Announcement

"County updates"

Tuesday, October 1, 2024

The following appeared in the fall 2024 Ocean Pines Report: https://www.oceanpines.org/web/pages/quarterly-newsletters

The autumn chill is returning, and the leaves will soon turn to the golden hues of the season. It’s an enjoyable time of year, especially in Ocean Pines. Here are some updates from county government.

Cell phone connectivity is a concern for many of us. The issue has been discussed through the years. During that time, I’ve worked with varying OPA board members, OPA administration and providers to find a path forward. To that end, in early August I hosted a meeting with Ocean Pines Police Chief Tim Robinson, General Manager John Viola, Director of Business Administration Linda Martin, Commissioner Jim Bunting, Chief Administrative Officer Weston Young, Sheriff Matt Crisafulli, Emergency Services Director Matt Owens, Public Works Director Dallas Baker, Development Review and Permitting Director Jennifer Keener and others to review opportunities for county government to assist in this effort. It was a productive meeting in which we explored options and potential tower locations. 

The county offered multiple locations for a provider to install equipment to enhance coverage including the water towers within Ocean Pines. A location behind the administration building was discussed as a possible site and 5G technology was talked about as well. Following the meeting, county staff members provided cellular provider contact information to OPA staff. The county is committed to working with OPA to bring a remedy to this ongoing issue.

There has been talk within the community that the Ocean Pines Water and Wastewater plant would be an ideal location for a cellular tower. The location is not feasible nor available for such use. There is only so much usable, undeveloped land at the site. The county must ensure that future requirements such expansion of the plant for new technology, maintenance and/or to meet evolving regulatory/environmental mandates can be met now and in the future. Construction of a tower at the site would complicate and limit flexibility in meeting future needs.

County government has taken a firm stand in opposing wind turbine construction off Ocean City’s coast. During the past several years, the Commissioners have sent multiple letters to multiple agencies articulating concerns about the negative impact the wind turbine project will have on Worcester County’s fishing and tourism industries, especially the cataclysmic effect on the West Ocean City harbor, the only commercial harbor in the Mid-Atlantic region with ocean access. The harbor was specifically established as a commercial marine zoning district in 1999. It needs to be protected.

The impact of these foreign-owned, monstrous offshore structures should prick the conscience of all of us who value the environment. Testing procedures associated with construction are wreaking havoc on fragile aquatic life. Dead whales on the beach. Disoriented dolphins washing ashore. The threat to horseshoe crabs, which are critical to cancer and other medical research, is said to be unknown. 

The Commissioners unanimously voted to support the Town of Ocean City should it decide to move ahead with legal action against the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management. Additionally, we sent a letter to the Sussex County (Delaware) Council urging them to deny an application by Renewable Development LLC, a subsidiary of US Wind, for a conditional approval ordnance to build an electric substation near the Indian River Power Plant.

County government hopes that opportunities can be found, through cooperative discussions with the state, that will ultimately create a path forward that respects Worcester County’s way of life, its environment and its commerce.

Fitch Ratings, one of three major credit rating agencies, has upgraded Worcester County’s Issuer Default Rating (IDR) and general obligation (GO) bonds to AAA.
In its rating commentary, Fitch recognized the county’s financial resilience, for both revenues and expenditures, as well as the planned build-up of reserves in recent years as key ratings drivers for the upgrade. In addition, the county’s ability to manage long term debt and related liabilities was cited as being well above comparable counties and Fitch concluded that the county’s credit outlook is “Stable.”

Because of the conservative management of taxpayer money and county assets, this elevated rating improves the county’s ability to, when necessary, borrow money at a reduced cost. 
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at 443-783-3248 or by email at cbertino @co.worcester.md.us. Enjoy autumn!

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