, all members voting \"aye.\" The Connolly Mill audit (Resolution 49-2025) was tabled by a 4-2 vote earlier in the meeting.

Next steps: Most adopted items will be implemented by the responsible county departments (Permits and Inspections, Public Works, Emergency Services, Mosquito Control, etc.). The FY2026 budget will return for final adoption under the county charter timetable. The tower lease and FBO/airport leasing items noted in work session will proceed to required public hearings and contract steps.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Wicomico County Council Legislative Meeting and Work Session 05 06 25","oneSentenceSummary","Wicomico County Council recorded multiple votes May 6, 2025, approving code updates, a sewer plan amendment, a tower lease, transportation priorities and other routine measures; most passed unanimously.","taxTitle","Wicomico County, Maryland","taxId",4258,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6565480,"Internal auditor report on Connolly Mill event draws criticism; council tables Safari at the Quarry audit and approves P-card audit",1254,4848000,6102000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3218877-eeea42f7d773131984a067047b219036&start=4848&end=6102","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3218877-eeea42f7d773131984a067047b219036/thumbnail_4848000.jpg","/articles/6565480/Wicomico-County/Maryland/Internal-auditor-report-on-Connolly-Mill-event-draws-criticism-council-tables-Safari-at-the-Quarry-audit-and-approves-P-card-audit","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6565480-6937c81d6fec4d6af304aa123fc392c8/orig.mp4?Expires=1770951993&Signature=BeI1FNbHOe1FDANaPm0~wPubSb76JF0vUrmHqYzkbeC~ToQcgHJohO9EI3i5i3je9ArRey3BKDWQnY3pILzPN9jJuWia3wMQHTqpwTHnwYfcJp9PXQdGKwOTd8v48fUlmYEb9zLVfrA0XKq0Nh9ngf7U6yNjUyZ3CiiI9nkwdzv7Ctld~SoNhMnYMMrXauYC-oymeD6atWtMjwG5VVP1U6H9hAkSm8T8j5Jv7bAKB9xDmQltbpnOG-pgsBZLHy6Bw7uEbvrzqNIttOHc-9Mg~Gj7Z6raYx-FSTrLFcx18Qh-s~RY440zDcgl4AsarRerOf9Fo26dL-lcJiEMjflL2w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Wicomico County\u0000s internal auditor, Angelie Chatel, presented two audit reports May 6, 2025: an audit of events held at the Connolly Mill property (Safari at the Quarry) and a separate audit of county purchase-card controls. The council tabled the Connolly Mill audit and approved the purchase-card audit after extended discussion and public comment.

Chatel said the Connolly Mill audit examined contract controls, event oversight and documentation for Safari at the Quarry and related events on county property. She concluded the program\u0000s design was \"inconclusive at this early stage of developing events at the Connolly Mill property,\" and listed six findings and recommendations including better written rental or permit procedures, clearer contract duties, pre- and post-event safety inspections, and methods to track completion of contractual duties. Chatel said some departments did not provide supporting documents requested for the audit.

Several public commenters criticized the county executive\u0000s handling of the Connolly Mill events. Mike Goldberg, a resident and former commercial lender, said the financial and economic-impact statements lacked supporting documentation and called the materials \"garbage,\" adding allegations that required permits and advertised notices were not properly done. Other speakers from the Shadow Hills neighborhood and event opponents said management responses were misleading and alleged stonewalling by the executive\u0000s office.

Council members debated whether to accept the audit as presented or to request further work. One council member proposed tabling the Connolly Mill audit so the council could prepare a formal response. The motion to table passed by a 4-2 vote; the chair voted in favor and the meeting record shows the resolution (49-2025) will be tabled 4-2.

After tabling the Connolly Mill item, Chatel presented an audit of county purchase-card usage and controls. She concluded the purchase-card program\u0000s design was at a satisfactory level but identified six findings and other observations. These included missing or incomplete supporting documentation for a subset of tested transactions (initially 78 of 518 tested transactions lacked support), occasional splitting of transactions that could circumvent procurement limits, gaps in the p-card manual and profile controls, and late or missing monthly reconciliations (22 of 93 reconciliations were not timely). Chatel recommended management implement improved documentation controls, review business needs for card assignments, and consult with counsel on whether the purchase-card manual requires council approval.

