Grant funding supports increased public safety in Berlin
BERLIN, Md.- “The bottom line was that it really was a win-win,” Maryland Senator Marybeth Carozza said.
The Local Development Council giving the Town of Berlin the green light on its proposed Multi-Year Plan for Local Impact Grants spending. More than $1.6 million would stretch from Fiscal Years 2024-2026.
The bulk of that money is going to the town’s police department for its LEOPS system. “Which is a pension system designed specifically for law enforcement officers which will now be a benefit we can offer to our staff,” Berlin Mayor Zach Tyndall said.
The Local Impact Grants funds from the Casino at Ocean Downs.
Mayor Tyndall said prioritizing that plan with help with their retention and recruitment efforts. He added it would also show the town’s commitment to investing in public safety. “What we’re doing is trying to make sure that our benefits and compensation packages match what other folks would be looking at when they’re entering the law enforcement profession,” he said.
Despite giving the town the okay to move forward with its plan, the LDC did express concerns of sustainability. “Funding a retirement plan system for the long-haul and depending on the Video Lottery Funds for that may not be in the best interest for the future,” Senator Carozza said.
That’s why council member and state Senator Marybeth Carozza says with the approval comes with strong recommendations that they must keep in mind moving forward. “With the understanding that over time, they will phase out the reliance on just the video lottery funds to fund their LEOPS program for their local law enforcement,” she said.
Although the Police Chief was unable to attend the meeting Thursday, Mayor Tyndall and the town council both expressed that the chief full supports the recommendation.
We’re told the community also showed their support for the plan through several public meetings.
The town plans to use any remain funding towards the purchase of a replacement ambulance for the Berlin Fire Company.
