For the 2024 election, Wicomico County has a ballot proposition called Question A. Exactly, what is question A? Most citizens are easily confused on this topic as they don’t really understand how their county government operates. To understand this ballot proposition, you must first understand how the two models of governments differ.
The position of County Executive was created by a modification to the county’s charter. As a result, the first County Executive was sworn in on December of 2006 establishing two separate branches. Since then, the County Council serves as the Legislative Branch, and the County Executive serves as the Executive Branch. The County operates from a charter that guides the organizational operation of the county. Every ten years, the Wicomico County Charter is reviewed by a Charter Review Committee to make any changes.
Here are the differences between the two models of county government:
Charter Form of Government: Has Separate Legislative and Executive Branches
- What the Council passes must be approved by the Executive in order to go into effect.
- Two separate branches offer a level of internal accountability having stopgap measures.
- Disagreements between the two branches can make it difficult to get things done and executed in a timely manner.
- Adds an expense to the county for the Executive’s salary ($107K) plus benefits.
- Low salary can make it difficult to attract a qualified Executive.
- Branches can rack up legal fees and create liability due to infighting/negligence at the expense of the taxpayers.
- Political affiliation of the Executive can act as an obstacle for Council majority of a different party.
- Both branches have separate legal representation, which adds an expense.
- No term limits.
County Council Government: Council both Legislates and Executes, and Hires a County Admin
- Representatives from each district have ultimate power & control of the county.
- Can get things done in a timelier manner.
- Can accept or withhold funding from a department without approval from an Executive.
- No internal accountability.
- No term limits.
Question A- Charter Resolution/Revision #90-2024 A revision of the Charter of Wicomico County to change from an elected Executive form of government to an elected County Council form of government in which the County Council is vested with both the executive and the legislative functions of government, together with an appointed Administrative Director to act as chief administrative officer of the County.
This ballot proposition is to remove the Charter form of government and go to a Council form of government. You can either vote FOR or AGAINST this amendment on your ballot for what you feel is best.
