Berlin town officials to potentially change funding structure for fire company & EMS

BERLIN, Md. – Berlin town officials are considering a new funding model for Berlin Fire and Emergency Medical Services.

The town is applying for Worcester County Government grants, primarily for the Fire Company and EMS specifically for in-town service. The county government funds the fire and EMS company for any service outside municipality limits.

Berlin Councilmember Steve Green, was at the work session and tells WMDT that the move, while still in its early stages, makes sense.

“This is an example of outside the box thinking. It’s conceptual at this point,” said Green. “We have been far apart on the funding mechanism, the amount of revenue that is given to the fire and EMS, and this is an opportunity to explore a different mechanism, or structure.”

If the potential funding formula moves forward, the town of Berlin would remove itself entirely from the process. Instead, county emergency services would negotiate with Worcester officials.

The county government would decide funding and offer funds directly to the fire company and EMS.

Green mentioned that nothing is final, and further actions are needed.

“At this point, we just had a conversation about it. What will happen now is the mayor’s office will initiate conversations with the county administrative officer to see what that might look like.”

The Berlin Town Council meets on the second and fourth Monday of each month at 7 p.m. They will meet again tonight at Berlin Town Hall, at 10 Williams Street.