The Pocomoke City Mayor and Council met February 17 at City Hall, approving a series of routine and event-related items, advancing a funding request to Worcester County, and hearing concerns from a resident about trash collection. Only Councilpersons Tull, Holland, and Cottman were present.
Funding Request to Worcester County
Council unanimously approved a letter to the Worcester County Commissioners outlining the city’s Fiscal Year 2027 budget requests.
According to the letter read into the record, the city is requesting:
- A 10% increase in the unrestricted county grant, bringing the total to $605,000, to support public works, police, water and wastewater, and community and economic development.
- $150,000 in additional funding to assist with construction of a new community center.
- $42,153 in restricted infrastructure funding for sidewalk repairs and pedestrian safety improvements.
One council member emphasized the importance of earmarking funds for the community center, stating, “I think it’s important to have that $150,000 for the community center earmarked… I know we missed out on this last grant opportunity. It doesn’t mean that we can’t get it next year.”
Wastewater Treatment Plant Camera Upgrade Approved
Council approved a $6,652.57 contract with Safe House to upgrade security cameras at the city’s wastewater treatment plant.
City Manager Brandy Matthews explained that the cameras have not been updated since 2012 and currently do not provide a direct view of where sewage haulers discharge into the lagoons.
“This will allow for the cameras, the upgraded cameras to come in so they can see what is actually being dumped in, whether it’s grease, which should not be dumped into the wastewater,” Matthews said.
A council member noted past issues tied to improper dumping, stating that previous camera footage “ended up resulting in money for the city in the lawsuit of issues of proper handling not being done at the wastewater treatment center.”
Pocomoke Stampede & Concert Approved
Council approved the Pocomoke Stampede & Concert, scheduled for April 25, 2026, along with a special one-day alcohol permit for the event.
Event organizers from the Great Pocomoke Fair presented their application, noting that police, EMS, and fire departments had signed off on the event plan. Police Chief Arthur “Rudy” Hancock will assist with security and coordinate with Maryland State Police if additional manpower is needed. Organizers said that EMS and fire services will also be on standby.
Organizers requested city support including:
- Police and EMS detail
- Trash truck
- City tent and picnic tables
- Golf carts
- Generator (added during discussion)
- Advertising on city signage and social media
One council member praised organizers, saying, “I don’t think the public realizes how much volunteer work goes into this event. So I would just like to acknowledge you guys and say I appreciate all that you’re doing out there.”
The special one-day alcohol permit allows for the sale of beer, wine, and distilled spirits in two enclosed areas. Organizers stated that all attendees purchasing alcohol will be carded “no matter what age they look,” bartenders will be TIPS-certified, and alcohol consumption will be limited to the asphalt area in front of the grandstands.
Public Comment: Trash Collection Concern
During public comment, a resident of Bank Street raised concerns that city trash collection workers mistakenly discarded clothing belonging to him and his brother.
The resident stated that the clothing had been placed in a cart near his residence and was not intended for pickup. He described the loss as significant and noted he is on a fixed income.
Council acknowledged the concern and indicated the matter would require further internal discussion. No action was taken during the meeting.
City Updates
City Manager Matthews provided several updates:
- Market Street repairs related to the CIPP project will begin at 8th Street and move toward Front Street.
- An electronic LED sign at the city entrance is expected to be operational in the coming weeks, pending final coordination with Delmarva Power.
- The horse barn at the fairgrounds has been cleaned, with electrical upgrades and ventilation improvements scheduled.
- Revised plans for the public works building have been resubmitted after issues were identified with commercial versus residential footer specifications.
Council Comments
Councilwoman Tull promoted a Black History Month open mic event at the library, stating, “Black history is everybody’s history. Don’t feel like you are slighted in any way. Please come out.”
Councilman Scott Holland, presiding over the meeting, also acknowledged the recent certification of Michael Hall and Diane Downing to their council seats, but expressed concern about continued uncontested elections.
“This is not a slight to either one of these two individuals. But it’s another election that we have without actually having an election. And that just doesn’t sit well with me,” the council member said. “We still need to get more community involvement.”
