Council holds first readings on code-enforcement collection and critical-area code amendments

The mayor summarized two ordinance first readings during the meeting.

Ordinance 2026-0-10 would amend chapter 1, article 5 of the Pocomoke City code to add definitions for utility bills and to authorize transferring delinquent municipal infraction fines to utility accounts after 60 days, with the mayor citing "pursuant to s s 6 dash 1 0 2 of the local government articles of of the Annotated Code of Maryland" as legislative authority. The summary stated municipalities may classify violations as civil municipal infractions and impose fines under state law; a full copy of the ordinance is available at City Hall.

Ordinance 2026-0-11 would amend chapter 206 (the city’s critical area program) to adopt changes suggested by the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Commission, set the city's initial adoption date aligned with state law, clarify enforcement contacts and define variance compliance standards consistent with COMAR Title 27. Both items were presented as first readings; no final votes were taken at this meeting.