Much has been written about and heard from school system employees over the last month as a result of the Worcester County Commissioners cutting employees’ step adjustments and cost-of-living increases from the budget.After that decision, the Worcester County Board of Education and the organizations representing teachers, support personnel and bus contractors hammered out a deal… Read more »
Category: Editorial
County Should Have Compromised On Pay
The Worcester County Commissioners approved the next fiscal year’s budget in a 5-2 vote Tuesday with proponents not swayed by the harsh criticism and public displays of frustration by the county’s teachers and sympathetic residents over the last two weeks.In fact, the robust and heated opposition may have led to some commissioners digging their heels… Read more »
Creating Special Zoning District Unnecessary
Currently under discussion in Ocean City is a new zoning district that neighborhoods could seek with the goal of prohibiting all rentals shorter than 12 months.Eligible communities for this new R-1A district include Mallard Island, Little Salisbury, Caine Keys II, Montego Bay and portions of Caine Woods.As was reported last week, there are 3,845 parcels… Read more »
Hero Banners A Source Of Community Pride
There are many beautiful sights to behold on Ocean City’s Boardwalk, and near the top of the list these days are the banners recognizing the local residents who are bravely serving their country in various capacities.There are many controversial aspects to the Boardwalk. Some laud while others despise the “No Profanity Please” signs. The street… Read more »
School Start Bill A Major Challenge
For the post Labor Day school start legislation to have a chance of ever passing the Maryland General Assembly, supporters need to regroup and craft a new strategy.At this week’s Economic Development Committee meeting, Sen. Jim Mathias discussed the legislation, which went nowhere in this past legislative session. The bills were introduced in the House… Read more »
With May Comes Official ‘Get Ready’ Season
Every season means something significant in the Ocean City area and with the calendar flipping to May it’s worth a look at the unique aspects of the changing of the seasons around these parts.The summer is the most important of the four seasons. It’s critical to households, businesses and the general economy of the lower… Read more »
Patience A Virtue With Dissolving Liquor Dept.
It’s not a question of if Worcester County will shutter its liquor retail and wholesale operation. It’s more about how to do it in a smart financial way and when.How exactly it will get out of the liquor business is under consideration, but clearly the County Commissioners are committed to end the operation. That much… Read more »
Worcester County Facing Inevitable Tax Hike
Things are getting tense in Snow Hill and it’s not just because Worcester County government does not have enough money to fund everything it did last year.It’s a disturbing fact that Worcester has a $22 million difference between expected revenues and forecasted expenditures for the next fiscal year. It’s been known dating back to last… Read more »
Promoter Aims To Fix ‘Free For All’ Weekend
H2O International promoter Jay Shoup seems focused on cleaning up the weekend that rightly or wrongly has become a nightmare because of his VW/Audi event.For many years, Shoup’s event was largely held without much attention outside of the automotive enthusiasts who attended. It brought in thousands of passionate Volkswagon and Audi owners to the area,… Read more »
Ocean City Handled Smoking Restrictions Well
While there seemed to be some unnecessary over-deliberation at times, the Town of Ocean City overall handled the process of transitioning to an official restricted smoking beach resort well.Ocean City has always encouraged smoking restraint on the beach by spreading out cheap smoking receptacles along the beach and making some mentions on signage, but it… Read more »