The Pocomoke City Mayor and Council met Monday evening, October 20th, 2025, for a full agenda that included subdivision approvals, resolutions related to city property and grant funding, and a countywide discussion on increasing the hotel room tax. The meeting opened with a moment of silence in memory of State Delegate Charles Otto.
Council unanimously approved the minutes, bill list, and the Oxford Court Subdivision addition, also known as the Collins Subdivision (Located at the intersection of 6th St. & Bank St.), Mayor Todd Nock noted that the Planning and Zoning Commission had voted unanimously in favor of the project at its recent meeting.
Oxford Court Conveyance and Grant Resolution Approved
Two resolutions were adopted during public hearings.
Resolution 2026-R-05, accepting the conveyance of stormwater management and right of way parcels within the Oxford Court Subdivision addition from property owner Craig Collins, passed unanimously, after a public hearing with no comments.
Resolution 2026-R-06, authorizing the filing of an $800,000 Community Development Block Grant application to fund the Pocomoke City Family Life Center, was also approved unanimously. City Manager Brandy Matthews said the application would be finalized and submitted by October 24.
The council also heard the first reading of Resolution 2026-R-07, supporting Pocomoke City’s participation in the Sustainable Maryland Certified Municipal Certification Program. The measure designates Matthews as the city’s agent for the certification process.
Council Backs Countywide Room Tax Increase
Mayor Nock requested council support for a 1% increase in Worcester County’s hotel room tax, from 5% to 6%, aligning with other municipalities. He explained that the change would apply only to hotels and motels, not AirBnBs or short-term rentals, and would generate an estimated $35,000–$40,000 annually for Pocomoke City.
“This helps Pocomoke because visitors pay it, not the residents,” Nock said. “Moving it to 6% aligns Worcester with peer counties and keeps the burden on visitors, not our local taxpayers.”
Councilman Marshall voiced his support after discussing the proposal with Berlin Councilman Steve Green, noting that Ocean City and Berlin had already endorsed the increase. “Our room tax lags behind the county by about 1%,” Marshall said. “I’m in favor of a 1% increase on our room tax.”
The motion to support the increase passed unanimously, and Mayor Nock said he would draft a letter of support that night for submission to Worcester County.
Public Safety and Community Engagement
During council comments, Marshall urged the city to begin discussions about a dedicated public safety tax to ensure future funding for police, fire, and EMS needs.
“It’s worse news to need an ambulance and not be able to afford it,” Marshall said, requesting the topic be added to the next work session agenda. Mayor Nock agreed that long-term planning for public safety equipment and vehicle replacement is essential.
Councilman Holland commended the police department for its work amid recent incidents and emphasized community responsibility: “Our police are doing all they can. It’s important for citizens to speak up when they see something.”
Mayor Nock echoed that message: “Posting it on Facebook is not enough. Please contact your local authorities and tell them what you see. That’s the only way we’re going to clean up our community.”
Skate Park Advocate Proposes Open Mic Series
During audience comments, Lisa Pabich, representing the Pocomoke Skateboarder Alliance, described the success of the group’s October 5 event, which featured music, free equipment giveaways, and skate clinics for local youth. She proposed holding an open mic series at the city’s stage area to showcase local musicians and artists.
Mayor Nock and Councilman Marshall both praised her efforts, crediting her for helping to reopen the skate park and re-energize community use of the space.
