During a recent Wicomico County council meeting, Councilman Shaney Shields expressed frustration over the ongoing challenges faced by local government, emphasizing a desire to focus on essential infrastructure improvements rather than \"fighting wars.\" He highlighted the lack of commitment from Wicomico County regarding the Baren Creek project, which was removed from the Maryland Department of Transportation's priority letter due to insufficient planning and funding.

Shields pointed out that the county's capital improvement program (CIP) for 2025 through 2029 did not allocate any funds for Baren Creek, raising concerns about how the project could be considered a priority without financial backing. He noted past references to funding commitments, including an $850,000 allocation that could not be substantiated in records dating back to 2018. The councilman mentioned a $170,000 expenditure in 2020, which may have been related to architectural planning, but overall, he found the situation confusing and lacking clarity.

The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn into a closed work session to consult with legal counsel regarding pending litigation, followed by a brief recess before reconvening for discussions on solar site lease agreements. The council aims to address these pressing issues while maintaining transparency and communication with the public.