Berlin council votes 4-1 to increase property tax by 18%

BERLIN, Md. – In Berlin, council members have made what they call a “difficult decision” to raise the town’s property taxes. With a 4-1 vote the council moved forward with an 18% increase that could start in 2020.  But despite the large margin, the decision wasn’t easy to make thanks to enthusiastic residents who made sure they had a say. Before council members made their final decision, residents got a chance to voice their concerns about the tax increase, and many weren’t happy. One woman said she was disappointed with how the council had handled the town’s budget over years, and that they needed to be more transparent with the community. In addition to this property tax increase, residents can also expect to see an increase in their sewer and water rates as well. Mayor Gee Williams says the increase will help replenish the town’s general fund, which helps pay for police, fire, and EMS services. However at Monday’s meeting, people did express ideas on cutting back funding for these types of services, since they lived in a “good area” and bad things “never usually happen there”. In spite of all this, council members still decided to go with the 18 % increase, but they say it was not an easy decision to come by.

“We just can’t not do it we have to do something. It’s very, very difficult to look some of these folks in the eyes and say yeah unfortunately these costs have increased it’s not like this money has been wasted on junk, or on trips or anything like that it’s extremely difficult to make these decisions,” said council member Thomas Gulyas.

Despite what the council voted, nothing’s set in stone just yet. In order to for the tax increase to be enforced, they now have to pass their 2020 budget. Officials say a public hearing for the budget will take place on Monday, June 10th, where the council is expected to make a vote.