By Greg Bassett

Wicomico County Council members appear poised to approve pay raises for the council that takes office this November, but want more time to consider raises for the next Sheriff and County Executive.

The county’s citizen-led Compensation and Allowance Commission, meeting several times during November and December, recommended new salary numbers for Wicomico’s elected leaders. In its report, the commission deemed that compensation amounts, which have remained unchanged for many years, “are significantly lower than the roles and responsibilities of the positions’ merit.”

Led by retired Salisbury University Business professor Memo Diriker, the panel recommended:

• The County Executive’s annual salary be increased from the current $85,000 to $124,000.
• The county Sheriff’s salary be raised from $95,000 to $121,000 annually.
• Salary for the County Council President would go from the current $18,000 to $25,000; and the council Vice President be raised from $17,000 to $23,000.
• Council members, now paid $16,000, would see annual salaries of $21,000.

The commission also recommended automatically adjusted annual raises, for the County Executive and Sheriff, based on the Cost of Living.

State and local laws forbid legislative bodies from awarding themselves raises. The raises would be granted to those who win election this November, a roster that is likely to include several incumbents.

The Compensation Commission meets every four years and does a pay analysis based on position responsibilities and pay scales awarded to identical jobs in other regional jurisdictions. Though the commission members are appointed by the County Council, the commission’s advice has been routinely ignored because of political considerations.

The County Executive’s post has not received a raise since it was created 15 years ago. The Sheriff’s position last received a raise in 2013.

Wicomico’s council members last received raises in 1994.

In their discussions last Tuesday, council members couldn’t agree on a salary for County Executive. Council members Nicole Acle, Joe Holloway and Larry Dodd shared a consensus opinion that $100,000 annually was the correct salary amount.

Council members John Cannon, Ernie Davis, Josh Hastings and Bill McCain backed the commission’s $124,000 number.

But because the executive’s pay rate is included in the County Charter, a super-majority vote – five affirmative votes – will be needed to approve the higher number.

Seeking input from Acting County Executive John Psota – who currently serves dual roles as executive and Director of Administration – Holloway and Dodd wondered aloud whether the higher salary amount was warranted.

Psota pointed out his position oversees 25 funding departments, some 600 employees and a $160 million annual budget.

“This isn’t a ceremonial position, but a boots-on-the-ground position, working hard every day to take care of county business, which I argue is ever-increasing,” he said.

The county workforce as a whole is now part of an independent salary review, with a report expected in early March.

Council President Cannon recommended the body review that report before continuing debate on the County Executive and Sheriff pay numbers.