By Elizabeth Bonin, Staff Writer

County officials wait to hear from board on whether it will provide space in library

(Jan. 23, 2020) The potential move of the Worcester County Treasurer’s Office to the Ocean Pines Library computer lab hinges on how the Ocean Pines Association board of directors respond to that possibility.

Photo submitted by Jennifer Ranck
One of the two computer labs in the Ocean Pines Library, located on Cathell Road, could be used for the Worcester County Treasurer’s satellite
office, but only if the Ocean Pines Association approves.

During the Jan. 7 Worcester County Commissioner’s meeting, a motion was made to move the treasurer’s satellite office to the library because the Isle of Wight facility, where it is currently located, had several challenges.

The 99-year lease between Ocean Pines and the county, however, prevents that from happening. A clause in the dollar-a-year lease between the county and the OPA, which was approved in a referendum in the 1990s, stipulates that the land must be used for one purpose only — a library —unless the landlord agrees to another use.

“In the event Tenant wishes to use the Land for any public use other than that of a public library, Tenant shall request permission from Landlord,” the lease states. “Landlord agrees to follow such procedures as are in effect at that time to attempt to obtain the authority to consent to the requested substitute use (currently a referendum). Tenant agrees to reimburse Landlord for the costs incurred by Landlord in attempting to obtain the authority to consent to the substitute use.”

According to Dick Brady, who was the Ocean Pines Association president when the contract went into effect, this was written to prevent the county from moving multiple offices into the library.

County Commissioner Chip Bertino, who represents Ocean Pines, said he was not aware of the stipulation of the lease when the motion was approved two weeks ago.

“This is something that needs to be resolved and discussed,” Bertino said.

Though the issue was not on the agenda for the commissioner’s Tuesday meeting, Bertino did inquire about the issue.

Harold Higgins, chief administrative officer, said that the county is waiting for comment from the Ocean Pines Association board. He added that the president, Doug Parks, asked for the ability to run the issue by the board.

Kelly Shannahan, chief administrative assistant, said that Parks had drafted a letter for the rest of the board to approve.