Council moves forward on tax rate, property abatements, surplus list and fee schedule; parking ordinance amended

At this meeting the Pocomoke City Council conducted second readings and acted on several ordinances and resolutions, including the fiscal-year tax rate, a list of property abatements, a surplus property list and a city fee schedule. The council also discussed amendments to municipal parking citations and procedures.

Key items and outcomes listed in the meeting record:

- Resolution 2025R-10 (second reading) — tax rate for fiscal year 2025–26: The council conducted a second reading and discussion of Resolution 2025R-10 setting tax rates for the next fiscal year; the mayor noted, “I believe that this represents no increase in taxes in this year.” A motion was made and the transcript records the council saying the motion was approved with members responding “aye.” (See transcript for details on the property classification schedule.)

- Resolution 2025R-11 (second reading) — abatement of certain real property taxes: The council read a list of identified properties for tax abatement (the transcript lists property tax ID numbers and locations). The resolution moved forward at second reading and the council closed the public hearing and proceeded; a motion was recorded as approved.

- Resolution (surplus property) — disposal of city vehicles and equipment: The council read a resolution declaring various vehicles and equipment as surplus (police vehicles including two 2002 Dodge Rams and a 2004 Ford F-350, public works equipment including a 1985 Pelican street sweeper, various other tools and meters). The resolution was presented and moved forward for disposal as surplus property.

- Resolution 2025R-13 — fee schedule for fiscal year 2025–26: The council read a resolution establishing fees and charges for city services for the coming fiscal year and noted the effective date of July 1, 2025. The council advanced the resolution as read.

- Ordinance 20250-6 — amendment to general provisions: vehicles and traffic: Staff explained that the ordinance changes municipal parking citations to municipal infractions, which makes enforcement more administrable and allows citations to be pursued in district court; it also describes how parking infractions are to be delivered or attached to unattended vehicles. Council discussed the operational implications for police enforcement and camera-based enforcement; the item was taken up and moved forward in the meeting record.

The meeting record shows motions were made and the council voiced approval for the listed items; specific roll-call tallies were not recorded in the transcript excerpt provided. The council closed the public hearings on the listed resolutions and moved forward with the agenda.