Wicomico commission recommends $2,000 annual increase each year for next county-executive term

SALISBURY, Md. — The Wicomico County Salary Commission voted Sept. 24 to recommend that the county executive—s base salary be increased by $2,000 in each year of the next four-year term, a packaged adjustment the commission said would modestly raise pay while limiting budget risk.

The motion, passed during the commission—s meeting, directs staff to present the recommendation to the Wicomico County Council. Commissioners debating the proposal cited competing priorities: the need to keep elected-official pay competitive with peer counties and to recognize inflation, versus concerns about public finances and the role of an elected executive versus administrative staff.

The commission—s discussion drew on testimony and comparisons. Former acting County Executive John Posota, who attended as a guest, argued for a raise and framed the job as one that carries legal and operational responsibility. "At the end of the day ... you have responsibility," Posota said, adding that some qualified administrators decline executive posts because of that responsibility and its legal implications. Commissioners also reviewed salary data from Cecil, Frederick and Anne Arundel counties and discussed how differences in county size, whether the sheriff operates a jail, and municipal structures affect comparability.

Alternate proposals were raised during discussion. Several commissioners favored either a flat one-time increase or annual cost-of-living adjustments that would compound over the term; others urged leaving the salary unchanged. Commissioners discussed a prior change in 2022 that raised the position from about $85,000 to $107,000 and noted that a long interval without adjustment reduces buying power. The commission also considered tax implications of an assigned county vehicle: staff noted personal use of a county vehicle is treated as taxable income under federal rules and that the executive uses a county vehicle valued in the tens of thousands of dollars.

The motion that passed set a $2,000 raise in each year of the next four-year term (totaling $8,000 of additional base compensation spread over the term). The commission recorded a final roll-call-like tally of 11 in favor and 2 opposed; commissioners present said they would send the recommendation and supporting materials to the County Council and obtain an attorney—s opinion next meeting to confirm the commission—s authority and the implementation approach.

The commission also asked staff to assemble additional comparative figures, including budget and staffing summaries for the sheriff—s office and the state—s attorney—s office, to inform further compensation discussions.

Next steps: the commission will forward the recommendation to the Wicomico County Council for its review; the commission scheduled follow-up items for its next meeting, including formal legal clarification and invited council members to speak about council expectations and the executive role.