By Josh Davis, Associate Editor

(July 12, 2018) A delay of the Ocean Pines election remains unlikely, but Ocean Pines officials are taking seriously the lawsuit by former director and interim general manager Brett Hill, who aimed to block the balloting.

Board members last Friday adjourned to a closed session to discuss legal matters believed to be the Hill lawsuit. Association attorney Jeremy Tucker was present during the meeting.

Hill filed for election this year, but his application was denied because, according to Ocean Pines Secretary Colette Horn, his assessments had not been paid on time. He is suing the association and Horn for $20,425 and $50,000 in punitive damages and sought a temporary restraining order stop the election.

Last week a representative from the Worcester County Clerk of Court’s office said the election was not likely to be interrupted and the restraining order was denied.

The representative said summons were issued on June 27. According to Maryland Case Search, affidavits for service were delivered on July 6.

Hill this week did not respond to requests for comment and association officials were also mostly silent.

“We don’t comment on pending litigation,” Association President Cheryl Jacobs said after the special meeting, Friday.

Horn added, “We’re not going to comment on anything that is a legal matter.”

However, Horn did say ballots for the election would be mailed “as soon as the envelopes are stuffed.”

She confirmed there were still seven candidates up for election, meaning Hill had not been added to the list of those eligible.