[{"_1":2,"_96":-5,"_97":-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",[32,74,84],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":44,"_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":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},"mediaId",6524858,"mediaKeyId","5418728-4fde379df2359bdf3d18668071b72f5f","parentId",5418728,"title","Votes at a glance: Salisbury council approves multiple appointments, grants, and enterprise zone eligibilities on June 9, 2025","audioSeconds",0,"startMs",4720000,"endMs","viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5418728-4fde379df2359bdf3d18668071b72f5f&start=4720&end=4720","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5418728-4fde379df2359bdf3d18668071b72f5f/thumbnail_4720000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6524858/Salisbury/Wicomico-County/Maryland/Votes-at-a-glance-Salisbury-council-approves-multiple-appointments-grants-and-enterprise-zone-eligibilities-on-June-9-2025","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6524858-f9a0526a1fa456b1b6cb1ec40bdfcab7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771170566&Signature=MmIZNmEPE3eYy7D4sgVPltE9uestTMqGudPE5U5DJgoC-tOy6fVSVE43j8NlcXHMlvOYAIb59yN9b6vlFhSfwIpCFdQ3A3tburrUlvum-NhTgNnjr6lcN~0qNQQ8lqbHSlNPzIb5rglaPuWW9diR7YeZpyO0SfefL45IoDr-IO9XFmpHhAgwndmoHsJ3KO~mThSHgfZv0P3PnGC6LlTjd5yc5WwpQUb3bj0lMjSpBwIloLWIx6YtTvawLoqbVUndc4cxFVceW6ljcpQnrtflvIQ5b~qfi6~nBgZvW2IGBYu7AK44GIKzKtS0hKv~psfTmHkUv~ueP97jvxz8iFUBZg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Salisbury City, MD","date","2025-06-10T00:00:00Z","article","The Salisbury City Council on June 9 approved a slate of routine and work-session items by voice vote or by council consensus. These included appointments to advisory committees, acceptance of grant funds to support arts and public safety projects, appropriations from auction proceeds for the fire department, enterprise zone eligibility declarations for three properties, and work-session budget amendments to move funds into a water-main project and to replenish special counsel legal accounts.

Summary of actions (selected)
- Resolutions (appointments): Resolutions 3401\u0000through 3405 appointed members to advisory committees (Youth Development Advisory Committee; Human Rights Advisory Committee; Truth Committee). Each resolution was approved by voice vote; the chair recorded ayes and no recorded opposition.
- Ordinances and grant approvals (second readings): The council approved ordinances authorizing the mayor to accept grant funds including:
- Ordinance 2938: Maryland State Arts Council grant, $5,000, to strengthen collaborations with Maryland-based touring artists and the Maryland Folk Festival.
- Ordinance 2939: Acceptance of subgrant funds from Title Health, $74,740, to partially fund a community paramedic salary and benefits.
- Ordinance 2940: Department of Natural Resources Waterway Improvement Fund grant, $2,156, appropriated for Salisbury Fire Department expenses.
- Ordinances 2941 and 2942: Budget amendments appropriating $6,141.38 and $18,984.60, respectively, to the Salisbury Fire Department operating budget from auction proceeds (surplus equipment sales).
All of these ordinances were presented for second reading with no changes and approved by voice vote.
- Ordinance 2943 (first reading): The council conducted first reading of an ordinance to add Chapter 5.23 (gas franchise agreement) to Title 5 (Business Licenses and Regulations); first reading concluded with no changes.
- Enterprise zone eligibility (work session consensus): Council heard presentations and gave consensus to declare three properties eligible for enterprise zone real property tax credits: 200 Cypress Street, and 1610 and 1630 Westwood Drive. Staff and development representatives said the credits would support capital investment and job creation in those locations.
- Water-main budget amendment (work session consensus): The council agreed to move surplus funds from the FY25 water treatment chemical account to pay for valves and fittings on the Naylor Mill water-main project so the city would not need to reopen pavement for later taps; staff identified $60,000 available in the chemical account for the work.
- Acceptance of Governor\u0000JAG grant funds (work session consensus): The Police Department sought acceptance of $20,000 in B-JAG funds to extend fixed camera coverage to the downtown plaza; staff described this as an expansion of an existing camera project funded earlier.
- Legal fees / special counsel budget amendment (work session consensus): Administration requested an amendment to add funds for special counsel and to replenish accounts used to cover arbitration and litigation expenses. Staff said avoiding arbitration in one instance reduced the projected total; a revised figure will be distributed before first reading.

Why it matters: together these votes advance grants, public-safety equipment, fire-department resources, and economic development incentives. Enterprise zone designations are designed to encourage renovation, investment and job creation; grant approvals provide immediate funding for public programs and services.

