By Tara Fischer

Staff Writer

(Oct. 22, 2026) The Town of Berlin is moving forward with obtaining $2.2 million in financing for its lead water service line replacement project, with more than $1.2 million of the funding expected to be forgiven.

During Tuesday night’s Town Council meeting, officials unanimously agreed to pursue Maryland Water Infrastructure Financing Administration (MWIFA) funding for the Berlin Lead Service Line Replacement Phase 1A project. The council also held a first reading for an ordinance establishing the parameters for issuing bonds to finance the work.

According to town officials, the loan funding package totals approximately $2.28 million, including about $1.28 million in principal forgiveness.

Berlin Finance Director Natalie Saleh explained that the motion authorizes Berlin to close on the Phase 1A loans separately from MWIFA financing for other town projects. The resolution establishes the town’s intent to use tax-exempt bonds to reimburse eligible project expenses incurred before the loans are finalized.

The ordinance, introduced on first reading Tuesday, establishes the terms under which the town can issue general obligation bonds to finance, reimburse, or refinance costs associated with the project. It also pledges the town’s full faith and credit, including its taxing power, toward repayment of the bonds.

Mayor Zack Tyndall said the funding arrangement would allow Berlin to complete more than $2.2 million in work while receiving more than $1 million in forgiven funding, with a relatively small amount coming from the town’s water fund.

“It’s a pretty good deal,” Tyndall said.

The project is part of the municipality’s effort to identify and replace lead service lines and improve the town’s water system. The federal government requires municipalities nationwide to identify lead pipes and work toward their replacement.

During public comment, resident Carol Rose expressed support for the initiative and asked how many phases would be required to complete the lead service line project.

The finance director explained that the broader endeavor consists of three major components: identifying the locations of lead service lines through an inventory, replacing lead lines, and treatment improvements.

The ordinance will receive a public hearing at the council’s next meeting on Monday, Oct. 26, at 6 p.m. at Buckingham Presbyterian Church.