Council Overrides Giordano Veto on Nursing Home Bill
Wicomico County, MD - The Wicomico County Council has overturned County Executive Julie Giordano's veto of a bill that adds new oversight for the Wicomico Nursing Home. The vote means a new commission will be formed to look into concerns at the facility.
The override passed 6-0 during a special legislative session on October 13, 2026. Councilman James Winn was absent.
The bill is called the Wicomico County Nursing Home Act, also known as Emergency Legislative Bill No. 2026-11. The council first passed it on September 15, 2026 by a 6-1 vote, after what they stated was hearing from employees, family members of residents, and others in the community.
At recent council meetings, members heard concerns about staff leaving the nursing home. According to the council, 20 staff members have left so far.
People also raised concerns about employee morale, poor communication, and how these problems are affecting resident care. The council said it knows there are different opinions about conditions at the facility and what is causing the changes.
The bill creates a Nursing Home Commission. The commission will review concerns and complaints and give an independent look at how the facility is run.
Its members will include a mix of professionals and stakeholders, including a resident or family advocate. The commission will report its findings and recommendations to both the county executive and the county council.
The bill went to County Executive Julie Giordano on September 16, 2026. Under the county charter, she had up to 21 calendar days to approve it or veto it.
The main concern coming out of this bill is the fact that it now allows the Wicomico County Council to terminate the new administrator with a 5-2 vote. The county council does not have oversight over employees, that's not their position, but now this will allow them the ability to terminate an employee, which is where the legal ramifications are going to come into play.
According to the council, the veto was hand delivered on the 20th day, right after the council ended its October 6, 2026 meeting. The council said that timing meant it could not act on the veto at that meeting.
Council members said having the commission report to both branches of county government is a key part of the bill. They said a commission that reports only to the county executive could limit true oversight.
The council also pointed out that its seven members hold their meetings in public. Members said this adds more accountability and openness.
Council President Cannon said, "By broadening existing oversight to both the Executive and Council, we are creating a greater level of transparency and objectivity, which is especially critical in regard to the nature of caring for our most vulnerable citizens - the Wicomico Nursing Home residents."
Eastern Shore Undercover reached out to Giordano for comment after the vote. She said she still has serious concerns about the bill.
"While I respect the Council's legislative authority, I have serious concerns about the legal implications of this legislation and the potential consequences for Wicomico County. Those concerns were significant enough to warrant my veto, and the Council's decision to override it does not make those concerns go away."
"Legislation of this nature should be grounded in facts, sound legal guidance, and a clear understanding of the county's authority and obligations. 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 also said her support for the nursing home has not changed.
"Let me be clear: my commitment to the Wicomico County Nursing Home, its residents, and its employees has never wavered. Our residents deserve quality care, our employees deserve support, and taxpayers deserve responsible leadership."
"My administration will continue to fulfill its responsibilities to the nursing home and the people of Wicomico County. However, I will not ignore legitimate legal concerns simply because a political decision has been made."
In a separate statement, Giordano said, "Some elected officials respond to the loudest voices in the room. Others take the time to examine the facts, consider the legal implications, and carefully evaluate how a decision will affect all 104,000 residents of Wicomico County. Leadership isn't about reacting to the loudest demands or giving in to political pressure. It's about making informed, responsible decisions that serve the best interests of the entire community - even when those decisions aren't the most popular."
The council said it remains committed to protecting residents, supporting employees, and strengthening oversight of the nursing home.
