Berlin's Budget Boost: Public Votes for New Gear and Fire Recovery

Berlin's financial future is getting a boost. Last week, the town's voters and council gave the green light to $1. 6 million worth of extra spending. This includes a big chunk for new equipment and facility upkeep, plus funds to deal with the aftermath of last year's massive brush fire on Lamentation Mountain. The town meeting on January 7 saw voters approve two key measures. One was a $1. 33 million plan to upgrade various sites and purchase new gear, like vans for the school system. The other was a $264, 212 allocation from FEMA to set up an alternative fuel site at Timberlin Golf Course and reimburse town costs from the October brush fire. After the voters' approval, the Berlin Town Council followed suit, endorsing both expenditures. Now, the Berlin Board of Finance is set to seal the deal at their regular meeting on January 14. Some of the highlights from the $1. 33 million plan include improvements to Sage Park's driveway and parking lot, an updated fire suppression system at Berlin High School, and new vans for the schools. These upgrades aim to make the town safer and more efficient. This extra funding is a big deal for Berlin, helping to cover both immediate needs and long-term improvements. It shows how the community is coming together to invest in a better future.