Council discussion of the purchase-card audit emphasized the need for stronger controls and follow-up by finance. Following the presentation, the council approved the purchase-card audit resolution by voice vote; the internal auditor said the report and management responses will be posted on the county website.

The Connolly Mill audit generated several additional public comments at the meeting. Commenters alleged missing erosion-and-sediment-control permits and disputed the executive\u0000s characterization of public notification. Several citizens urged a forensic review and more complete documentation; others praised the auditor for bringing issues to light. The council directed further consideration and will take next steps after the tabling motion.","The county\u0000s internal auditor presented two audits: an inconclusive review of the Safari at the Quarry events at Connolly Mill Park was tabled after debate and public comment; a purchase-card audit that found procedural gaps but no material misuse was accepted by the council.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6565485,"Council adopts update to county building code, aligns with 2021 International Codes",136,1344000,1480000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3218877-eeea42f7d773131984a067047b219036&start=1344&end=1480","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3218877-eeea42f7d773131984a067047b219036/thumbnail_1344000.jpg","/articles/6565485/Wicomico-County/Maryland/Council-adopts-update-to-county-building-code-aligns-with-2021-International-Codes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6565485-14f6cd4437c8ec456d5754d3bf8bb8df/orig.mp4?Expires=1770951993&Signature=jYBY3zVef2YykE-DgbQxfJWkpA3ub0PjDCwxdz4fixklhValLSoikcB1zoRV6d84SaruvBQ7iPY1Z-wr6u9whUryIKAJvRtb~jmVhF1YcJ8J0BJweV6dOAzk5oSgSXyOtTAg0HAs8eIwADUtrzKXYu0XdPEgUGNu6XaE2MFdmkZBaA~YBHsbK5a4Ev6HrpN4LAhUvRVXz9QfdzT4k3fOQAzQAOP5qKNdavUMr~vIj7vjFTB8UTiwK8bw5uGxHrr~X7rl-DQb577fIesXsrR7AaNrxba1XWPaTbos0NAh9Rwzs63pqdCKswLLBFPHCJFwgUBffqQuESJTGqH5XwZFCA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Wicomico County Council unanimously approved Legislative Bill 2025-05 on May 6, 2025, to update the county\u0000s building construction code to the 2021 editions of the International Residential Code, International Building Code and International Energy Conservation Code.

County staff introduced the bill as an amendment to Chapter 117 of the Wicomico County Code, explaining that the county previously adopted the 2015 International Codes and that the update would adopt the 2021 codes and include provisions to streamline future promulgation so updates would not require repeated council action.

The council opened and closed a public hearing without public comment and then voted to approve the bill. The roll call recorded the final result beginning with members Joe, Josh, James, Jeff, Chaney and the chair each voting \"aye,\" and the bill passed unanimously.

The measure revises the county\u0000s building construction code to reflect the 2021 model codes and changes the county\u0000s process for adopting future editions, per the text read into the record during the public hearing. The law will be recorded in the county code and take effect according to the council\u0000s normal ordinance timetable.

