Wicomico County Council Overturns Veto of Wicomico Nursing Home Legislation; Executive Reacts

SALISBURY, Md. – The Wicomico County Council overturned County Executive Julie Giordano’s veto of Emergency Legislative Bill No. 2026-11 on Tuesday morning, paving the way for new oversight regulations to take effect at the Wicomico Nursing Home.

After Executive Giordano’s veto on Oct. 6, the Council moved to hold a Special Legislative Session on Oct. 13. The legislation, originally passed by the Wicomico County Council on Sept. 15, would significantly alter the chain of oversight for the facility, and create a Nursing Home Commission; a board comprised of a County Councilmember and six professionals that would serve in an advisory capacity to the Nursing Home Director.

At the Special Legislative Session, the Council voted unanimously 6-0 to override the veto without discussion. Councilmember James Winn was absent for the vote.

Community members attending the meeting responded to the vote with cheers, and spent public comments thanking the Council for taking expeditious action.

In her reasoning for the veto, Executive Giordano explained that the Council does not have the ability oversee personnel in the county, and doing so “blurs the fundamental distinction between legislative oversight and executive administration”. However, attorney for the Wicomico County Council Robert Benson rejected the reasoning, saying the county ordinance that established the Wicomico Nursing Home in 1974 rendered her concerns about violating the County Charter null.

During Council comments, multiple councilmembers shared their contentment with overriding the Executive’s veto — but several added that this was just the first step. Councilmembers Josh Hastings and David Ennis showed support for establishing the Wicomico Nursing Home as an official department of the county. And, Council President John Cannon said the County and the community must now step up to fill the newly established Nursing Home Commission, with plans for advertising open seats in the coming days.

In a statement to WMDT, County Executive Giordano said while she respect’s the Council’s legislative authority, she still has serious concerns about the legal implications of this legislation and the potential consequences for Wicomico County.

“Legislation of this nature should be grounded in facts, sound legal guidance, and a clear understanding of the county’s authority and obligations,” Giordano said, in part. “We have a responsibility to ensure that our actions comply with the law and do not expose taxpayers to unnecessary legal or financial risks.”

Giordano added that despite the “political decision”, her administration will continue to fulfill its responsibilities to both the nursing home and the people of Wicomico County. 

WMDT will have more on this story on WMDT News at 5:30 p.m. & 6:00 p.m.