By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (March 26, 2026) Worcester County Public Schools officials say they have addressed all issues identified in a recent state legislative audit, including deficiencies related to human resources, transportation, management of other risks, and information technology. WCPS Chief Financial Officer Vince Tolbert briefed the Worcester County Board of Education on the… Read more »
News
County plans for over $17 million in new spending
By Brian Shane Staff Writer (March 26, 2026) More than $17 million in projected new spending for fiscal year 2027 is putting Worcester County’s operating budget $3 million short of what it would collect in revenue. Budget officer Kim Reynolds last Tuesday told the Worcester County Commissioners that the county’s projected operating budget for FY… Read more »
Residents cite fairness with storm debris collection work
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (March 26, 2026) Residents expressed frustration over storm debris collection at a Berlin mayor and council meeting this week and asked why some properties were skipped following last month’s snowstorm. A massive windy, winter storm in February left branches and trees in disarray throughout the Town of Berlin, and residents… Read more »
(Almost) everything must go; With Town Hall about to be renovated, Berlin officials to sell what they don’t need
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (March 26, 2026) As the Town of Berlin prepares to vacate Town Hall for upcoming renovations, officials this week approved plans to label a wide range of items as surplus property and offer them to the public through a sale aligned with the townwide yard sale scheduled for April 4…. Read more »
Council okays smart meter opt-out policy, monthly fees
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (March 26, 2026) The Berlin Town Council this week voted to approve a smart meter opt-out policy and an associated fee structure for residents who choose not to participate in the town’s advanced metering system for electric and water utilities. At Monday’s council meeting, town officials outlined the two-part process… Read more »
Funds transferred for Henry’s Mill road project
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (March 26, 2026) The Berlin Town Council on Monday approved reallocating $450,000 in fiscal year 2026 street capital funding to address deteriorating conditions on Henry’s Mill Drive, now considered the “worst roadway” in the Town of Berlin. Jimmy Charles, the municipality’s public works director, told the council Monday night that… Read more »
Democratic challengers file for Worcester County seats
By Brian Shane Staff Writer (March 26, 2026) A months-long push by Maryland Democrats to run candidates in every state legislative race has resulted in new challengers filing for seats representing Worcester County. While Feb. 24 was the filing deadline for individual candidates to register for the June 12 primary, state election rules allow party… Read more »
Wastewater must have motivated microbes; Study in Pines to determine if warmth helps bacteria remove nitrogen from waste
By Brian Shane Staff Writer (March 26, 2026) When hungry microbes living in sewage treatment tanks get too cold, they go to sleep and can’t do their job: eating up harmful nitrogen compounds to prevent them from polluting local waterways. That’s why the Worcester County Commissioners last Tuesday unanimously approved a performance study for the… Read more »
Building demolition project moving forward
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (March 26, 2026) The Berlin Town Council this week approved a contract with Bennett Construction for $121,436 to demolish a multipurpose building at 130 Flower Street. The job is a key step in preparing the site for the town’s planned community center. At its Monday, March 23, meeting, town officials… Read more »
Town fire company has a volunteer problem
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (March 19, 2026) The Berlin Fire Company gave town officials its semiannual update last week, revealing that filling the ranks with volunteers remains a struggle for the department. Berlin Fire Company President David Fitzgerald and Fire Chief Andrew Grunden attended the Berlin Town Council’s meeting on March 9. The department… Read more »