Compensation commission recommends modest, staggered raises for Wicomico County council

The Wicomico County Compensation and Allowance Commission voted on Oct. 8, 2025, to recommend that the county council increase base pay for council members by $1,500 per year for four years, a staggered boost the commission said mirrors a recent recommendation it made for the county executive.

The recommendation follows a two-hour discussion that included three Wicomico County Council members describing their time commitments and arguing they do not run for office for pay. Commission member Stefan Feliciano spoke on the record to oppose the commission's earlier decision on the county executive's salary, and the commission read a written legal opinion from County Attorney Paul Wilbur about the commission—s authority.

Why it matters: the commission can recommend specific dollar amounts, but any change in elected officials— compensation must be enacted by the County Council. The commission—s recommendation will go to the full council for final action; the county attorney—s written opinion and…