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Council and residents warn tipping-fee shortfalls and stalled Salisbury projects could strain county finances
Summary
Speakers at the May 27 Wicomico County special session warned that proposed solid-waste tipping-fee changes, large capital projects and stalled Salisbury development together could create multi-million-dollar fiscal pressures; a performance audit and RFPs were suggested.
Residents and council members raised alarm on May 27 about the fiscal implications of proposed solid-waste tipping-fee changes and stalled development projects in Salisbury.
Multiple speakers cited figures discussed in prior sessions: a finance director estimate that some tipping-fee scenarios would create an operating shortfall of roughly $500,000, with other proposals potentially requiring more than $1 million in deficit funding. One council speaker described large capital elements tied to solid-waste operations, including a referenced $14 million power-line cost and broader horizontal expansion estimates in the tens of millions over several years.
Council members and residents also warned that stalled projects in Salisbury—referred to in the meeting as roughly $500 million in proposed investment—could hamper regional growth and job creation if developers lose confidence. One commenter suggested issuing an RFP to competitive survey firms rather than creating an in-house surveying program to contain costs.
Speakers proposed several near-term responses: consider a performance audit or evaluation of solid-waste operations and related capital plans, explore whether altering fund structure (enterprise fund vs. government fund) is appropriate, and increase outreach to haulers and stakeholders so they are not blindsided by policy changes. The council took no immediate fiscal action during the special session; it approved a resolution extending the budget-adoption deadline to June 15, which leaves time for additional review.
