Message from the Mayor

Spring has sprung in Berlin, and we are gearing up for the busiest season of the year—budget season & the summer ahead. 

The next FY27 public budget meeting takes place on May 11th —you can find the full FY27 Budget schedule and updated meeting locations here: https://berlinmd.gov/department/finance/ 

Please join the students of Buckingham Elementary School and me as we

Bike to School together next Wednesday, May 6th. You can ride with us from Henry Park, Henry’s Mill, or the Library, and motorists should prepare for this event too, both in the morning and at dismissal time, too.

Every year that the Town helps host this event, I am reminded of how integral a safe connection across Highway 113 is for our residents. Our public engagement sessions and 10-month study funded by the USDOT have led to great insight that can help move the safe and effective connection of Berlin forward. We look forward to sharing more outcomes about the Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods grant, but for now you can find details here: https://berlinmd.gov/reconnecting-communities-and-neighborhoods/ 

This month has us looking forward to the Memorial Day Parade on Flower Street, at which time many residents might notice changes to the site of the future Berlin Community Center. Much progress has been made as we finally begin the DHCD grant-funded demolition of the multi-purpose building and ShoreUp! trailers, with even more grant support from Senators Van Hollen and Alsobrooks coming via the USDA Rural Development Community Programs project. The next year will be a major milestone in the building of our Community Center as we formally enter the pre-construction phase, leading us closer than ever to a dream realized on Flower Street. 

Speaking of construction phases, I am sure you’ve seen all the progress happening at Town Hall as we embark on the 125-year-old Town Hall’s historic restoration and renovation. Thank you for your continued patience as the Customer Service and Administration of Town Hall operate from the Welcome Center, located at 14 South Main Street, across from the Uptown Emporium, from 8 am to 4 pm weekdays.  

I hope to see you at the season opener of the

Berlin Farmer’s Market this Sunday, May 3rd! 

-Mayor Zack

Public Meeting on Hudson Branch Restoration Project. Posted April 10, 2026.

Town of Berlin Announces Howard Drewer as Chief of Police. Posted April 17, 2026.

A Letter from the Office of the Mayor. Posted April 23, 2026.

Town of Berlin Announces Exciting Enhancements Coming to Stephen Decatur Park. Posted May 1, 2026.

Upcoming Town Meetings

April 13, 2026, Closed Session:

STATUTORY AUTHORITY TO CLOSE SESSION, General Provisions Article, §3- 305(b): (7) To consult with counsel to obtain legal advice on a legal matter, 1. Update to ongoing contract discussions; II: (1) To discuss the appointment, employment, assignment, promotion, discipline, demotion, compensation, removal, resignation, or performance evaluation of appointees, employees, or officials over whom this public body has jurisdiction; or any other personnel matter that affects one or more specific individuals, 1. Department Head-level Appointments

April 13, 2026, Regular Session:

1. Approval of Minutes: a) Regular Session Minutes of 03.23.26; b) Work Session Minutes of 03.30.26
2. Public Hearing: Ordinance 2026-01: Amending Chapter 6, Section 127 Housing Board Of Review
3. Item(s) for Approval: a) Motion: 2026-17: Lead Service Line Award of Contract; b) Motion: 2026-18: Maryland Department of Agriculture Mosquito Control Program; c) Motion 2026-19: Reallocation of Funds to Stephen Decatur Park Playground Equipment; d) Motion 2026-20: Impact and General Fee Revisions Study
4. Update: Multipurpose Building Demolition: Shore Up & Head Start Trailers

April 20, 2026, General Fund Budget Work Session

April 27, 2026, Closed Session:

STATUTORY AUTHORITY TO CLOSE SESSION, General Provisions Article, §3- 305(b): (1) To discuss the appointment, employment, assignment, promotion, discipline, demotion, compensation, removal, resignation, or performance evaluation of appointees, employees, or officials over whom this public body has jurisdiction; or any other personnel matter that affects one or more specific individuals. 1. Personnel matter

April 27, 2026, Regular Session:

1. Approval of Minutes: a) Closed Session Minutes of 02.02.26; b) Work Session Minutes of 02.19.26; c) Closed Session Minutes of 03.09.26; d) Closed Session Minutes of 03.23.26; e) Closed Session Minutes of 04.13.26; f) Regular Session Minutes of 04.13.26
2. Swearing In: Housing Board of Review
3. Discussion(s): a) FY27 General Fund Draft Budget Shortfall; b) FY27 BFC and BFCEMS Budget Requests
4. First Reading(s): a) Ordinance 2026-02: Amended Ready to Serve; b) Ordinance 2026-03: Introduction of FY27 Tax Rate
5. Item(s) for Approval: a) AMENDED Motion 2026-17: Lead Service Line Award of Contract; b) Berlin Main Solar Commercial Site Plan Review Fee Request for Reduction; c) Motion 2026-22: FY27 Healthcare Renewal; d) Resolution 2026-05: Allocation of Room-Tax to Parking Projects

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

From our Police Department

The Town of Berlin is pleased to announce the appointment of

Colonel Howard “Howie” Drewer as the Town’s next Chief of Police, effective Monday, April 20, 2026. Chief Drewer brings with him nearly three decades of distinguished law enforcement and military service, marked by a steadfast commitment to public safety, leadership, and community engagement.

The Town looks forward to his leadership and the continued strength of its commitment to serving residents and visitors alike. A swearing-in ceremony will be announced at a later date.

Please join us in recognizing a truly historic milestone for the Berlin Police Department.

We are proud to announce that Robert Fisher has been promoted to serve as the first-ever Police Captain in the history of the Berlin Police Department, Maryland.

Captain Fisher has over 31 years of dedicated service to the Town of Berlin. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated exceptional leadership, professionalism, and a deep commitment to the safety and well-being of our community.

This promotion not only reflects his years of hard work and experience but also marks an important moment in the continued growth and evolution of our department.

Please join us in congratulating Captain Fisher on this well-deserved achievement and thanking him for his continued service to our community. 

From our Water Resources Department

From our Electric Utility Department

From our Finance Department

Event sponsored by Town of Berlin &

Berlin Community Improvement Association.

 Flower Street, Dr. William E. Henry Park

Have friends or family visiting Berlin? Have them check out www.BerlinMainStreet.com for events, a shopping and dining map,

parking, attractions, and more.

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Government

Department and Services

Contact Us

info@berlinmd.gov