Pocomoke City work session reviews budget, considers financing second ambulance and street sweeper while debating travel stipends

At a May 28 Pocomoke City mayor and council work session, staff reviewed updated budget packets and presented financing options for several capital items, including proposals to finance a second ambulance and to borrow for a $251,000 street sweeper. The session also reviewed a $150,000 Department of Natural Resources feasibility grant for dock repairs and a set of line-item salary adjustments, while councilors questioned travel stipends and conference spending.

Miss Matthews told the council that the ambulance fund in the updated packet shows an option to finance the second ambulance rather than using operating funds to preserve cash flow. Staff cited a sample offer from KS State Bank of a tax‑exempt loan at about 5.83% over five years with 20 quarterly payments; the example figure discussed in the meeting was roughly $24,798 per quarter if financed. Miss Matthews said she would email Andrew after the meeting to confirm whether a resolution would be required and, if so, to place it on the next agenda for formal action.

The review moved through the utility funds and contingency planning: staff recommended reducing contingency to repair sewer and water pipes beneath Second Street before repaving, arguing it is more economical to fix subsurface infrastructure first. In the general fund, staff added a $150,000 DNR feasibility grant for dock repairs that will be offset by increased dock repair expense in the budget.

On capital equipment, staff said two proposals were received for a street sweeper and the lowest bid was about $251,000. That purchase would likely require loan authorization in the minutes and a named authorized signer; staff said they have contacted Taylor Bank and Hein Savings Bank and will follow up to prepare a formal resolution if needed.

Personnel and operating lines were also discussed: staff confirmed a 3% cost‑of‑living adjustment and a 3% step increase across employees and reintroduced an administrative assistant position for the city manager’s office at council request. Staff explained several reassignments of employees among public‑works departments that produced offsets across line items.

The most contested exchange involved council travel stipends and conference spending. Council member Mr. Hall said he “just can’t wrap my head around” the stipend totals and questioned whether paying a monthly stipend is a better value than mileage reimbursements; other councilors argued stipends avoid monthly mileage accounting and can be fiscally reasonable if fewer members travel. Councilors ran quick calculations in the meeting noting that roughly $37,000 in budget changes could translate to about a one‑cent change in the tax rate and suggested trimming discretionary travel or conferences as one lever to reduce taxes.

No final votes on the substantive budget items were taken during the work session; staff committed to follow up with the city manager’s office and place any required resolutions on a future agenda for formal consideration. The council adjourned at the end of the session.