General Assembly leaders voted Wednesday to issue a rare subpoena to Gov. Larry Hogan’s former chief of staff Roy McGrath. Lawmakers want answers about the $230,000 payout McGrath received when he left the Maryland Environmental Service to work for Hogan. 

Lawmakers plan to subpoena both McGrath and former Maryland Environmental Service director of operations Matthew Sherring. 

Legislators want answers not only about McGrath’s severance package, but also about the expensive travel, meals and other items McGrath and Sherring expensed to the agency.

While presenting the case for the subpoena, Sen. Clarence Lam expressed frustration that McGrath and Sherring have so far rebuffed lawmakers.

“These are individuals who work for the state of Maryland, for a state agency, and the legislature funds these state agencies,” Lam said. “In many respects, it’s not appropriate and paints a disturbing picture, really, when agency directors and leaders thumb their nose at the legislature.”

Bruce Marcus, an attorney for McGrath, said if the subpoena is consistent with lawmakers’ past requests, McGrath will be “willing and available to address appropriate questions and to the extent possible, provide an account of the relevant events.”

Sherring could not be reached for comment.