OPA members have until mid-May to have their say

By Greg Ellison

(April 21, 2022) Ocean Pines officials are sending out referendum ballots this week for a slate of proposed bylaws language revisions.

Homeowners are being presented with 28 potential changes to bylaws, with ballots due back by May 19 at 4 p.m.

The language changes under consideration were developed after more than a year of consideration and discussion by the Bylaws and Resolutions Committee, a subcommittee and the board of directors.

Additionally, several public meetings were staged to review the process with the community.

Association President Colette Horn said in a statement that OPA attorney Jeremy Tucker had also reviewed suggested revisions.

“We believe these changes are necessary to clear up some inconsistencies in the bylaws, and to help protect theassociation from future litigation,” she said.

Ballots can either be mailed or dropped off at a ballot box located inside the Ocean Pines Police Department lobby at 239 Ocean Parkway that is accessible 24 hours daily.

Ballots must be submitted in the included return envelope or they will be considered void.

To cast a referendum ballot, homeowners must have paid 2021 assessments by April 15.

Ballots will be counted on May 20 starting at 10 a.m. in the Administration Building. The process, which is open to the public, will be recorded and posted online on the association website.

On a related note, the board rescheduled a special meeting originally set for April 18 until this Friday at 9 a.m.

The virtual meeting is to consider a change to the proposed candidate registration form to specify that several included questions were not mandatory.

To request a duplicate ballot or to inquire about other issues related to the referendum, email elections@oceanpines.org or call 410-208-3989.

For questions about voter eligibility, email member@oceanpines.org.