Worcester County commissioners approve budget amendment, contract awards and over-expenditure requests

At its May 5 meeting, the Worcester County Board of Commissioners approved a package of routine and project actions, including a fiscal-year 2026 enterprise-fund budget amendment, two contract awards and multiple over-expenditure requests.

Budget staff presented a resolution to amend enterprise funds for water, wastewater and solid-waste operations by approximately $4,750,000 to reconcile encumbrances and complete ongoing projects. "The amendment totals approximately 4,750,000 and reflects necessary adjustments to complete ongoing projects, address operational needs, and reconcile prior-year commitments," a county budget staff member said during the public hearing. With no public speakers, Commissioner Bertino moved to approve the resolution; the motion was seconded and passed by the board.

The board approved an award for a countywide outdoor warning-siren system upgrade intended to replace aging equipment across jurisdictions. Staff said the project will install all-new siren equipment and estimated completion in under 12 months after award. The board also approved a replacement contract for the Tan House Creek ("Little Bayside") Bridge. Public Works recommended awarding the bridge contract to Mertac Marine Construction of Salisbury for a recommended bid of $622,646 after the bridge was found to be operationally deficient and closed to vehicular traffic last summer.

Public Works presented two over-expenditure requests: one to cover higher-than-anticipated electricity and propane costs in the maintenance division and another to complete multiple roads through the blacktop overlay account. Commissioners asked staff about fuel-tax reimbursement and possible levels of fuel-cost increases; Public Works staff estimated fuel-cost pressure could be roughly 25–30 percent, and staff explained some tax reimbursements are recovered after purchase. Both over-expenditure requests were approved by voice vote.

Other business included the appointment of Jennifer Kettner to the county water and wastewater committee and a reminder that the county will hold a public hearing on the fiscal-year 2027 operating budget at 6 p.m. the same day. Commissioners were also asked to follow up on reserve levels after a question about a reported $37,000,000 figure; finance staff said the budget stabilization account is closer to $15,000,000 and offered to provide exact figures before the evening public hearing.

The meeting closed after a unanimous adjournment vote.