Berlin council holds first reading of FY27 budget, outlines $17.6 million general fund plan

The Berlin mayor and council held the first reading of Ordinance 2026-04, the town’s FY27 budget, at their May 26 regular session. Staff described a proposed general fund of $17.6 million, including about $4 million in carryforward or reserve contributions, and highlighted capital projects such as a community center, public works facilities, town hall renovation and street paving. The budget presentation also listed bond and grant sources including a public works bond ($2.8 million) and an MDOT grant ($1.2 million).

Finance staff presented enterprise fund totals: $9.1 million for electric (including a $300,000 bond for an AMI meter project), $7.3 million for water (including $4 million in MBE grants and a new well project), $7.2 million for sewer (with MDE grants totaling $1.2 million), and $2.6 million for stormwater (with DNR and other grants of about $2.1 million). Major water and sewer capital items cited included lead service-line replacement, lift station work and wastewater treatment-plant projects.

Councilors asked several line-item questions. One council member flagged a $30,000 increase affecting the fire and EMS allocations; staff confirmed the correct breakout is an additional $14,350 for fire operations and $15,000 for EMS and said those corrections will be reflected in the adoption copy. Staff also noted a pending $55,000 county municipal grant that could change adopted budget totals after the county’s action.

The council did not take final adoption action at the first reading; the ordinance was presented for review and will return for a future vote. Staff said adjustments and clarifications would be made before adoption and that any county grant changes would be incorporated after the county’s vote.