The Pocomoke City Mayor and Council discussed community food insecurity, upcoming meeting dates, proposed tax changes and revisions to the city’s special-event alcohol permit process during an October 26 work session.
The meeting began with a presentation from Latoya Purnell, site facilitator for the Judy Center at Pocomoke Elementary School, who requested $10,000 through the Community Impact Grant Program to support the Center’s “Circle of Care” initiative and family services.
The Judy Center provides early-learning and family support services for children from birth through age five in the Pocomoke City service area. Purnell explained that the Center is housed at Pocomoke Elementary School but receives approximately $330,000 annually from the Maryland State Department of Education, which funds its salaries and programming.
The Center currently serves approximately 22 families and has been exploring ways to expand its services despite limited space. Purnell said the grant would support 100 Thanksgiving and Christmas meal distributions, continued activities through the Soft Mom Society, and a proposed weekend backpack program providing food to about 30 children twice a week.
The Soft Mom Society, established through the Center’s Family Advisory Committee, has received $4,500 from the Community Foundation and served approximately 30 mothers through meet-and-greet, self-care and brunch activities. Purnell also discussed the Center’s community outreach, including its annual “Trunk or Treat” event, which she said drew more than 800 people in collaboration with the middle and high schools.
Council members discussed local food insecurity and potential partnerships to help support the proposed backpack program. Following the presentation, council reached a consensus in support of the $10,000 grant request.
Four one-day alcohol permits receive council support
Council members reviewed four Special One-Day Alcohol Permit applications: the Coastal Chemicals Christmas Party on November 28, the Wallops Christmas Party on December 10, the Lewis wedding and reception on January 1, 2027, and the Matthews 50th Birthday Party on January 23, 2027.
Each application requested permission to serve beer, wine and liquor. Council members indicated they had reviewed the applications, and a consensus was reached to approve all four permits. The minutes state that the necessary forms would be signed following the meeting.
Meeting calendar remains tentative
City Manager Brandy Matthews presented a proposed meeting calendar for the remainder of 2026 and the first meeting of January 2027.
Council discussed the timing of upcoming annexation proceedings, including required county and state review periods and public notice requirements. The proposed calendar places the second reading and public hearing related to the annexation on January 4, 2027, as a more conservative schedule to accommodate those requirements.
The council expressed general agreement with the calendar but noted that it would remain tentative and subject to change. Additional budget meetings could be scheduled as needed.
Council discusses homestead credit reduction
Mayor Todd Nock introduced proposed Ordinance 2027-O-3, which would reduce Pocomoke City’s local homestead property tax credit cap from 10% to 4%, effective July 1, 2027, for Fiscal Year 2028.
Nock said the city could make the reduction while maintaining its financial position. Council members discussed whether additional tax relief should be considered for seniors, people with disabilities and veterans, as well as broader questions about business incentives and development costs.
The proposal was discussed but was not adopted during the work session.
Commercial vehicle inventory tax proposal reviewed
Council also discussed proposed Ordinance 2027-O-4, which would amend the city code to allow taxation of qualifying commercial vehicle inventories at a rate of $1.50 per $100 of assessed value, beginning July 1, 2027.
Matthews said the city estimates it may be foregoing approximately $100,000 in tax revenue per dealership, depending on inventory and assessment timing. Council members raised questions about inventory assessment dates and the possibility of vehicles being moved out of state before assessment.
The council reached a general consensus to continue reviewing the proposal. Staff will examine the feasibility of establishing a calendar-year assessment date before the ordinance is finalized.
City considers streamlining liquor permit process
The final major discussion focused on revising the city’s special-event alcohol permit application and fee structure.
City staff proposed a $25 permit fee and a multi-event discount for organizations submitting four or more applications together. Council members expressed general agreement with those concepts while recommending that the application be shortened.
The discussion included keeping information that remains unchanged, such as venue setup and operational details, on file, allowing applicants to submit a shorter form for subsequent events. Council directed staff to revise the application and continue reviewing what information is needed for public safety and event oversight.
