Wicomico County Council discussing resolution on wage increases, pension plan adjustments for law enforcement

WICOMICO COUNTY, Md.- Wicomico County Council is looking into amending the collective bargaining agreement between the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office, Fraternal order of Police Lodge 111, and the county. The current 3-year agreement was set in July of 2021.

One proposed amendment is to increase wages for law enforcement with Wicomico County currently ranking in at the lowest in the state. Other revisions include adjustments to the current pension plan.

The FOP tells us their biggest concern is a contract dispute. Right now, an individual who’s awarded workers compensation is subject to surrender an offset to the county.

It’s something the FOP says could have many consequences for those impacted. “They want that cash settlement award so they can use that money to make up for lost wages or any other expenses that they had which we know medical and attorney bills are expensive. So, to help with some those expensive they want that settlement award,” FOP Lodge 111 President Scott Hamilton said.

“When you recognize there’s a problem you have to address and move and fix it. If we can’t do that then the arbitrator will decide the case. When that happens, it’ll be binding on both parties.”

That resolution was expected to be on the agenda for the Wicomico County Council meeting Tuesday, but we’re told discussion on the was postponed until the next meeting.

To find out more about Resolution 64, click here.