Ocean Pines Board vows to fight unfair county debt repayment plan

Ocean Pines Board members on Saturday, March 30, 2025, pledged to oppose a proposed Worcester County plan that would require all 18,000 ratepayers across 11 service areas to repay millions in water and wastewater debt – despite Ocean Pines contributing only a small fraction of the deficit.

Worcester County Commissioner Chip Bertino, who represents Ocean Pines, said community homeowners should not be held accountable for mistakes they didn’t make. The proposal could raise quarterly bills by $32 per ratepayer.

“Nobody was fired or terminated for this huge accounting error that Commissioner Bertino has pointed out – and yet we may be responsible for paying it back,” Farr said.

Director Jeff Heavner thanked Commissioners Bertino and Jim Bunting for their unwavering support and said the OPA Board has a duty to protect homeowners. He also invoked a familiar pop-culture reference from the X-Files.

“The truth is out there,” he said. “It seems that a majority of the other Commissioners have been less than truthful on this subject … [and] nobody’s been held accountable for this mismanagement.”

Heavner said Bertino introduced a motion to inform county ratepayers of the situation, but the motion was defeated. He added that the proposal may violate county code.

“This is contrary to county code and seems to be against the law,” Heavner said. “The County Commissioners have an opportunity to be more truthful.

“I find it ironic that a majority … have a real disdain for Ocean Pines – yet they love our wallets and pocketbooks, not only to pay for a county screw-up, but to visit their retail businesses,” he continued.

Heavner then posed a pointed question.

“Do you want to shoulder the millions in shortfalls and debts from other service areas, which we would be paying, like Chip said, 56% for? You don’t have to answer. I’ll answer for you: Hell no,” Heavner said.

‘We need your support’

Director Elaine Brady urged homeowners to stay focused on the bigger picture.

“Don’t get into the weeds. What we need is your support,” she said. “Send emails to the Commissioners. We’ve got to fight this thing.

“We are not going to put up with it. It’s the unfairness of this, and it has happened over and over again,” Brady added.

She said it’s unfortunate that the other five County Commissioners could still strongarm Ocean Pines ratepayers with a simple majority vote.

“We have to let them know that that’s not okay. They have to do what’s fair to all of us in this county – not just to their ratepayers,” she said.

Brady said OPA would continue working to spread awareness and protect homeowners. She added that Board members are already taking steps behind the scenes in case the other County Commissioners do not change course.

“We’re gonna fight back and fight back hard,” she said.

Concerns about precedent

Director John Latham echoed concerns about setting a dangerous precedent.

“The whole thing is problematic,” he said. “And what I see is that any decision made here in the near future becomes a precedent going forward.”

Latham added that the Board is committed to doing everything possible to support the community.

OPA President Stuart Lakernick agreed, warning that any new financial obligation is unlikely to disappear.

Bertino agreed, adding, “When it comes to money and government, government doesn’t let go.”

Bertino and Bunting continue to fight

Bertino closed by noting that he and Bunting have represented the community for more than a decade and remain committed to protecting its best interests.

“This is an issue where we need your help. So, will you help us?” he said.

Bertino and Bunting will host a town hall on Wednesday, April 23, at 6 p.m. at the Ocean Pines Library. A public hearing scheduled for Tuesday, May 6, at 6 p.m. in Snow Hill.

Homeowners are encouraged to contact County Commissioners and local media to voice opposition.

Emails and letters expressing opposition can be sent to:

     •   commissioners@co.worcester.md.us

     •   cabbott@co.worcester.md.us

     •   dpurnell@co.worcester.md.us

     •   efiori@co.worcester.md.us

     •   telder@co.worcester.md.us

     •   cbertino@co.worcester.md.us

     •   mbunting@co.worcester.md.us

     •   jmitrecic@co.worcester.md.us