The Pocomoke City Mayor and Council approved routine business, welcomed a new city clerk, advanced the city’s fiscal year 2027 budget process, and heard a series of announcements regarding street improvements, code enforcement, and community engagement during its June 18 meeting.
Lacey Merritt Sworn In as City Clerk
One of the evening’s major items was the swearing-in of Lacey Merritt as Pocomoke City’s new city clerk following the departure of former clerk Melinda Stafford.
Mayor Todd Nock praised Merritt’s work with the city before administering the oath of office.
“There is nothing, nothing that we have asked her to do, learn and or conquer that she hasn’t done it. I’m so excited that Lacey is taking on this new challenge.”
Nock described the decision to promote from within as an easy one, citing Merritt’s work ethic, skill, and willingness to take on new responsibilities. After taking the oath, Merritt officially assumed the role of city clerk.
Solar Contract Discussion Headed Back to Council
During review of the bills list, council members discussed a roughly $23,000 payment connected to the city’s solar agreement.
Councilman Michael Hall questioned whether the payment should be delayed while additional information is gathered. Mayor Nock said the payment would proceed but indicated the city needs a broader discussion about the agreement.
“We’re paying it, but we are paying it. We need to have a discussion. I think that these are one of those situations where we probably should take a vote instead of just doing consensus.”
Nock said the city would assemble documentation related to the agreement, noting that the city had originally expected to receive rebates from the project.
“The city was always supposed to make a rebate off of it, and they did get a rebate for the first two years and year three, that’s when things went haywire.”
Council directed staff to provide additional information and place the matter on a future agenda.
Monster Truck Event Approved with Conditions
The council approved the return of the Renegade Monster Truck event at the Great Pocomoke Fairgrounds on Aug. 22.
Gloria Smith, representing the volunteer committee at the fairgrounds, said the event would feature two shows at 12:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. and noted that no issues were reported during the previous event in 2025.
However, Mayor Nock raised concerns that required signoffs from police and public works officials had not been completed.
“When something like this is presented to us, we have to be able to see the follow up.”
Council ultimately approved the event contingent upon receiving the remaining signatures from the police department and public works. The council also approved a one-day alcohol permit for the event.
The discussion also prompted questions about the city’s event approval process. Nock said event organizers, rather than city staff, should be responsible for obtaining departmental approvals.
“The mayor and council need to see all documentation.”
Budget Hearing Held; Vote Scheduled for Monday
The council conducted its public hearing on Resolution 2026-R14, which would adopt Pocomoke City’s fiscal year 2027 budget.
Mayor Nock explained that the public hearing was being held Thursday, while the actual vote would occur during Monday’s special meeting.
“We will only be hosting our public hearing tonight. Our vote will be held on Monday, just in case the public really wanted to weigh in.”
No public comments were offered during the budget hearing before the public hearing portion was closed.
Safe Paths Initiative Begins June 22
City Manager Brandy Matthews announced that the city’s Safe Path Initiative would begin June 22 and continue through July 17.
The initial phase will focus on Winter Quarters Drive, Beech Street, and portions of 14th Street. Residents in affected areas have been notified, and vehicles left on the street during construction periods may be towed.
Matthews said the city is coordinating milling and concrete work to minimize traffic disruptions.
She also addressed concerns raised online regarding Second and Fourth streets.
“We have not forgotten about 2nd and 4th Street.”
Matthews explained that water and sewer infrastructure repairs must occur before paving work can begin and said funding has been included in the budget process to begin those improvements.
Fairgrounds Concerns Raised
During public comments, representatives of the fairgrounds raised concerns about dirty grandstand seating and delays involving electrical work.
Mayor Nock described the condition of the seating as unacceptable.
“I will say your seats are disgusting out there. I mean, it was bird poop all over them top to bottom.”
City officials said they would work with fairgrounds representatives to determine responsibility for cleaning and maintenance.
Officials also discussed delays involving electrical work at the fairgrounds, with staff explaining that additional bids had been sought after a contractor was unable to complete the work on schedule.
Veterans Memorial Project Moving Forward
Councilman C.L. Marshall announced that plans for the city’s veterans memorial continue to advance.
Marshall said a location has been selected near the existing flagpole and that a granite piece has also been chosen.
“We’ve made significant strides in that.”
Mayor Outlines New Goals for Pocomoke
During his comments, Nock reflected on his year serving as president of the Maryland Municipal League and thanked city staff and council members for their support.
He announced that both he and City Manager Brandy Matthews will receive certificates in public policy through the University of Maryland later this year.
Looking ahead, Nock said he wants Pocomoke to pursue recognition as an All-America City finalist in 2027.
“I believe that in 2027, we need to aim for Pocomoke to be an All American City finalist again.”
The mayor also announced a new neighborhood outreach effort called “Ask Me Anything,” which will involve city officials visiting neighborhoods during July and August.
“We will knock on doors and we will canvass and we will ask the citizens of this town what they need, what they want.”
Nock additionally said the city recently identified approximately 170 code enforcement violations throughout Pocomoke.
“Our largest problem was actually untagged and abandoned vehicles.”
To assist with cleanup efforts, the city plans to expand its brush and bulk collection program to include both the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month.
The mayor also announced a July “50 Mile Challenge” for walkers, runners, and joggers and introduced new Planning Director Kristin Tremblay, who began work last week and is expected to attend the council’s next meeting.
The Mayor and Council are scheduled to meet again Monday evening, June 22nd, to vote on the fiscal year 2027 budget.
