By Jack Chavez

(May 27, 2021) The Worcester County Commissioners discussed the following during the May 18 meeting:

Kari’s Law

The commissioners unanimously passed the adoption and enforcement of the federal Kari’s Law, which requires multi-line telephone systems to allow direct access to call 911.

Kari’s Law is named after Kari Hunt, who was murdered by her estranged husband in 2013 at a motel she had gone to with her children. Her oldest child had attempted to call 911 while the killing took place, but did not realize she needed to dial “9” to place an outbound call.

Internet crimes

The commissioners unanimously approved the submission of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force grant to the state of Maryland. The grant is intended to purchase a new server, computer and other digital equipment, valued at $26,062 total.

In a memo to the commissioners, Sheriff’s Office Capt. Nate Passwaters said that in the nearly eight years since the Sheriff’s Office has recognized the vital nature of ICAC investigations, the workload has significantly increased, creating the need for grant funding.

Tax ditch roll certification

The commissioners unanimously certified the FY22 tax ditch rate and their managers to the county treasurer. Tax ditches are taxable drainage ditches around the county on private land for which the county helps provided maintenance. Each tax ditch has a specified manager, who works with the county to maintain the drainage ditch. Well-maintained tax ditches are essential in maintaining viable farmland and nurturing ecosystems.

Grading and paving bids

The commissioners unanimously approved a $45,500 bid from Delmar-based Terra Firma of Delmarva for the grading and paving of the Department of Public Work’s parking lot off of Timmons Road in Snow Hill. Government funding for the project will be aided by leftover funds from miscellaneous county projects.

Metal/plastic pipe bids

The commissioners approved 6-1 a $44,123.47 bid from Salisbury-based Tri-Supply for the purchase of corrugated metal and plastic pipes to be used by the Roads Division of the Department of Public Works. Commissioner President Joe Mitrecic abstained from the vote because he works with Tri-Supply directly.