APRIL 23, 2026
BERLIN • NORTH WORCESTER COUNTY• OCEAN PINES
FREE
Berlin gets new chief from Salis. Drewer Army veteran retires from reserve as Sgt. Maj.
PHOTO COURTESY OF TOWN OF BERLIN MAIN STREET & ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT
RECORD TURNOUT Solid crowds came to Berlin for the enhanced Record Store Day celebration highlighted by live music all day. Attendees are pictured about mid-day.
Town property tax rate going up? Berlin budget has revenue coming in $412,000 less than needed for expenses By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (April 23, 2026) The Town of Berlin is considering a modest property tax increase for the first time in several years as officials work to close a projected $412,000 shortfall in the
fiscal year 2027 budget. During a budget work session this week, Mayor Zack Tyndall proposed raising the town’s property tax rate by 1.25 cents per $100 of assessed value. The increase, if approved, would bring the current rate of $0.8275 up slightly and generate additional revenue to stabilize the general fund. Tyndall is planning to propose the tax increase next week, but the council would need to approve. The next
fiscal year begins on July 1. The town’s economic uncertainty stems from a nearly $412,000 difference between revenues and expenditures in the general fund, with no contingency. The lack of a safety net fund leaves the municipality in a vulnerable financial position in the event of unanticipated expenses related to economic volatility, severe weather damage, or emergency infrastructure See TOWN Page 4
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By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (April 23, 2026) The Town of Berlin has appointed Col. Howard “Howie” Drewer as its next chief of police, marking a new chapter for the department following the retirement of longtime Chief Arnold Downing. Drewer officially assumed his new role on Monday, April 20. A press release from the town said Chief Howie Drewer Drewer has three decades of law enforcement and military service under his belt. Drewer comes from the Salisbury Police Department, where he served for 27 years, holding leadership positions across operations and administrations. Most recently, he worked as the department’s assistant chief of police. His experience also includes time as a detective with the Wicomico Narcotics Task Force, service on a SWAT unit and involvement in community policing efforts. Before entering law enforcement, Drewer served in the United States Army, later continuing in the Army Reserve and retiring with the rank of sergeant major. His military career included deployments to Bosnia, Korea, Afghanistan and Iraq. A graduate of the FBI National Academy, Drewer has received numerous awards throughout his career, See DREWER Page 3
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