What to watch next: staff will return with final ordinance text for the special counsel budget amendment and provide details on implementation and reporting for the Naylor Mill valve work, enterprise zone certification paperwork, and the camera expansion project.

Ending: Most items were routine second readings or unanimous consensus items and will proceed into implementation or further administrative steps as recorded.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Salisbury City Council Legislative and Work Sessions, 6/9/2025","oneSentenceSummary","At its June 9 legislative session the Salisbury City Council approved five appointment resolutions, several grant-acceptance ordinances and budget amendments, and declared three properties eligible for enterprise zone benefits. Most items passed by voice vote with no recorded opposition.","taxTitle","Salisbury, Wicomico County, Maryland","taxId",4259,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":42,"_43":77,"_45":77,"_46":78,"_48":79,"_50":80,"_52":81,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":82,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":83,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6524862,"Salisbury council approves 6% water and sewer rate increase, effective Oct. 1, 2025",2632000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5418728-4fde379df2359bdf3d18668071b72f5f&start=2632&end=2632","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5418728-4fde379df2359bdf3d18668071b72f5f/thumbnail_2632000.jpg","/articles/6524862/Salisbury/Wicomico-County/Maryland/Salisbury-council-approves-6-water-and-sewer-rate-increase-effective-Oct-1-2025","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6524862-3ba4b3d3894136418688bb8fc5a653ef/orig.mp4?Expires=1771170566&Signature=R0qyP80spCoZ4mFiRmE8mCTXW9tcF6UhurXrYmaT7VSf2A1UBhrx4Mp92tDYkYIqP2-eLACNiWk3XznhDc62L~Js2Emdx65fQReOGzD1Kqkc3lcnIHz27PgP0~bfxryQxlhLHcKp-IL1zcAm3vftqT5CvhAAPYa8n~gHENpdkPbm3R8uZA9ufJmNVeL4uJ6mzjAwDJ0XVCoEd69ed8r6BIvVYaphZXasJjvbdW35WMyjoMH8NyyY-XhgFghfOqwW7mV2HlyAOafRSbh3av6kYgT16Y5B6LCbWUjCALsr8mpf2I-ANVBcEGXwUs50BCkv~-nKRd490kbAwe0Ye1ULWg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Salisbury City Council approved Ordinance 2936 on June 9, 2025, to increase municipal water and sewer rates by 6 percent, with the change to become effective for all bills dated Oct. 1, 2025 and thereafter unless revised by future council action.

Council members and staff discussed PFAS-related treatment costs, capital projects and planned system upgrades as drivers of rate adjustments. During public comment, multiple residents and council members urged the administration to publish explanatory materials to help residents understand the need for the increase and the specific projects and costs it will cover.

Why it matters: The rate increase will affect household utility bills citywide beginning in the October billing cycle; council members cited the need to fund multi-million-dollar filtration and treatment work and infrastructure upgrades to meet regulatory requirements.

Key points from the meeting
- Ordinance 2936 was presented on second reading with no changes since first reading; the ordinance text sets the effective date as bills dated Oct. 1, 2025 and thereafter.
- Council discussion referenced water plant expenses including PFAS treatment and infrastructure expansion as drivers of rising costs. A council member who has tracked the issue told colleagues they had performed a \"forensic analysis\" of prior rate increases and urged clear public outreach.
- Several council members and speakers asked that administration release educational materials explaining the technical and capital reasons for the rate change.

Vote and outcome
The council took a voice vote on Ordinance 2936 on second reading. The chair called for ayes, heard no opposition and recorded the ordinance as approved.

Next steps
Administration indicated it will prepare educational material for the public explaining the PFAS compliance costs, expansion of filtration systems, and the capital needs that informed the rate decision. Council members asked that information be shared ahead of the effective date so residents can plan for the change.

