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Council rejects transfer of Department Assistant position to Roads division (Resolution 1‑38‑2025)
Summary
Resolution 1‑38‑2025, proposing to transfer an existing Department Assistant position from Engineering to the Roads Division (Grade M32, $32,469 annual), failed by a 5–2 vote after members said they preferred more stable leadership in Public Works before personnel moves.
The Wicomico County Council voted down Resolution 1-38-2025 on Sept. 16 by a recorded vote of 5 to 2. The resolution would have transferred a Department Assistant position (Grade M32, annual salary $32,469) from Public Works — Engineering to Public Works — Roads, shifting operational responsibility but not increasing the county’s general-fund cost.
Administration representatives argued that reassigning the position made operational sense because the employee’s duties were more aligned with Roads. Staff said the transfer would be a dollar-for-dollar shift within the general fund and not change salary or benefits. Several council members expressed support for the administrative logic but said they were uncomfortable authorizing personnel moves while the county lacked a permanent Public Works director or deputy.
Vice President Merritt and other council members called for stabilization of senior leadership in Public Works before moving positions and asked that future personnel reassignments be presented after leadership is in place. After a roll call, the chair’s vote opposed the transfer and the motion failed by a vote of five to two.
Ending: Administration was asked to hold off on the transfer and consider presenting personnel changes when the department’s leadership structure is stable; no transfer occurred.
