Berlin, Ocean Pines News Worcester County Bayside Gazette
Earlier estimate for pending fiscal year fee increases cut from $121 to roughly $35 By Greg Ellison (Jan. 21, 2021) The Ocean Pines Board of Directors started its two-day review of the next fiscal year’s budget on Tuesday, with instant good news after learning earlier estimates for potential assessment increases have been reduced substantially. General… Read more »
By Ally Lanasa, Staff Writer (Jan. 14, 2021) Schools in Worcester County have begun preparations to return to in-person instruction next week after conducting virtual classroom learning during the first two weeks following the winter break. The classroom closure followed the Worcester County Health Department’s strong recommendation that schools wait to bring students and staff… Read more »
By Greg Ellison Department proposals get scrutiny in uncertain times (Jan. 14, 2021) Ocean Pines kicked off a multi-day FY 2021-22 budget presentation last Wednesday, with covered food and beverage services, fire/EMS, golf operations, finance, marketing and general administration. In-depth departmental presentations were provided for the Budget and Finance Committee, which will subsequently issue guidance… Read more »
By Greg Ellison Advisory group gathers on Monday to review results of departmental presentations (Jan. 14, 2021) After spending more than 12 hours reviewing next year’s proposed budget, the Ocean Pines Budget and Finance Committee reconvened on Monday to issue formal guidance for the board of directors before it meets next Tuesday. Budget Committee Chairman… Read more »
Will allow state to improve turn lanes off Route 376 By Ally Lanasa, Staff Writer (Jan. 14, 2021) The Berlin Mayor and Council on Monday approved the transfer of rights of way along Maryland Route 376 to the State Highway Administration (SHA) to widen its intersection with U.S. Route 113 for safety purposes. “These are… Read more »
By Ally Lanasa, Staff Writer (Jan. 7, 2021) Worcester County public and private schools will remain in distance learning mode this week, as school officials from both sectors agreed to abide by the Worcester County Health Department’s request. Health department officials told Bayside Gazette that the recommendation for schools to conduct classes virtually was based… Read more »
FY21 will see infrastructure, reserve fund get attention By Ally Lanasa, Staff Writer (Jan. 7, 2021) Finances, Heron Park, a community center and utility infrastructure are the priorities that Berlin’s elected officials hope to tackle in 2021. Mayor Zackery Tyndall, who began his first term in October 2020, said he has adopted “more of a… Read more »
By Greg Ellison (Jan. 7, 2021) An outpouring of last-minute donations saved the day for four children who are being raised by their grandmother and weren’t going to receive Christmas gifts this year because of tight finances. The family’s plight came to light after contacting members of the Community Church at Ocean Pines and parishioner… Read more »
By Greg Ellison (Jan. 7, 2021) Ocean Pines residents are facing the possibility, but probably not the likelihood, of triple-digit assessment increases based on the proposed fiscal 2021-22 budget released late last month. While by no means set, as extensive negotiations remain before the board votes to adopt a budget in February, the initial numbers… Read more »
PHOTO BY GREG ELLISON Ocean Pines Association Director Tom Janasek, left, and General Manager John Viola fist bump after clearing the air over previous comments involving job performance criticisms during a special board meeting in November.