Commissioner Fiore pushes for full funding of Ocean City police and county employees

During the Worcester County Commissioners meeting on June 3, 2025, a significant discussion emerged regarding the funding of local municipalities and county employees. Commissioner Fiore expressed strong concerns about the lack of financial support for municipalities, highlighting that requests from the Town of Ocean City for police funding and from Snow Hill for project seed money had been denied. Fiore emphasized that many residents live in these municipalities, which play a crucial role in the county's economy and community services.

Fiore also raised alarms about the treatment of county employees, arguing that current compensation levels do not reflect the rising cost of living. He shared personal experiences of increased grocery bills to illustrate the financial strain faced by employees. Fiore passionately advocated for better funding for teachers and county staff, stating that it sends the wrong message to undervalue their contributions.

In a decisive move, Fiore proposed a motion to fully fund the budget from the previous fiscal year, asserting that it was essential for the well-being of both employees and the community. This motion received a second from another commissioner, indicating support for the initiative. The discussion underscored the commissioners' responsibility to address the needs of both local municipalities and county employees, with implications for the overall health of the community.

As the meeting progressed, the commissioners were urged to consider the long-term impacts of their funding decisions, particularly in light of rising living costs and the essential services provided by local municipalities. The outcome of this motion could significantly influence the county's budget priorities and the support extended to its workforce and municipalities in the coming fiscal year.