The Pocomoke City Mayor and Council meeting on Monday, January 5, 2026, featured the swearing-in of a new Economic Development Commission, approval of a special day liquor permit, and an extended, at times tense, exchange over city finances, staffing structure, and access to records.
Planning & Zoning action postponed amid ongoing vacancies
Councilmember Scott Holland made a motion at the start of the meeting to table Planning & Zoning Commission matters until the next meeting, saying there were concerns he did not believe should be discussed publicly and that council had not yet addressed them collectively. The motion was seconded and approved.
The decision comes as the city continues without an active Planning & Zoning Commission. Three seats have remained vacant since members resigned following the late October 2025 meeting, and those positions have not yet been filled.
In addition, the city has been without a Planning Director since the resignation of Dan Brandewie in July 2025, who now serves in the same role in the town of Snow Hill. During public comment, city officials reiterated that council has approved bringing in GMB as a temporary planning consultant to assist with development review until staffing gaps are resolved.
Economic Development Commission sworn in
Mayor Todd Nock swore in James Russell and John Boston to the city’s Economic Development Commission.
Before the oath, Councilmember Marshall outlined the purpose of the commission, describing it as a policy-focused body intended to advocate on issues including housing, land use, recreation, historic preservation, and regional competitiveness. He said the commission will work in support of the city’s Economic Development Director, Karah Lacey, and help refine an existing economic development plan.
Marshall described the plan as “a good starting place,” adding that the commission would help identify opportunity clusters, improve quality of life, and promote Pocomoke as a place to live, work, and invest.
Special day liquor permit approved
Council unanimously approved a Special Day Liquor Permit request from the Pocomoke City Volunteer Fire Company for a wedding reception scheduled for March 7, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Following the vote, questions were asked about an informational letter tied to the permitting process after residents contacted him saying details appeared to be missing. City Manager Brandy Matthews said the letter had been reviewed by the county and explained how applicants submit materials through the county’s portal, with the city able to provide documents by email when needed.
Prolonged exchange over finances, travel, and credit card records
A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to a prolonged exchange between Councilmember Holland and City Manager Brandy Matthews regarding financial transparency, travel expenditures, and access to credit card statements.
Holland said he had repeatedly requested documentation related to travel expenses and credit card use over the past two years and emphasized that he was not alleging wrongdoing.
“I’m not accusing anybody of anything,” Holland said. “I don’t have the answers. I’m asking for information.”
Matthews defended existing practices and questioned the purpose of the requests. During the discussion, Councilwoman Diane Downing asked Holland directly what he hoped to accomplish, asking, “What is your endgame?”
Mayor Nock later suggested that some of the ongoing confusion could be addressed through a more structured approach to financial review.
“I think what we probably need to do is a monthly snapshot of all of our finances,” Nock said, proposing dedicated work sessions focused on financial oversight.
HR structure and staffing concerns raised
The financial discussion expanded into broader concerns about staffing and how human resources functions are handled within city government. Holland and several speakers said employees may be uncomfortable raising sensitive issues if HR responsibilities are closely tied to supervisory roles.
Mayor Nock said he opposed the current structure when it was adopted and reiterated his belief that the city should have a dedicated HR professional.
“At the end of the day, this city should have a human resources director,” Nock said, citing the city’s workforce size and the complexity of HR responsibilities.
Marshall urges residents to rely on reputable news sources
During council comments, Marshall urged residents to be cautious about using social media as a primary source of information.
“If we’re relying on social media to provide us with their news… I think we might be looking in the wrong place,” Marshall said. “Social media is just that. It’s social media. It’s meant to be recreational.”
He added that residents should be careful about “distilling what is true and what is not,” saying there are “a lot of falsehoods out there.”
Public comment includes emotional exchange
Public comment lasted for more than an hour and included remarks on planning capacity, traffic safety, sidewalk gaps, recycling practices, downtown restroom access, and the need for more consistent public engagement.
Ed Popchock, of Cedar Street, stressed the importance of restoring planning oversight, warning that development could proceed without adequate review if vacancies persist.
Stephon Matthews, identifying himself as the city manager’s husband, spoke in defense of his wife, describing what he said were personal attacks and the toll they had taken.
Mayor Nock responded by emphasizing that the City Manager should address such matters herself and that the exchange was not appropriate for open session.
“We have to allow Mrs. Matthews to handle such situations herself,” Nock said. “And there’s an appropriate place and a time for Mrs. Matthews to handle those. And it’s not right now in this open session.”
Holland later said his questions were rooted in accountability and transparency, arguing those responsibilities were central to his role as a councilmember.
District 5 meeting announced after the meeting
After the meeting, Marshall used social media to announce a public information session for District 5 residents. The announcement was not made during the council meeting.
In the post, Marshall wrote:
“Attention District 5 Residents! Have ideas, concerns, or just want to know whats going on in Pocomoke? Let’s chat about it on Monday January 12 at 6:30 pm at Market Street Deli. Hopefully we can have Info Sessions such as this on a regular upcoming basis. Let’s work together to put Pride in Pocomoke!”
Closing
The Mayor and Council adjourned into closed session under provisions of Maryland’s Open Meetings Act related to economic development and personnel matters.
Due to technical difficulties, the meeting was streamed on Facebook Live rather than the planned YouTube broadcast.
