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Wicomico County Council approves series of resolutions, code update and appointments
Summary
The Wicomico County Council on Aug. 19 approved a package of budget, zoning, personnel and code actions, including a $200,000 capital transfer to fund electrical upgrades associated with a new nursing-home generator and adoption of the 2023 National Electrical Code.
The Wicomico County Council on Aug. 19 voted unanimously to approve a series of resolutions and a local code update, including a $200,000 transfer to fund electrical upgrades for a county nursing home generator and an introduction and passage of Legislative Bill 2025-12 to adopt the 2023 National Electrical Code.
Why it matters: The package included several economic-development approvals, personnel confirmations and a technical code update that the council said keeps local construction standards aligned with the latest national code. The transfer for the nursing-home generator addresses an immediate public-safety need, council members said during a public hearing and debate.
Votes at a glance - Resolution 115-2025 — Amend FY26 capital budget to transfer $200,000 from the Hurdle Building exterior wall project to the nursing home generator project. Outcome: approved unanimously (yes 5). Notes: public hearing held; speakers raised questions about the larger Verizon building purchase and how restricted capital funds are tracked. (See actions entry below.)
- Resolution 116-2025 — Declare Westwood Commerce 1 LLC eligible for Maryland State Enterprise Zone benefits (1630 Westwood Drive, Salisbury). Outcome: approved unanimously (yes 5).
- Resolution 117-2025 — Declare Westwood Commerce 1 LLC eligible for Maryland State Enterprise Zone benefits (address recorded in the meeting as 61610 Westwood Drive). Outcome: approved unanimously (yes 5).
- Resolution 118-2025 — Declare Opportunity Street LLC eligible for Maryland State Enterprise Zone benefits (200 Cypress Street, Salisbury). Outcome: approved unanimously (yes 5).
- Resolution 119-2025 — Confirm appointment of Timothy J. Chrysler as deputy director of emergency services. Outcome: approved unanimously (yes 5).
- Resolutions 120–127 series — Confirm appointments to the Wicomico County Planning & Zoning Commission and Recreation & Parks Commission (including Charles R. Dashiell Jr., Daniel Marino Holt, Minister George Mandel Copeland, Tanisha Siggers, Mary T. Denton, James R. Thomas Jr., Sarah Bynum King, and George Hochschwander). Outcome: each approved unanimously (yes 5).
- Legislative Bill 2025-12 — Act to amend Chapter 138 (Electrical Standards) of the Wicomico County Code to adopt the 2023 edition of the National Electrical Code and to formalize the process for future code promulgation. Outcome: passed on roll-call vote (Hastings Aye; Wynne Aye; Nettles Aye; Vice President Merrick Aye; Chair Aye). Public hearing scheduled for Sept. 16 at 10 a.m.
- Resolution 128-2025 — Approve hotline service agreement between the Council of Ethical Organizations and Wicomico County (internal-audit hotline). Outcome: approved unanimously (yes 5).
What council members said: During debate on the capital-transfer resolution, Council members pressed for clearer tracking of capital projects and restricted funds in the county’s capital-improvement program (CIP). Staff described the transfer as moving FY24-identified hurdle-building funds that went unused after the county purchased the Verizon building; the nursing home generator work also requires an electrical-panel upgrade so the new generator can power the entire facility.
Formal actions (excerpts from meeting record) - Action: Resolution 115-2025 — Motion to approve the transfer of $200,000 from the Hurdle Building exterior wall project to the nursing-home generator project. Mover/Second: not specified in minutes. Outcome: approved unanimously. Notes: Public hearing held; resident Joe White commented requesting public transparency on the larger Verizon building project referenced during the hearing. Staff said a CIP review item will list completed and remaining projects in the county’s capital fund ('32 fund').
- Action: Legislative Bill 2025-12 — Motion to approve introduction and final passage adopting 2023 NEC. Mover/Second: not specified. Outcome: passed on roll call (Hastings, Wynne, Nettles, Vice President Merrick, Chair all voted Aye). Public hearing set for Sept. 16 at 10 a.m.
Other routine confirmations and appointments listed on the agenda were all approved without recorded opposition. The council adjourned the legislative session and continued into scheduled work sessions and closed meetings.
