JULY 11, 2024
FREE
BERLIN • NORTH WORCESTER COUNTY• OCEAN PINES
PHOTOS COURTESY OF OPA
BANNER FOURTH IN OCEAN PINES The long 4th of July holiday weekend kicked off with a bang in Ocean Pines with festivies and fireworks hosted at the veterans memorial grounds. See story Page 14.
Viola gets four-year deal OPA, GM come to terms on contract extension with option on fifth year By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (July 11, 2024) Ocean Pines Association General Manager John Viola has signed a four-year contract extension with an option for a fifth year. The Board of Directors unanimously approved the decision on Monday, July 8. Viola has served as the community’s general manager since April 2019. He was initially meant to temporarily fill the position following John Bailey’s resignation. In June 2019, Viola signed a sixmonth agreement, which has been extended several times. “We believe that under the lead-
ership of Mr. Viola, Ocean Pines has achieved significant milestones in keeping Ocean Pines financially strong and continuing to keep all our amenities top-notch,” OPA Board President Rick Farr said in a press release issued by Public Relations and Marketing Director Josh Davis. “The new contract reflects the Board’s commitment to providing stability and continuity in leadership and also underscores our confidence in the General Manager’s vision, strategic direction, and ability to navigate the challenges and opportunities facing Ocean Pines.” In a statement released by Viola, who is expected to have an annual salary of $210,000, he emphasizes this monetary success, claiming that the “updated flash estimate for the fiscal year 2023-
2024 is a nearly $1.2 million favorable variance to budget.” “To get good results, an organization and management has to realize what your KPIs are -- what’s driving your organization, what’s driving your results, where to put your assets, and where to put your money and invest your time,” the general manager said. “That has been our focus for the last five years and will continue to be our focus.” Amenities are helping to create this financial positivity. According to Viola, golf is among the highest contributing factors, with $220,000 in favorability and an $87,000 improvement over the last year. Amenity membership has also increased 17% since the prior year. See VIOLA Page 7
Planning work goes on hold Council imposes moratorium until director vacancy filled By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (July 11, 2024) At their Monday, July 8 meeting, the Berlin Mayor and Council unanimously approved a temporary moratorium on specific actions of the planning commission until the vacant planning director position is filled. The pause comes after former planning director Dave Engelhart’s passing in April. Since then, Rick Baldwin has acted as a consultant for the group. Town Administrator Mary Bohlen said that the initial resolution will be valid until Sept. 15. It is intended that it be reviewed at the first August meeting of the Mayor and Council, where it may be See TOWN Page 6
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