As happens every year, the Worcester County Commissioners turned a deficit into a surplus. This year it was an approximately $11 million deficit that became a $400,000 surplus through a series of cuts and revenue increases. It happens every year, and it’s why exception has been taken to the word “unprecedented” being thrown around so… Read more »
City’s Budget Practices Result In Annual SurplusEditor:Based on data from Ocean City’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Reports for the last eight fiscal years, the Mayor & City Council (M&CC) consistently underestimate revenues and overestimate expenses. From FY15 to FY22, the combined underestimated revenue totaled over $19.8 million, averaging over $2.4 million per year. During that same period,… Read more »
Though they do not appear united on much these days, the Worcester County Commissioners were all on the same page when it came to letting the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers know how important routine dredging of the Inlet channel continues to be to the area.Back in March, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers informed… Read more »
Did public school funding get cut this week? The simple answer is yes but it requires a deeper dive. The fact is the Worcester County Board of Education asked for $106 million from the Worcester County Com-missioners in its fiscal year 2024 budget, representing a $4.1 million increase over the current year’s budget. The budget… Read more »
Teachers Need To Speak Up And For Their StudentsEditor:(The following represents an open letter to Worcester County teachers and administrators.)Everyone in this community knows our teachers and administrators are the best of the best. The problem is our system is flawed, and two entirely different thought processes all together. At this point no one can deny… Read more »
It’s been interesting during the public school budget process to monitor the level of engagement online among teachers. When the story about this week’s decision by the County Commissioners to reduce the school system’s budget allocation by $6 million was posted to the newspaper’s Facebook page, several teachers expressed themselves clearly. It was refreshing to… Read more »
A Public Safety AdvocateEditor:It is with sad hearts that the Career Firefighters and Paramedics of Ocean City mourn the passing of former Councilman Doug Cymek.As the president of our union, I had the honor of working with Councilman Cymek during his time on the Ocean City Council. Prior to my leadership, Doug worked with past… Read more »
Relief seemed to be felt throughout the lower shore community once it was learned 17 charges, including four felonies, were filed in connection to Gavin Knupp’s death last July.Tyler Mailloux’s name has been linked to the case since the week it happened. His name has been used online as well as even appearing on signs… Read more »
It’s clear not everyone is going to get what they want with the Worcester County budget process. It’s also evident the county school’s system budget request of $106 million from the county will not likely be met this year. This year’s request is $4.8 million than last year’s amount. It has been estimated the county… Read more »
Legislative RecapEditor:As a Maryland State Senator representing Worcester, Wicomico, and Somerset counties and with the end of the 2023 legislative session, I wanted to share my general approach to public service and the facts of how I advocate for our shore priorities with a new governor and administration, new statewide officeholders and new Maryland General… Read more »