THE BERLIN BULLETIN - July 2026

Message from the Mayor

Wishing everyone a fun, safe, and festive Fourth of July! As we celebrate our nation's independence and kick off America's 250th anniversary commemoration, we hope you'll join us for Berlin's Independence Day Fireworks Celebration on Friday, July 3rd. Fireworks will begin at dusk (approximately 9:15 p.m.) and will be launched from Heron Park. Great viewing locations include Heron Park, the Food Lion parking lot, Downtown Berlin, and Sonrise Church. We encourage everyone to arrive early, enjoy our local shops and restaurants, and celebrate safely with family and friends.

As you enjoy the holiday weekend, please remember that Worcester County remains under a burn ban due to ongoing extreme heat and dry conditions. The ban, originally issued by the Fire Marshal's Office on May 4, 2026, remains in effect. Residents and visitors are urged to exercise extreme caution around open flames or fire and to follow all local restrictions.

On July 7th, the Town of Berlin will celebrate its first official Tindley Day, honoring the remarkable legacy of Reverend Dr. Charles Albert Tindley.

The proclamation was presented during the June Mayor and Council meeting in the presence of members of the Tindley family, making the occasion especially meaningful. We invite you to learn more about Dr. Tindley's life and legacy in the accompanying article.

As summer continues and more visitors discover all that Berlin has to offer, don't forget that the Town provides a FREE public parking lot at the corner of West and Washington Streets. Whether you're attending an event, shopping downtown, or dining with friends, this convenient lot offers easy access to Main Street and helps reduce congestion during our busiest season. Be sure to take advantage of this free parking option during your next visit downtown.

-Mayor Zack

Town News & Press Releases

Town of Berlin Announces Retention Bonuses for Berlin Police Officers. Posted June 29, 2026.

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All Town of Berlin News

Upcoming Town Meetings

SUBJECT TO CHANGE: All Mayor and Council and Boards and Commission Meetings are being held in person without attendance limitations. For more details and the most up-to-date information, please visit the meeting page on our website.

*Due to Town Hall renovations, all public meetings will be held at alternate locations. Please note the specific location listed for each meeting.

Upcoming Mayor and Council Meetings:

Monday, July 13, 2026: at Berlin Library

5:30 PM Closed Session (TDB)
6 PM Regular Session

Monday, July 27, 2026: at Berlin Library

5:30 PM Closed Session (TBD)
6 PM Regular Session

Upcoming Board and Commission Meetings: all meetings at Berlin Library

For a complete list of Board & Commission Meetings, click here.

*Alternate location addresses:

Berlin Library - 2nd floor meeting room

13 Harrison Ave., Berlin, MD 21811

Berlin Police Department

129 Decatur St.

Berlin, MD 21811

To receive direct notification of meetings via email, please visit our website at berlinmd.gov and sign up at the bottom of any page.

Mayor & Council Meetings

Board & Commission Meetings

Last Month's Meeting Highlights

June 8, 2026, Regular Session:

Approval of Minutes: a) Closed Session Minutes of 05.26.26; b) Regular Session Minutes of 05.26.26
Presentation: If I Were Mayor Winner: Jacques Hillion
Proclamation: Proclamation 2026-08: National Pollinator Week
Public Hearing: Ordinance 2026-04 - FY27 Budget Adoption
Item(s) For Approval: a) Motion 2026-30: RFP 2026-05 West Street Lift Station; b) Motion 2026-31: Fiddlers Convention Date Change & Jazz & Blues 2027; c) Motion 2026-32: Waive Taylor House Museum Sign Permit Fee; d) Motion 2026-33: United Energy Trading, LLC Annual Natural Gas Agreement; e) Motion 2026-34: Approve Emergency Pump Repairs; f) Motion 2026-35: Emergency Preparedness Radios; g) Resolution 2026-06: Re-Designation Enterprise Zone
Discussion: Commercial Trash Collection Downtown Berlin
Report(s): a) PJM Quarterly Report; b) Town Administrator’s Report, Departmental Reports

June 22, 2026, Regular Session:

Approval of Minutes: Regular Session Minutes of 06.08.26
Presentation: Girl Scout Troop Sensory Garden – Girl Scout Troop 365
Proclamation: Proclamation 2026-09: Tindley Day
Financial Highlights (tabled to 7/13/2026 meeting)
Item(s) For Approval: a) Motion 2026-36: Girl Scout Troop 365 Sensory Garden at Stephen Decatur Park; b) Motion 2026-37: Real Property Tax Abatement 9930 Deer Park Road; c) Motion 2026-38: Berlin Police Department Retention Payment; d) Motion 2026-39: FY27 Contracts

Details about Mayor and Council Meetings can be found on the Town's website. Sign up to receive automatic notifications about meetings at the bottom of any page on the website.

From the Town of Berlin

For more information, please go to the Town of Berlin Electric Department webpage at https://berlinmd.gov/department/electric/

For more election information, go to https://berlinmd.gov/government/municipal-elections/

From our Water Resources Department

From our Public Works Department

From our Electric Utility Department

From our Planning & Zoning Department

The Town of Berlin

Planning & Zoning Department is providing friendly reminder

door hangers to property & business owners regarding common

code requirements.

These reminders are not citations but are intended to help everyone stay in compliance and maintain the safety and beauty of our town.

From our Finance Department

Upcoming Events

July Monthly National Observance

July Daily National Observances

Mini Makers Market

Every 2nd Sunday at the Berlin Farmers Market

Support our community's young entrepreneurs at the Mini Makers Market, held every second Sunday during the Berlin Farmers Market! Local youth showcase and sell their handmade crafts, artwork, baked goods, and other creative products. Stop by to shop unique, locally made items while encouraging the next generation of makers and small business owners.