Announcement

May GM Report highlights recent projects, financials

Tuesday, June 2, 2026

(June 1, 2026) At the May 30 regular Board of Directors meeting, Ocean Pines General Manager John Viola provided updates on ongoing projects, repairs, public safety, financial metrics, and community initiatives.

Progress continues on the South Fire Station project, with Ocean Pines Public Works crews compacting and replacing fill dirt at the site. The foundation permit has been issued, and foundation work is expected to begin in June. The estimated 55–60 week construction timeline remains on track.

The new Tiki Kitchen at the Ocean Pines Yacht Club officially opened May 29. Viola noted that the kitchen will operate as food service only for patio and pool patrons, with food continuing to be ordered through wait staff.

Viola reiterated that the Golf Pavilion project remains on hold. Plans for renovations at the Beach Club continue to move forward but are not expected to begin until the fall at the earliest. Additional updates will be shared as they become available.

Senior Director of Finance Steve Phillips also presented a breakdown of water and sewer rates in Worcester County and Ocean Pines. The Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Water and Sewer budget was $89,000, compared to an actual amount of $263,000. For Fiscal Year 2026-2027, the budget is set at $300,000, with projected expenses estimated at $310,000.

Phillips reviewed several proposed rate adjustments for the current fiscal year, including:
- Water and Sewer Service Fees: $10.45 per EDU
- Accessibility Fees: $8.88 per EDU
- Bay Restoration Fees: $15 per EDU

A proposed decrease was also noted for EDU Debt Service Fees, which are expected to drop to $18 per EDU from the current $36 per EDU.

The Worcester County Veterans Memorial in Ocean Pines recently underwent a refresh, including paver and wall work contracted out and paid for by the Veterans Memorial Foundation. Ocean Pines Public Works staff completed several general maintenance tasks at the memorial, including but not limited to:
- Removing landscaping, plants, and stones; installing new plants
- Removing all benches and reinstalling
- Installing letters and plaque on new Space Force wall
- Repairing power for lights and replacing two lights

Restroom work is complete at the Swim & Racquet Club bathrooms, including new partitions and mats for the floors.

Viola also announced that the Great Blizzard Cleanup is finally complete. A total of 181 loads of mulch were hauled from the Public Works Yard and White Horse Park, with hauling costs totaling $10,637.
The Public Works Yard remains closed until further notice as continued cleanup operations have rendered the area unsafe for public access. Once a reopening date is determined, it will be shared with residents.

Landscaping throughout the Ocean Pines community has been updated for the season. Palm trees were added to the Beach Club and Yacht Club during the month of May, totaling $9,805.

Work has begun on the North Gate Bridge, which was hit on May 9. The estimated cost to repair is $3,120.

An emergency sinkhole repair was conducted on May 19 on Ocean Parkway near Cathell Road. Work was completed by Deppe Brothers, and the area was temporarily filled with stone until it was patched over by the contractor. Additionally, the pipe underneath the road with be added to the list for CIPP (Cured in Place Pipes) for this year. Total cost for the repair was $27,325.

Viola also announced that groups are being formed for every amenity, with the goal to share work that has been completed or scheduled and give feedback on conditions of the amenity and ways it can be improved. Golf and Racquet Sports have members established and meetings scheduled or already held, with plans underway for Aquatics and Recreation groups.

The Ocean Pines Police Department currently employs a total of eight police officers, with four having left over the past year. A salary study is being conducted, with the goal of remaining competitive with neighboring agencies. Lieutenant Bailey, Lieutenant Schoepf, and Sergeant Martin have taken on the heavy lifting, and with the rest of the team, have stabilized the department. Viola has also reached out to the Worcester County Sheriff’s Department for assistance in Ocean Pines. Chief Tim Robinson, who recently announced his retirement, was recognized for his three years of service.

For the second year in a row, the Ocean Pines Association was recognized with the Premier Workplace Safety Award and the Award for Safety Performance through Deely Insurance and Chesapeake Employers Insurance.

In financial updates, unaudited April results show an overall favorable variance of approximately $40,000 compared to budget. Unaudited year-to-date results show a favorable variance of approximately $460,000. Viola noted that those figures will be finalized following the annual external audit process, which is expected to conclude in late July.

Announcement

May GM Report highlights recent projects, financials

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