No public speakers addressed legislative bill 2025-05 during the hearing; the council took the action as a single-item vote on the evening\u0000s agenda.","Council unanimously approved legislative bill 2025-05 to adopt the 2021 International Building, Residential and Energy Conservation codes and allow a streamlined process for future code updates.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6565488,"Wicomico County Council holds public hearing on FY2026 budget as schools press for more local funding",1473,1524000,2997000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3218877-eeea42f7d773131984a067047b219036&start=1524&end=2997","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3218877-eeea42f7d773131984a067047b219036/thumbnail_1524000.jpg","/articles/6565488/Wicomico-County/Maryland/Wicomico-County-Council-holds-public-hearing-on-FY2026-budget-as-schools-press-for-more-local-funding","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6565488-095690a8ad9622f33883b44514b30c52/orig.mp4?Expires=1770951993&Signature=QWIVoknO6WEpw141BuSOxyLZOho0AtorNmLsAclqGN8zF1rfZylv1H9QiEeppXMA5qjGKcSb-U8XL155SCz1ySRUTNwhNspOgeCuZ9xr-vP8aBIFka4kzDdLJyu2uHlTAfFt9srckP0-QlYgcAiTXw3ydb5rGU2U9eP3fh7NSyLLCdpW6v-wMPX-DN1~ed~umi9lbIOFhVQlxJQ3cot8xe~ZWuSNgdC3Vu0~b3qT40kYctpfB4qPG1xoMmU8F2YC1mfRlcxzh1zC75m-BECtiaprOUgeMzyBAktnjHed7zlL5yiot8sbnrSjCLSfbPJQtbueb3~UF9~CQg4nhqvSQg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Wicomico County Council held a public hearing on the proposed fiscal year 2026 budget on May 6, 2025, after the county executive submitted a balanced proposal covering operating, capital and grant budgets for the year beginning July 1, 2025.

The county executive\u0000s proposed budget posted online lists the Board of Education at $66,287,791 and includes many departmental totals such as Corrections $23,460,864, Sheriff $19,740,798, Roads $12,783,355, and Nursing Home $11,832,110. The executive also proposes the county\u0000s contribution toward the Fruitland Primary replacement, noting the county would contribute more than $30 million to the project alongside state funding.

Superintendent Micah Stauffer and other school leaders urged the council to continue funding above the state-mandated maintenance of effort. Stauffer said additional local funding would \"begin to reduce overcrowded classrooms,\" and listed specific staffing requests: six additional elementary classroom teachers; three teaching positions and three teaching assistants to create an elementary behavior support program; two special education teachers; two additional elementary music and art teachers; and more teachers for English learners.

Gene Malone, chairman of the Wicomico County Board of Education, said the board is requesting three percent above MOE to address inflation and an additional two percent as an investment in schools, asking the council to \"continue providing the best opportunities for a successful future.\" Assistant Superintendent Brian Reager outlined capital needs, including large systemic work across 24 schools and the Fruitland Primary replacement; he said state timelines on funding have required ongoing discussions about the county\u0000s cash-flow role but that forward funding would not be needed in FY26.

Teachers and community leaders also addressed the council. Debbie Reynolds, Wicomico\u0000s teacher of the year, said prior MOE funding had been impactful and described the county\u0000s request as supporting security initiatives, smaller class sizes and expanded CTE and after-school opportunities. Mike Dunn, CEO of the Greater Salisbury Committee, and Monica Brooks, president of the Wicomico County NAACP, both urged continued and increased local investment in schools.

Council members did not take a final vote on the budget at the hearing; they had earlier introduced legislative bill 2025-06 (the annual budget and appropriation bill) at the meeting and recorded the bill\u0000s introduction. The council will consider final adoption later in its statutory process.

Clarifying details from the hearing and budget presentation include the county\u0000s line-item totals for many departments (examples above), the county\u0000s stated capital contribution of over $30 million for Fruitland Primary, and the Board of Education\u0000s specific personnel requests (six elementary teachers; three teacher/three TA positions for elementary behavior supports; two special education teachers; two elementary arts teachers). The council solicited public comment; speakers repeated concerns about underfunding versus countywide budget increases over time.

The council will continue its review and is scheduled to consider the budget through its adoption process in the coming weeks. The county executive\u0000s proposed FY2026 budget and related materials remain posted on the county website for public review.","County executive submitted a balanced FY2026 budget; Wicomico County Public Schools and community groups urged the council to fund additional teachers, behavior supports and capital needs. The Board of Education request is included in the executive proposal and was discussed at a lengthy public hearing.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Wicomico County Council passes code update, zoning and infrastructure resolutions; approves appointments

Internal auditor report on Connolly Mill event draws criticism; council tables Safari at the Quarry audit and approves P-card audit

Council adopts update to county building code, aligns with 2021 International Codes

Wicomico County Council holds public hearing on FY2026 budget as schools press for more local funding