There is no indication nor any presumption that any individual(s) personally benefitted from the situation.  As I've stated publicly, I believe an independent audit should be performed to learn what we don't know and/or confirm that county accounting procedures are being followed.  In fact during the last Commissioner meeting, the commissioners unanimously voted to hire a new auditing firm to perform the required annual audit.  This new firm will have an added responsibility which will be to test procedures against practices which is expected to illuminate deficiencies.  This is a good thing.

Also, at Tuesday's public hearing it was announced that the proposal put forward that would have required all ratepayers in all service areas to shoulder the financial shortfall in equal parts regardless of whether their service area contributed to the debt is now off the table.  As the Chief Administrative Officer stated during his presentation, the proposal was not feasible.  

The commissioners, with staff recommendations, will begin reviewing other options.  This is a very good turn of events.

Ratepayers in the Ocean Pines service area should be pleased that the county is moving in the right direction and stay informed on how things are going.  

No purpose is served by trashing the motives of any of the Commissioners or the Commissioners themselves.  There was a difference of opinion on how water rates should be handled.  Yes, it was a significant difference of opinion.  Yet, we've moved beyond that hurdle and now will work together to find the right plan that is best for ALL ratepayers.