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Council approves bill requiring special counsel for Ethics Commission
Summary
The Wicomico County Council unanimously passed Legislative Bill 2025-02 requiring the Ethics Commission to use special outside counsel in matters that could pose a conflict or appearance of conflict for the county attorney; the Maryland State Ethics Commission reviewed the draft and raised no objection.
The Wicomico County Council unanimously approved Legislative Bill 2025-02 on Feb. 18, 2025, a measure intended to require the Ethics Commission to retain special legal counsel in matters that could present a conflict or an appearance of conflict for the county attorney.
County Counsel briefed the council that the bill had been submitted to the Maryland State Ethics Commission for review; the state body reported no objection or adverse comment. The bill's intent is to ensure independent legal representation for the Ethics Commission when complaints involve officials or members of the executive branch whose interests might otherwise conflict with representation provided by the county attorney.
During a short public hearing, residents asked procedural questions about how commission members are appointed and how members of the public file ethics complaints. County Counsel explained that appointments are made by the county executive and are subject to council confirmation, and described the current filing process for grievances.
The council then moved and approved the bill by roll-call vote; the action passed unanimously.
