Commissioners meeting raises concerns on water drainage issues in Berlin roads

The Worcester County Commissioners held a public hearing on May 6, 2025, focusing on budget discussions and community concerns. A significant topic was the feasibility of a proposed option for water and wastewater debt repayment, which was ultimately deemed unworkable. Commissioner Bertino raised questions about the implications of this decision, confirming that the previously discussed $32 charge would no longer be part of future discussions. The decision to remove this option was based on a strict budget timeline established in March, which limited further edits and adjustments.

During the public comment portion of the meeting, residents voiced pressing issues, particularly regarding infrastructure. George Baru, a local resident, highlighted severe flooding problems on Meadow Drive, where water accumulation poses safety risks and damages vehicles. He described the persistent flooding conditions, which have made the road nearly impassable during storms and high tides. Baru urged the commissioners to address these drainage issues as part of the budget considerations.

The meeting also included a call for public comments from various departments, although not all representatives were present. The commissioners emphasized the importance of community input and set a two-minute limit for each speaker to ensure that all voices could be heard.

As the meeting concluded, the commissioners expressed gratitude to the budget team for their efforts and reiterated their commitment to addressing the community's concerns in future sessions. The discussions from this meeting will inform the county's budget planning and infrastructure improvements moving forward.