Mayor Mark's Commitment To You
"My Commitment to you is to continue the policies that have resulted in tremendous economic growth, financial stability, and continued investments in our town that provide the finest quality of town and education services."
Mayor Mark
Progress under Mayor Mark's Leadership
Key Achievements in Public Safety:
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A fully funded, staffed & trained police department.
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An upgraded dispatch center with a replacement of obsolete radio systems to enhance critical reliability.
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The procurement of 5 fire trucks, 2 rescue pumpers, and 19 police vehicles.
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An upgrade of the hydraulic rescue tools (Jaws of Life) to enhance vehicle extrication capabilities and responder safety.
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The renovations and facility expansion of the police department to improve operational efficiency and accommodate future growth.
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A new police pension aimed at improving recruitment and retention which resulted in an increase of sworn officers.
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An essential investment in school security that includes armed security personnel, security cameras, and enhanced safety measures.
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Key Achievements in Our Financial Stability:
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Because of fiscally responsible decisions, Berlin is one of the lowest tax mill rates in Central CT, making Berlin affordable for property owners & businesses.
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Due to fiscally responsible policies, Berlin has established & maintained a “AAA” rating from the S&P Global Ratings.
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Reduced inherited debt from $107M to $55M.
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Fully funded the inherited $9M pension liability.
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$145M in private business investment.
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Maintain a cash reserve to handle unexpected expenses.
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Limited borrowing only if necessary while striving to reduce debt to the target level.
Significant Milestones Reached Through Proper Education Funding:
*Funding is in addition to the BOE operational budget.
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Right size classes yielding better results, especially for younger or at-risk students.
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The highest expenditure per student in comparison to nearby towns with similar demographics.
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A stable number of FTE employees per BOE data.
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60% of tax dollars going towards Education.
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A BOE budget increase year over year, with last seven years having a surplus to reallocate.
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A ranking of BHS as one of the best high schools in CT according to Niche.com.
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​And More...
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Critical School Safety Initiatives:
​*Funding is in addition to the BOE operational budget.
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An armed security guard in all schools.
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Installation of Security cameras to improve safety through real-time monitoring and faster incident response.
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Installation of shatterproof security vestibules to deter intruders and slow down an attack, buying time for security staff to respond.
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The heavy-duty impact protection of school buildings using concrete barricades.
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Installation of Security Window Film to strengthen glass and protect against intruders.
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A transition to modern fire alarm systems at Griswold & Willard to increase protection.
Key progress in Upgrades to School Buildings, Playgrounds, and Athletic Fields:
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Restroom renovation, plumbing upgrades, new boiler installation (Willard School).
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Repaved parking lot with added lighting (Willard School).
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A completed upgrade to the HVAC system (Willard School).
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HVAC upgrades in progress (Griswold & Hubbard Schools).
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A beautifully renovated playground (Hubbard & Griswold).
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A repaved parking lot (Griswold).
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The renovation of the counseling office at McGee in addition to an upgrade of the band room music labs.
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Beautifully renovated tennis & basketball courts at BHS as well as a resurfaced track with lighting upgrades.
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The installation of a turfed football practice field at BHS.
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A fun and exciting outdoor play area for the Pre-K program at BHS.
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Key Progress Related to Senior Services:
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A groundbreaking initiative of affordable housing for seniors slated for the first quarter of 2026.
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Upgrades and improvements to the Senior Center ensuring that seniors can safely enjoy the various activities and programs available.
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Acquisition of a new generator for the Senior Center & Housing Authority.
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Replacement of all tile flooring in the Senior Center.
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A full kitchen renovation that will enhance food services for our seniors.
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A new coat of paint to improve the overall comfort and atmosphere of the Senior Center.
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Continued ADA modifications to make the Senior Center more accessible for people with disabilities.
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The purchase of two new buses for transportation.
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Significant Milestones Reached in Economic Development:
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Continued to support, promote and attract businesses to Berlin, resulting in a robust economic growth.
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Revitalization of Farmington Ave. to enhancing the experience and greater enjoyment.
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Benefited from 1,609 new jobs through 149 new businesses and 52 business expansions.
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Saw an amazing $145M in private business investments!
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Implemented a tax abatement program to encourage economic development, revitalization, and investment.
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Oversaw substantial modifications made to the zoning maps to strategically increase the extent of business zones.
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Key Progress in Infrastructure and Facilities:
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Implemented a Road Improvement & Re-Pavement Plan. Re-paved over 20 miles of roads in last 5 years.
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Continued Bridge & Dam repairs, 11 bridges rebuilt or replaced.
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A new roof for the town hall is now underway!
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A new roof for the town garage.
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A newly carpeted town library with a new roof & HVAC coming soon!
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New equipment for Community Center fitness center and a new pool table for game room!
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The funding of 3 new Snow Plow Trucks for the Public Works Department.
Key improvements and upgrades to town recreation areas enhance the overall enjoyment:
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Little People’s playground replaced.
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Percival soccer field- renovated.
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Sage Park Baseball field lighting upgrades underway.
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Sage Park Softball field completely re-built, lighting upgrades are underway.
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Sage Park football field turf replaced.
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Pistol Creek trails repaired for a more enjoyable experience.
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Replaced all the decking on Pistol Creek bridges to enhance beauty and safety.
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Offered a wealth of benefits to dogs and dog owners by established a dog park at Pistol Creek.
Key Milestones at Timberlin Golf Course:
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Establishment of a new 7 member golf commission to help oversee, manage, and improve the course.
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Established new greens, procured new maintenance equipment, and installed a lightning alert system to improve overall value.
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Establish new high-quality bunkers to enhance the attractiveness and enjoyment of the course.
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Mayor Mark's Priorities
**PUBLIC SAFETY**
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Ensure our First Responders have the necessary resources to perform their duties effectively and efficiently, prioritizing the safety of our citizens.
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Regularly update and enhance security at all educational institutions.
**EDUCATION**
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Sustain proper funding for the education budget.
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Continue to allocate funds for the repair of schools and recreational fields.
**SENIORS**
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Break ground on Affordable Housing for Seniors, scheduled for the first quarter of 2026.
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Continue to provide repairs and upgrades to the Senior Center.
**FINANCIAL STABILITY - WITH LOW TAXES**
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Maintain responsible fiscal policies that have earned a ‘AAA’ rating from S&P Global Ratings and one of the lowest tax mill rates in Central Connecticut.
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Ensure an adequate fund to manage unforeseen expenses.
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Limit borrowing to essential needs while working to reduce debt to levels.
**ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT**
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Continue efforts to attract and promote businesses in Berlin, contributing to significant economic growth.
**INFRASTRUCTURE & FACILITIES**
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Persist in our road improvement and repaving initiatives.
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Continue the rebuilding or replacement of bridges (11 completed).
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Continue to maintain town buildings and facilities.
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**RECREATION**
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Continue to repair and maintain our parks, playing fields, and playgrounds.
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Implement improvements to our town-owned Timberlin Golf Course.