A bill that would allow voters to decide Carroll?s primary police agency moved toward expected approval in Annapolis.
The bill unanimously passed the Senate on Friday without debate, unanimously passed the House Environmental Matters Committee on Monday morning and needs only to pass on the House floor.
The measure would enable voters to override a commissioners? plan to create a county police department with an appointed chief.
“This set of commissioners has not allowed the public the proper hearing,” said Del. Tanya Shewell, a member of the Environmental Matters Committee who supports the referendum.
Carroll?s state delegation narrowly supported the bill at first, with a 4-3 vote. But with the measure gaining momentum in the General Assembly, the three delegates who had opposed it pledged to vote in support if the bill made it out of committee, Shewell said.
Commissioners voted 3-0 in October to create acounty police department before holding a public hearing. They have held two since.
But Sheriff Kenneth Tregoning, backed by crowds of vocal residents, has pushed for an expanded sheriff?s office to take over as the county?s primary police force.
“We hope the commissioners are on board with us at some point, but in the end, the will of the public, I believe, will win,” Tregoning said. “I can accept the will of the public. I can?t accept this decision from this board.”
Commissioners have defended their vote, saying it is legal and within their authority.
“The commissioners have been given responsibility to run the county; the delegation has been given responsibility to represent the interests in Annapolis,” Commissioner Dean Minnich said. He offered the delegation some advice: “Stay within the bounds of your responsibilities.”
