JANUARY 11, 2024
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BERLIN • NORTH WORCESTER COUNTY• OCEAN PINES
Assessments decline in projected budget Golf shows revenue gains as OP plan expects $2M increase in total income By Cindy Hoffman Staff Writer (Jan. 11, 2024) Most Ocean Pines residents can expect another decrease in lot assessments in the 202425 fiscal year budget. The proposed non-waterfront lot assessment drops from $886 to $850, while waterfront lots remain steady at $1465, in the proposed budget reviewed by the Budget and Finance Committee last Wednesday. The income projections are up over last year’s budget and total expenditures are higher than the last budget, yet the assessment decreased $36, General Manager John Viola said. Total revenues were budgeted at $16.5 million in FY23-24. In FY 2425, revenues in the proposed budget are $18.5 million. “Golf is the economic engine driving this budget. But it’s across the
board. Let me make that clear,” Viola said. Reserves are expected to stay above $7 million. Currently, OPA reserves are 25.7 percent of fully funded, with that number trending up over the next five years, based on budget projections. Viola told the committee that preparation for the budget was a “bottom up process” with department heads that lasted three months. They looked at last year’s budget and compared it with the forecast to determine the proposed budget. Highlights of the proposed FY2425 budget: Finance: There is no increase in the number of full-time employees, but some positions have been reallocated. Proposed salary increases averaged 4 percent with 1 percent for promotions. Viola expects the range to be between 2-6 percent. Public Relations and Marketing: Proposed revenue of $65,000, down from $66,000 budgeted previously. Total expenses proposed at $86,000, See OPA Page 14
CINDY HOFFMAN/BAYSIDE GAZETTE
Protected: Holly trees and other native plants, such as magnolia, bayberry and laurel, cannot be taken down without specific permission.
Native trees, plants must be protected, encouraged Committee seeks to keep local species thriving part of Ocean Pines’ woods By Cindy Hoffman Staff Writer (Jan. 11, 2024) Trees are part of the natural beauty of Ocean Pines. But as the community ages, so do the trees. The OPA Environment and Nat-
ural Assets Advisory Committee is encouraging the planting of new trees both in public areas and on residential lots. “Ocean Pines is getting to an age where many trees are reaching their age limit. They are dying and they are getting cut down. We are losing our tree habitat,” said Tim Peck, the chair environment committee. See PLANT Page 3
Yum!
Restaurant Week in Berlin By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (Jan. 11, 2024) As the holidays end and winter sets in, Berlin establishments have created special menus for their Restaurant Week. Approximately 15 eateries are participating this year, including The Globe, On What Grounds, Rayne’s Reef Soda Fountain and Grill, Blacksmith, The Sterling Tavern, 410 Social, and The Atlantic Hotel Bistro Bar. According to Economic and Community Development Director Ivy Wells, Cam Bunting of Bunting Realty approached the town five years ago with the See RESTAURANT Page 4
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