Letter to the Editor: My Vision for Wicomico County in a 2nd Term

When I took office as Wicomico County Executive in December 2022, I made a commitment to focus on the fundamentals: fiscal responsibility, public safety, economic development, education, infrastructure, farmland preservation, and making county government work better for the people it serves.

Nearly four years later, I am proud of what we have accomplished together, but I am even more excited about what Wicomico County can accomplish next.

We have strengthened the County's financial foundation while continuing to make significant investments in our community. We have reduced the property-tax rate from 90 cents to approximately 77 cents per $100 of assessed value over the last four years.

At the same time, our assessable base has grown, reserves have strengthened, pension funding has improved from roughly 60% to nearly 80%, OPEB is funded above 100%, and after receiving an increase in our bond rating in 2024, Wicomico County has maintained its strong AA+ credit ratings.

That is important because fiscal responsibility is not simply about spending less. It is about setting priorities, planning for the future, protecting taxpayers, and making sure government is financially prepared for both opportunities and challenges.

We have also made major investments in education. The Mardela Middle and High School project was completed, we committed significant County resources to move Fruitland Primary forward, invested in improvements at Fruitland Intermediate, and continued supporting school safety. We have funded our local commitment to education while recognizing that taxpayers expect accountability for those dollars.

Public safety has remained one of my highest priorities. We have supported our Sheriff's Office, Corrections, fire and EMS, and emergency services. We reached a three-year agreement with the FOP to strengthen recruitment and retention and have increased support for the volunteer fire and EMS companies that protect communities throughout Wicomico County.

Economic development has also been a major focus. The Salisbury-Ocean City: Wicomico Regional Airport is becoming an increasingly important economic engine for the region. We have advanced the runway-extension project, invested in airport infrastructure, welcomed new commercial air service, and partnered with UMES to establish an FAA-certified Aviation Maintenance Technician program. These investments create opportunities for jobs, workforce development, tourism, aviation, manufacturing, and future business growth.

We have moved forward with improvements at the Port of Salisbury, invested in parks and public facilities, addressed long-term infrastructure needs, and we have made major advancements in the county's plan for water and sewer.

At the same time, we have fought to protect Wicomico County's agricultural heritage. Farmland is not vacant land waiting for development. Agriculture remains a major part of our economy, our history, and our identity. As state policies increasingly affect local land-use decisions, I will continue advocating for local control and responsible growth that protects productive farmland.

The next four years should build upon that foundation.

We will continue keeping Wicomico County affordable while maintaining the financial discipline that has strengthened our position. We will keep investing in law enforcement, fire, EMS, corrections, and emergency services. We will finish the school and infrastructure projects already underway and plan responsibly for the next generation of needs.

We also will be aggressive about economic development.

I want Wicomico County competing for aeronautics and aviation businesses, advanced manufacturing, technology, retail investment, and employers that provide careers with wages that allow families to build their lives here. We plan to continue strengthening partnerships with Salisbury University, UMES, Wor-Wic Community College, our municipalities, and the private sector to create pathways from education to employment right here on the Eastern Shore.

Housing and development must also be part of that conversation. We need permitting processes that are efficient and predictable, solutions to longstanding environmental-health and septic challenges, and responsible water and sewer expansion that supports economic growth without sacrificing the character of our communities.

And we must continue investing in the infrastructure that makes growth possible-our airport, Port of Salisbury, roads, schools, public safety facilities, water and sewer systems, parks, and other public assets.

Government will always have disagreements. But disagreements cannot become an excuse for inaction. Residents expect their government to solve problems, manage their money responsibly, and plan beyond the next election.

That has been my focus since December 2022.

We have reduced the tax rate while investing in our community. We have strengthened our financial position. We have invested in public safety and education. We have moved long-discussed infrastructure projects forward. We have expanded economic-development opportunities and worked to protect the farmland and quality of life that make Wicomico County special.

There is still more work to do.

The next four years should not be about changing direction. They should be about building upon the foundation we have created, finishing what we started, pursuing new opportunities, and preparing Wicomico County for the next generation.

I remain grateful for the opportunity to serve this community and optimistic about where we are headed. Wicomico County has tremendous potential, and I believe our greatest opportunities are still ahead of us.

Julie M. Giordano
Wicomico County Executive