November 22, 2013 The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch Page 27 . . Wicomico Urged To Address Issues FROM PAGE 26 The current annual compensation for the Council Vice President is $17,000. If this amount is adjusted for inflation using the Consumer Price Index data the 2013 amount would be $19,745. Commission members also found the differential negligible for this position, and have chosen not to make a market adjustment beyond the inflation adjustment, as well as noted the part-time nature and declined to peg the compensation to changes in the cost-ofliving beyond the amount already adjusted. The final position reviewed was council members, which have a current annual compensation of $16,000. If this amount is adjusted for inflation using the Consumer Price Index data, the 2013 amount would be $18,583. Commission members also found the differential negligible for this position, and have chosen not to make a market adjustment beyond the inflation adjustment, as well as noted the part-time nature and declined to peg the compensation to changes in the cost-ofliving beyond the amount already adjusted. “It is time, ladies and gentlemen, to step up to the plate,” commission member Ernie Colburn, executive director of the Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce, said. “I know over the years you have taken these things and have chucked them over your shoulder or airplanes into baskets. Please don’t do that with this report. We are so behind the curb quite frankly it’s embarrassing, particularly with the County Executive’s position. There needs to be consideration. Maybe not all that is put down here but certainly up to a respectively standard, for yourselves as well.” Councilwoman Stevie Prettyman disagreed that the council had ignored the disparity in the positions’ compensations in the past as well as the council being a part-time position. “I believe every one of us on the council serve as full-time. There are weeks we put in 40 to 80 hours sometimes,” she said. “But with that aside I do want to reiterate that we really did give consideration in the past, but when we would look at revenues coming into the county we didn’t feel justification on the council.” Councilwoman Gail Bartkovich pointed out that if pay increases were granted it would not affect the current position holders. The pay increase would go into effect following elections in 2014. Councilwoman Sheree SampleHughes asked to have a discussion regarding the report at a future work session sooner rather than later. Bartkovich agreed, adding the council would have to make a decision to submit to the county executive’s office for preparation of the operating budget in February for budget sessions in April. Annual 1st WIN PRIZES: $1,000 WORTH OF GIFT CARDS AND GIFT BASKETS WILL BE GIVEN AWAY NO PURCHASE NECESSSARY ✡ ✡ ✮☛ ✌✮☛✡ ✌  SUNDAY, DEC. 8 11 A.M.-5 P.M. LOCAL HOL IDAY SHOPPING EVENT Kick Off Your Holiday Shopping With Colleagues, Family And Friends At The Jingle Bell Mingle Featuring Local Retailers Offering Great Deals And Discounts For Everyone On Your Christmas List From These Ocean City Stores ✛ 412 South Atlantic Ave. • 410-289-7011 Sterling Silver Chain 16” Or 18” ONLY $4 With Purchase Of Charm Or Pendant 2401 Philadelphia Ave. • 410-289-3311 All Clothing And Jewelry: Buy One At Regular Price And Get One For Half-Price!! 2805 Philadelphia Ave. • 410-289-1704 20% Off All Regular-Priced Merchandise, Free Gift Wrapping And Free Gift With Purchase 8001 Coastal Hwy. • 410-723-0391 25% Off All Winter Clothing 9301 Coastal Hwy. • 410-524-7037 10% Off All Gift Sets With Free Gift Wrapping 11805 Coastal Hwy. • 443-664-6261 10% Off All Christmas Toys 130th St. & Coastal Hwy. • 410-250-5100 25% Off All In-Stock, Non-Clearance Items Along With Free Local Delivery 13701 Coastal Hwy. • 410-250-2637 Scarves: 2 For $20 And 1/2-Price Jewelry 8203 Coastal Hwy. • 410-524-8202 Complimentary Wine Tasting Free 10% VIP Discount Cards VISIT ALL STORES ON THE SHOPPING CARD • ALL STORES WILL HAVE CARDS AVAILABLE Get Your Card Stamped ~ No Purchase Necessary BRING A NON-PERISHABLE FOOD ITEM TO THE FOOD BANK TRUCK PARKED AT YOU’RE INVITED, 2805 PHILADELPHIA AVE., AND RECEIVE AN EXTRA TICKET FOR A $50 GIFT CARD DRAWING Drop Completed Card At Fresco’s, 8203 Coastal Hwy. • Drawings Will Be Held At Fresco’s By 6 p.m. You do not have to be present at drawing to win. All cards must be completely filled out to be eligible to win any of the prizes. Only one card per person. Must be 18 years or older to enter.