The Daily Times reports after the Salisbury City Council voted unanimously to allow acting fire chief Rick Hoppes to continue in his position for another month, mayor Jim Ireton continues to refuse to comply with the city’s law regarding the appointment of acting department heads. Ireton disputes the interpretation of the law provided by city attorney Mark Tilghman. Ireton appealed Tilghman’s interpretation to the Office of the Maryland Attorney General. The AG’s office informed Ireton in a January 3rd letter that they defer to Tilghman’s interpretation of the law.
“The July resolutions, which also covered Hoppes’ second-in-command John Tull, “simply provide for the Acting Status of both of these employees to be extended past six months.”
[...] Monday’s meeting the council voted to extend Hoppes’ role as acting chief. The council has refused to confirm Hoppes as the department’s chief but are prohibited [...]