Ending: Ordinance 2936 was approved on second reading and will take effect for bills dated Oct. 1, 2025, subject to future council action.","On June 9 the Salisbury City Council passed Ordinance 2936, raising water and sewer rates by 6% for bills dated Oct. 1, 2025 and thereafter. Council members said the increase is intended to cover rising treatment and capital costs; several speakers urged administration to publish educational materials explaining the increase.",{"_33":85,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":86,"_41":87,"_43":88,"_45":89,"_46":90,"_48":91,"_50":92,"_52":93,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":94,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":95,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6524867,"Salisbury council approves amended FY2026 budget, adds assistant city administrator; proposed clerk media specialist removed",2078,462000,2540000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5418728-4fde379df2359bdf3d18668071b72f5f&start=462&end=2540","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5418728-4fde379df2359bdf3d18668071b72f5f/thumbnail_462000.jpg","/articles/6524867/Salisbury/Wicomico-County/Maryland/Salisbury-council-approves-amended-FY2026-budget-adds-assistant-city-administrator-proposed-clerk-media-specialist-removed","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6524867-9b0543b92184b468b5d48b13ea1de851/orig.mp4?Expires=1771170566&Signature=cEVZLFDXkofhFUtKn1YYAhf1stBhlD5OFvR2tT0JCa6-afyhW5vQg084SzbiMRCSAA78A3rFjp1ZWRgx4~QNUEIxJFvQPjDVmxC-iJnfUNplI5aOu5u5gKR2avwNhUtzVSPdZRY-Mnlfms~8Bcs~vX9KFHIqimsZ2FMcPMKcZwTJFY4xsnQ-XzqpokZyS-~slH3KXfrMplxuweiiVRv0sff7ZNWaYZqjxe3vUo9~YPDQNzT8ghZnmtyWNwh60Vt14GHLzbJyhU-Av12nvPt6jOWB8cTcCCfkKapsKhdhNLL9DlpFdxOhLuSlIsVHa~~qsW8trUOp~RzOTxMTd1dUtg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Salisbury City Council on June 9 approved Ordinance 2935 — the city\u0000budget ordinance for July 1, 2025\u0000to June 30, 2026 — as amended to reallocate existing funds and add an assistant city administrator position while removing a proposed media specialist role originally tied to the clerk\u0000office.

Council debate and public comment centered on whether the new communications role should be added now and paid from the FY2026 budget. Administration staff told the council the assistant city administrator represents a reclassification (from a vacant second deputy director position) intended to better align project management and execution. Administration officials said the media specialist/special projects position would have been in the clerk\u0000office to assist council and administration with communications and special projects but that the job description and HR processing were not finalized before the amendment was offered.

Why it matters: the amendment shifts existing budgeted dollars rather than increasing the overall adopted levy; it creates a senior administrative position intended to support project delivery while triggering a debate about use of limited funds for a communications role. Several council members and members of the public pressed for delay or more vetting of the proposed media specialist, citing tight city finances.

Details of the amendment and vote
- The amendment approved adjustments to Schedule A of Ordinance 2935 that included an increase in the mayor\u0000office/development services line and a decrease in infrastructure and development appropriations; staff described the changes as reallocations among existing budget lines. As read aloud during the meeting, the mayor\u0000office/development services amount was revised from $1,685,929 to $1,717,229 and infrastructure and development was reduced from $1,462,123 to $1,433,082.03.
- Council heard that the assistant city administrator is a reclassification of a long-vacant second deputy director post and that the clerk\u0000office position (media specialist/special projects) still lacked finalized HR job descriptions.

Council and public remarks
Administration: \"These are not items that were presented during the budget work session. There are a couple of modifications that happened post that. The first is a change in authorized position schedule, moving from a second deputy director of infrastructure development to an assistant city administrator,\" said a city staff member during discussion, explaining the administrative rationale for the reclassification.

Opponents: Several council members and multiple members of the public urged against adding a funded media specialist now. Public commenters said interns and the city communications team could perform outreach tasks and that the city is already facing tight budgetary conditions. One public speaker said, \"Part time counsel does not need a full time PR person,\" during the public comment period.

Outcome and vote record
The amended Ordinance 2935 (second reading) passed after an amendment vote. The council recorded the final outcome as approved. The roll-call sequence recorded at the meeting identified recorded votes including at least one \"no\" vote and one recusal during the amendment; the chair voted in the affirmative. (Meeting transcript recorded: \"It's 2 ayes, 1 no, 1 recusal,\" and later the chair recorded the ordinance as approved.)

What happens next
Ordinance 2935 was approved as amended on second reading. The assistant city administrator position will proceed subject to normal HR posting and classification procedures. The council and administration said the clerk\u0000office and comms team remain available for communications work and that any final job descriptions or hires will follow standard HR vetting.

Context and outstanding questions
Council members asked for clearer job descriptions and confirmation of funding sources for any new positions before posting. Several members requested follow-up reporting on how the new assistant city administrator role will interact with existing communications staff and on any future staffing requests.

Ending: The council moved on to consider other ordinances and a separate water and sewer rate ordinance later in the meeting.","On June 9, 2025, the Salisbury City Council approved Ordinance 2935 as amended to reallocate funds within the FY2026 budget, creating an assistant city administrator position and removing a proposed media specialist post after debate and public comment. The ordinance passed after an amended vote with dissent and a recusal.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Salisbury council approves multiple appointments, grants, and enterprise zone eligibilities on June 9, 2025

Salisbury council approves 6% water and sewer rate increase, effective Oct. 1, 2025

Salisbury council approves amended FY2026 budget, adds assistant city administrator; proposed clerk media specialist removed