Town officials continue discussing major tax hikes

BERLIN, Md. – The Town of Berlin has been working on their proposed budget for fiscal year 2020 since February, even though it doesn’t have to be adopted until mid-June.

Berlin Mayor Gee Williams says this year’s budget has been the most challenging the town has had to deal with in about 10 years.

That’s because this year’s budget is expected to come with a 29 percent property tax increase, a 15 percent sewer rate hike and a five to 10 percent increase to water rates.

“It’s not enjoyable for anybody and if we can do this incrementally we would, that would certainly soften the blow, but if we increase taxes incrementally and fees we would get the General Fund into dire restraints,” explains Williams.

Monday night, the mayor is formally introducing the property tax hike at the town council meeting and residents are encouraged to attend.