The Pocomoke City Mayor and Council approved financing for a new ambulance and a new street sweeper during its June 1 meeting, while also advancing the city’s FY2027 budget process and receiving an update on the redevelopment of the Newberry Building downtown. The meeting agenda included budget resolutions, property matters, and several community updates.
New Ambulance Approved
Council approved financing for a replacement ambulance through a five-year tax-exempt loan at 5.83% interest, with quarterly payments of $24,797.52. City Manager Brandy Matthews presented the financing proposal.
EMS company representatives explained that since 2022, the city has acquired several ambulances through USDA grant funding, with the new purchase replacing a 2022 unit. Rather than disposing of the older ambulance, the city plans to retain it as a reserve vehicle to help meet increasing call volumes and maintain fleet readiness when frontline units are out of service. Officials said future replacements may use a re-chassis process that could save approximately $100,000 to $120,000 per vehicle.
Mayor Todd Nock supported the purchase but noted that significant financing requests should ideally be discussed during a work session before appearing on a voting agenda.
Street Sweeper Financing Approved
Council also approved financing for a new street sweeper through a similar five-year, tax-exempt financing arrangement with quarterly payments of $14,977.64.
Matthews said the city’s current street sweeper has been out of service for more than eight months and emphasized the importance of having a functioning sweeper as major street improvement projects move forward. She said the equipment is needed not only to keep streets clean but also to maintain stormwater infrastructure. Officials noted the city was able to secure pricing below the Maryland state contract rate.
FY2027 Budget Introduced
The council conducted the first reading of Resolution 2026-R-14, which adopts the city’s FY2027 budget. A public hearing and final vote are scheduled for the June 18 mayor and council meeting.
Council also unanimously approved Resolution 2026-R-12, establishing the city’s fee schedule for fiscal year 2026-2027 following a public hearing that drew no public comments.
Market Street Property Declared Surplus
Council approved Resolution 2026-R-13, declaring two city-owned parcels on Market Street as surplus property and authorizing their sale through a private transaction. During the public hearing, resident Ed Popchock asked for clarification on the location of the parcels, and Mayor Nock explained they consist of two parcels that function as a single lot near the Lusby’s property on Market Street.
Editor’s note: We previously identified the surplus to be the parcels immediately north of Lusby’s, where the former wood-framed downtown building was and had been previously occupied by a trading card shop and seafood market before demolition.
Newberry Building Project Moves Forward
Matthews informed council that the Planning and Zoning Commission approved the site plan for the redevelopment of the former Newberry Building at 153 Market Street during its May 28 meeting. The project includes eight apartments on the upper floor and three to four retail spaces on the ground floor, with completion anticipated in early 2027. She also noted that roof replacement work is already underway as part of a code compliance effort.
A public discussion followed regarding parking, sidewalks, and traffic impacts associated with the project. Concerns were expressed about parking availability and future growth downtown. Matthews responded that the apartments previously existed within the building, that city-owned parking remains available, and that maintaining the traffic signal at Second Street and Clarke Avenue will be important as downtown activity increases.
Street Improvement Project Receives Notice to Proceed
During her report, Matthews announced that the city’s street improvement project officially received its notice to proceed on June 1. Construction is expected to affect Winter Quarters Drive and several other streets, including portions of Fifth Street, Bishop Isaac Jenkins Street, Moore Street, Sixth Street, 14th Street, and 15th Street. Residents will receive at least 72 hours of notice before work begins in their neighborhoods.
Mayor Highlights Discovery Museum Reopening and MML Service
Mayor Nock praised the recent reopening celebration at the Delmarva Discovery Museum, saying downtown was filled with visitors and community members supporting the attraction. He also welcomed the upcoming Maryland softball tournament scheduled for July 11-13, which is expected to bring teams and families to the city.
Nock also reflected on the conclusion of his term as president of the Maryland Municipal League, noting that he is the first mayor from Pocomoke City to hold the organization’s top leadership position. He thanked fellow officials and residents for their support and said his service with the league helped bring attention to Pocomoke City’s needs across the state.
