OC Today WWW.OCEANCITYTODAY.NET
APRIL 14, 2017
SERVING NORTHERN WORCESTER COUNTY
LIFESTYLE
EASTER ACTIVITIES An abundance of events are planned this weekend in OC and surrounding towns – Page 53
FREE
Public safety spending tops $35 million, less than FY ‘16 Police dept. heads list with proposal of $21.2 million, asks for additional officer
By Katie Tabeling Staff Writer (April 14, 2017) Six departments and divisions presented their budgetary requests to the mayor and council Monday, each explaining its contribution to the coming year’s proposed $35.2 million spent on public safety. Although the overall public safety budget increased by $1.2 million this year, the city is expecting a projected
increase in revenues will more than cover it. Approximately $6.59 million will be paid for by grants, and others are covered via cost reductions and revenue generated from fines and fees. The Police Department topped the list of requests at $21.2 million, a large portion of which involves personnel costs. Factored into the budget is step and cost-of-living increases for police union members that go into effect on Jan. 1, 2018. “About 83 percent of our budget is See OCPD Page 3
Pit bull attacks OP woman after escaping onto street Victim taken to hospital for treatment, dog taken by county to be put down
LISA CAPITELLI/OCEAN CITY TODAY
KOMEN RACE Close to 1,600 people registered for the sixth annual Susan G. Komen Ocean City Race for the Cure, last Saturday, which included a 5K timed competitive run, 5K recreational run and walk and 1-mile fun walk. About $136,000 has been raised so far. Donations will be accepted until May 6.
(April 14, 2017) A 52-year-old woman is recovering after allegedly being attacked by a dog along Beaconhill Road in Ocean Pines. Police said the incident occurred on Wednesday, April 5 at around 11:32 a.m. An Ocean Pines police officer was dispatched to Beaconhill Road for the reported dog bite.
Upon arrival, the officer found Mary Christine Ernst, 52, of Ocean Pines, sitting on her front steps with a towel around her left leg. The officer checked her injuries and saw two long, deep lacerations in her left calf, as well as a puncture to her right upper arm and scraped knees. According to a witness, Ernst and her dog, an American cocker spaniel, were leaving the witness’s See VICTIM Page 5
Family leave bill passes, with adjustments Tweaks throughout measure makes it more palatable for resort’s seasonal operations By Brian Gilliland Associate Editor (April 14, 2017) Though strongly opposed by resort business owners and officials, the Maryland Healthy Families Act was passed by a vetoproof majority in the General Assembly and now sits on Gov. Larry
Hogan’s desk waiting for his signature or veto. Should the governor decide not to endorse the legislation, it will still become law without his signature, and a veto probably wouldn’t even cause a delay before the provisions become active on Jan. 1, 2018. Should he veto it, lawmakers can vote to override his rejection when the next session begins on Jan. 8. But the resort ended up getting a little bit of what it wanted.
Under the legislation, business owners with more than 14 employees are required to provide one hour of paid sick leave, at the rate the employee usually earns, for every 30 hours worked. Firms with fewer than 14 workers must provide one hour of unpaid leave for every 30 hours worked. Employees can’t earn more than 40 hours of leave in a year, use more than 64 hours in a year, bank more than 64 hours total or use earned
time during the first 106 calendar days worked. Originally, the employee could earn, use and bank more hours, plus use the leave after only 90 days of employment. Local leaders wanted a 120-day window to begin using the leave, for reasons Susan Jones, director of the Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association, makes obvious. “People are open from Springfest See HARD Page 6