By Tara Fischer Staff Writer Racquet center sport membership is down 30% in Ocean Pines, per a review of the homeowner association’s unaudited April financials conducted by the community’s budget and finance committee last week. The committee observed the 30% decrease, which was noted as a significant decline compared to an increase in memberships among… Read more »
News
OPA early budget review confirms surplus
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer The Ocean Pines Association is operating at a positive variance of around $70,000 with a revenue surplus, according to the community’s unaudited April finances. OPA’s Budget and Finance Committee met last week to review April’s finances. During the evaluation of the unaudited numbers, it was understood that the association is… Read more »
Ballot set for OP board election; Four candidates on ballot in this summer’s contest for three director seats
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer The Ocean Pines Association’s Board of Directors election approaches with four candidates officially registered to run for the governing group’s three open seats. The community’s election committee conducted a drawing last week to determine ballot order and forum seating. OPA’s Board of Directors is a seven-person team tasked with policy… Read more »
Berlin to share cost of traffic study with developer
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer Last week, the Berlin Town Council approved a motion to share the cost of a traffic study on Old Ocean City Boulevard with Coastal Ventures Properties (CVP) for $14,250 as it pertains to the site’s upcoming development. Per the approval, the town will contribute half of the cost of a… Read more »
Council holds tax rate, looks past concerns; Public hearing on budget Monday
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer The Berlin Mayor and Council presented the municipality’s proposed fiscal year 2026 budget last week, revealing a stagnant property tax rate and additional interest income. The Town of Berlin’s Mayor and Council presented the municipality’s proposed fiscal year 2026 budget on Tuesday, May 27. The document includes a balanced general… Read more »
Did county offer teacher raises in private talk?
By Brian Shane, Staff Writer and Stewart Dobson, Editor The president of the Worcester County Commissioners reportedly offered a $3,000 pay raise for teachers to the teachers association president two weeks ago provided she would end salary negotiations with the board of education. Worcester County Teachers Association President Beth Shockley-Lynch turned down the offer that… Read more »
GM Viola summarizes recent, current projects
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer An upgraded racquet center sports building, new bocce ball courts, ongoing landscaping and maintenance, and additional operational services are just a few ways the Ocean Pines Association is gearing up for the busy summer season. At a recent board of directors meeting, OPA General Manager John Viola presented his report… Read more »
Buckingham’s plans approved in early going
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer The Buckingham Elementary School replacement project continues to move forward, as this week, the Worcester County Board of Education approved the schematic design for the new facility. Upon the board’s unanimous yes vote, the plans will be presented to the County Commissioners next month. Brad Hastings and Allison Shockley of… Read more »
Referendum to decide new Pines fire station funding
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer Due to the Ocean Pines Association’s estimated $3.4 million share of the volunteer fire department’s new southside station, the community’s board of directors agreed to move forward with a referendum coinciding with the annual election to garner community approval of OPA’s financial contribution to the replacement fire station. At a… Read more »
Berlin’s newest restaurant opens after license approval
By Brian Shane Staff Writer Liquor board officials in Worcester County declined to greenlight a “liquor locker” concept for a downtown Berlin bar and restaurant but still approved its liquor license transfer to a new ownership group. The bourbon and tequila joint Bour-Agavé is no more at 104 North Main Street. It reopened May 23… Read more »