Message from the Mayor

The weather sure shifted gears quickly and we’re taking a cue in Berlin! October usually brings our town election, but this year all three council seats had only one candidate each, so no one will need to vote in an uncontested election. That doesn't make the moment any smaller. This fall brings some of the biggest changes our town government has seen in a generation, and I want to take a moment to honor the people who got us here and welcome those who will lead us forward. 

Welcoming new voices. I'm pleased to welcome Matt Stoehr, who will represent District 1, and Tony Weeg, who will represent District 4, to the Town Council. Both have already served Berlin well: Matt as chair of our Planning Commission and Tony as a member of the Housing Board of Appeals and is well known around town as the founder of We Heart Berlin. I'm also glad Councilmember Jay Knerr will return for another term in the at-large seat. I look forward to working with them all.   

Thank you, Vice President Dean Burrell. After 32 years on the Town Council, Dean Burrell is retiring. For more than three decades he has represented District 4 with steady judgment, and for years he has served as the council's vice president. He brought hard questions to every budget, worked patiently through tough issues like our partnership with the Berlin Fire Company, and always kept the concerns of his neighbors at the center of the conversation. Few people have shaped modern Berlin the way Dean has. On behalf of the whole town, thank you, Dean, and enjoy a well-earned rest. 

Best wishes, Councilmember Steve Green. Steve Green's term representing District 1 is ending, and he is taking his commitment to public service to the Worcester County Commission. Since joining the council in 2022, Steve has been a thoughtful, well-prepared colleague. Berlin will be well served by having one of our own at the county table, and we wish him every success. 

Farewell to Mary Bohlen. Our Town Administrator, Mary Bohlen, is retiring after 35 years with the Town of Berlin. Mary has guided this town through more councils, mayors, projects and challenges than any of us can count. Her knowledge, thoughtfulness and dedication are woven into nearly everything Town Hall does. Mary, we are grateful, and we wish you a happy retirement. 

Looking ahead. Change on this scale is a lot at once, but it comes at a good time. Our Town Hall renovations are nearing completion, our staff is strong, and our new council members bring fresh energy alongside experienced colleagues. The work of serving Berlin continues without interruption.  

I truly believe 2027 will be an exciting year for our small town. Thank you for your trust, your involvement, and your love for Berlin. 

-Mayor Zack

Town of Berlin Notice of Municipal Election On Tuesday, October 6, 2026. Posted on September 23, 2026.

Town of Berlin Announces 2026 Municipal Election Results. Posted September 30, 2026.

Upcoming Town Meetings

September 14, 2026, Work Session:

Continued discussion regarding Ordinance 2027-07: Amending Chapter 108 by adding a new Section 88 in Section of Article II, Entitled “Accessory Dwelling Units”

September 14, 2026, Regular Session:

1. Approval of Minutes: a) (*) Public Service Commission Case No. 9879 Summary; b) Regular Session Minutes of 8.24.26; c) Closed Session Minutes of 8.24.26 (*) This item is for informational purposes only; no approval or action is required.
2. Presentation: Charles McWilliams, Lineworker Apprenticeship Program
3. First Reading(s): (Public Hearings on Monday, September 28, 2026) a) Ordinance 2026-06: Amending Chapter 16, Entitled Fire Prevention and Protection, Article II, Entitled Outdoor Burning; b) Ordinance 2027-07: Amending Chapter 108, by adding a new Section 88 in Section of Article II, Entitled “Accessory Dwelling Units”
4. Discussion(s): a) Resolution 2026-07: Updated Town Fee Schedule to include addition of ADU-related permit fees; b) EDU Financing Resolution and Policy
5. Item(s) for Approval: a) Motion 2026-49: EDU Transfer Request from Triple D Rentals, LLC to Derrickson Enterprises, LLC; b) Motion 2026-50: Award of Contract, Bid 2026-06 Westminster, Abbey, and Upshur Stormwater Management Upgrades; c) Motion 2026-51: Award of Contract, RFP 2026-07 Bottle Branch Sewer Lining; d) Motion 2026-52: Approval for Purchase of AMI Field Support Equipment and Vehicle; e) Motion 2026-53: Recommendation for Appointment to Board/Commission; f) Motion 2026-54: Authorizing Utilization of Funds to Enter Agreement with PowerDMS
6. Announcement: Motion 2026-55: Taylor House Museum Grading/Excavation Fee Waiver Poll Vote Results
7. Report(s): a) PJM Quarterly Report; b) Town Administrator’s Report, Departmental Reports

September 28, 2026, Work Session:

Continued discussion regarding Ordinance 2027-07: Amending Chapter 108 by adding a new Section 88 in Section of Article II, Entitled “Accessory Dwelling Units”

September 28, 2026, Regular Session:

1. Approval of Minutes: a) Work Session Minutes of 9.14.26; b) Regular Session Minutes of 9.14.26
2. Presentation(s) a) Citation – Recognition of Town Administrator Mary Bohlen’s Years of Service and Retirement; b) Summary of Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods Grant, work completed in Phase 1 and plans for Phase 2
3. Public Hearing(s): (First Readings held on Monday, September 14, 2026) a) Ordinance 2026-06: Amending Chapter 16, Entitled Fire Prevention and Protection, Article II, Entitled Outdoor Burning; b) Ordinance 2026-07: Amending Chapter 108, by adding a new Section 719 in Section of Article II, Entitled “Accessory Dwelling Units”
4. Discussion(s): a) Sale of Parcel 57; b) Sidewalks
5. Item(s) For Approval: a) Resolution 2026-07: Re-establish Equivalent Dwelling Unit (EDU) Financing Policy; b) Resolution 2026-08: Updated Town Fee Schedule to include addition of ADU-related permit fees; c) Motion 2026-37: Real Property Tax Abatement 9930 Deer Park Road; d) Motion 2026-56: Recommendation of Bid Award for RFP # 2026-03 Berlin Lead Service Line Replacement, Phase 1A 

September 28, 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; a. Personnel matter

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

From our Water Resources Department

From our Finance Department

PLUS! 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.

Join us for our annual Fall Cruisin event!

See all the great classic and unique cars. Enjoy our stores and restaurants. Registration begins at 7 am and will conclude when event space is full or at 10 am. Registration fee is $15 and there is no pre-registration. Awards ceremony and 50/50 drawing will begin at 1:30 pm and event concludes at 2 PM.

MOVIES AT THE MUSEUM: National Treasure

Celebrate America's 250th with a movie about the importance of the Declaration of Independence! Bring the family and a chair or blanket.

FREE! Refreshments for sale. Donations always appreciated!

Check it out!

• Live music on two stages featuring The Lost Lederhosen Band and The Dunehounds
• Authentic Oktoberfest food favs including bratwurst, knockwurst, giant pretzels, German chocolate cake, pie, ice cream, smoothies, and more!
• Local craft beer, hard cider, wine, spirits
• The annual Berlin Fall Sidewalk Sale
• Pumpkin carving demonstrations by artist Nancy Baker, featured on Food Network's Halloween Wars and The Kelly Clarkson Show
• Cascading Carlos Juggling
• Petting Farm fun for the kiddos

AH, BOOKS!

Meet your local publishers, and the authors they represent, as you browse book-inspired gifts and enjoy a glass of wine on the museum lawn.

Readings, book signings, the Worcester County Library's BOOK MOBILE, and more. Be sure not to miss the announcement of this year's BERLIN BOOK AWARDS winners!



Held during Berlin's Oktoberfest, be sure to also head uptown and visit Main Street businesses!

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