SALISBURY -- For the third consecutive meeting, the Wicomico County Council is scheduled to continue discussions on the proposed construction of a new Bennett Middle School building.
The meeting is the final chance for the council to write a letter expressing continued financial support for the project. Officials for the Board of Education have said if the council does not write a letter to go with County Executive Rick Pollitt's letter to the State Board of Public Works meeting on Jan. 25, the project will lose its place in line for state funding.
If the council decides not to pen the letter, "we have every indication the state would withdraw and no longer let planning approval stand if we do not move forward this year," said Tracy Sahler, spokeswoman for the Board of Education.
If the council does not agree to appropriate funds during the upcoming fiscal year for construction to move forward, it is likely the state will withdraw its financial support and the project will be terminated.
If that happens, Sahler said she is unsure what the future would hold for the current Bennett Middle School building, which lacks air conditioning and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, and needs asbestos abatement.
While the discussion is expected to be held during the work session, Council Administrator Matt Creamer said if the council decides to write a letter, they will be able to do so during a work session.
"Whatever is done would be done by consensus," Creamer said, explaining a formal vote will not need to be taken.
Creamer said if the council does reach a consensus to write a letter, it would not be "a firm commitment; it would express the County Council's intent, but it does not commit the council."
During the open work session, the council is also scheduled to discuss the county executive's Capital Improvement Plan, which includes millions of dollars allocated to the construction of a new Bennett Middle School during the next four fiscal years.
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