April 2026
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Ground Broken on New Fire Station
A JOURNAL OF NEWS & LIFESTYLES FOR NORTHERN WORCESTER COUNTY
New Water Rate Proposal Alters Base Fee, Reduces Burden on Commercial Customers
After years of hoping, dreaming, and planning, a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Ocean Pines South Fire Station was held on the morning of March 9 at 911 Ocean Parkway. President of the OPVFD Joe Enste was quick to share his appreciation for the momentous occasion.
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By DAVID BOHENICK Contributing Writer
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proposed overhaul of the Ocean Pines water and wastewater rate structure could be just the first step in lowering costs for commercial customers, as Worcester County Commissioner Chip Bertino told residents that additional adjustments may be considered as officials continue refining the plan. Bertino hosted a town meeting on April 2 at the Ocean Pines Library to discuss the proposed Ocean Pines Water and Wastewater Service Area 2027 Fiscal Year rates. After new water rates were approved and implemented by the Worcester County Commissioners last summer, the commissioners are discussing a new formula for the next fiscal year after ratepayers received increased quarterly bills.
The proposed rate increases the base water and sewer fee in the Ocean Pines area by $10.45 per quarter, with an annual increase of $41.80, but takes multiple equivalent dwelling units. EDUs, into consideration for the tiered billing structure. The current rate structure charges $5 per 1,000 gallons used up to 22,500 gallons, and $15 per 1,000 gallons for every additional gallon used after the minimum. According to Bertino, most homeowners in the area don’t use 22,500 gallons with a single EDU but the rates didn’t account for commercial properties with several EDUs. “When those businesses got hit with those rates, that was unpleasant,” Bertino said. “We’re looking to correct those business expenses. “We all learned our lesson and we have the great responsibility to make it right and that’s what we’re
trying to do.” Two years ago, long-term shortfalls from multiple service areas were immediately addressed by county leaders when almost $9.1 million was transferred from the General Fund. Last year, mismanaged funds from the finance department at the time resulted in an expected near-$2.2 million deficit. Commissioners discussed potential solutions before settling on a $2 base increase per EDU from $207 to $209, and condensing the billing tiers. Now, the commissioners hope the proposed base fee increase, as well as a proposed $1.1 million subsidy from the General Fund, will tighten the deficit and get closer to each service area being sustainable on their own. The Ocean Pines Service Area has faced a 14 percent expense increase since FY25, totaling $1.3 million.
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Museum Showcases Hidden Memories Was there really a time when steamed crabs cost 40 cents each, $7 for a dozen of jumbo? Yes, there was and there is it, printed in red on an old Phillips Crab House menu, nicely preserved behind glass at the West Ocean City Vehicle Tag & Title Museum. ~ Page 26