Indoor Use

• Never pour water down the drain when there may be another use for it. Use it to water your indoor plants or garden.
• Make sure your home is leak-free. When you are certain that no water is being used in your home, take a reading of the water meter. Wait 30 minutes and then take a second reading. If the meter reading changes, you have a leak!
• Repair dripping faucets by replacing washers. One drop per second wastes 2,700 gallons of water per year!

Bathroom

• Check for toilet leaks by adding food coloring to the tank. If you have a leak, the color will appear in the bowl within 30 minutes. (Flush immediately to avoid stains.)
• If the toilet handle frequently sticks in the flush position letting water run constantly, replace or adjust it.
• Leaky toilets usually can be fixed inexpensively by replacing the flapper.
• Install a toilet displacement device to cut down on the amount of water needed for each flush. (Contrary to popular opinion a brick should not be used because it can dissolve and the loose pieces can cause damage to the internal parts. Instead, place a one-gallon plastic jug of water into the tank to displace toilet flow or purchase a device available at most hardware and home centers designed for this purpose.) Be sure installation does not interfere with the operating parts.
• Consider purchasing a low-volume toilet that uses less than half the water of older models. NOTE: In many areas, low-volume units are required by law.
• Take shorter showers.
• Replace your showerhead with an ultra-low-flow version.
• Place a bucket in the shower to catch excess water for watering plants.
• In the shower, turn the water on to get wet; turn off to lather up; then turn the water back on to rinse. Repeat when washing your hair.
• Don't let the water run while brushing your teeth, washing your face or shaving.
• Avoid flushing the toilet unnecessarily. Dispose of tissues, insects, and other similar waste in the trash rather than the toilet.

Kitchen

• Operate automatic dishwashers only when they are fully loaded. Use the "light wash" feature if available to use less water.
• When hand washing dishes, save water by filling two containers - one with soapy water and the other with rinse water containing a small amount of chlorine bleach.
• Most dishwashers can clean soiled dishes very well, so dishes do not have to be rinsed before washing. Just remove large particles of food, and put the soiled dishes in the dishwasher.
• Store drinking water in the refrigerator. Don't let the tap run while you are waiting for water to cool.
• Do not use running water to thaw meat or other frozen foods. Defrost food overnight in the refrigerator, or use the defrost setting on your microwave.
• Do not waste water waiting for it to get hot. Capture it for other uses such as plant watering or heat it on the stove or in a microwave.
• Clean vegetables in a pan filled with water rather than running water from the tap. Re-use the water that vegetables are washed in for cleaning or watering plants.
• Kitchen sink disposals require lots of water to operate properly. Start a compost pile as an alternate method of disposing of food waste, or simply dispose of food in the garbage.

Laundry

• Operate automatic clothes washers only when they are fully loaded or set the water level for the size of your load.
• Long Term Indoor Water Conservation
• Retrofit all household faucets by installing aerators with flow restrictors.
• Consider installing an instant hot water heater on your sink
• Insulate your water pipes to reduce heat loss and prevent them from breaking if you have a sudden and unexpected spell of freezing weather.
• If you are considering installing a new heat pump or air-conditioning system, the new air-to-air models are just as efficient as the water-to-air type and do not waste water.
• Install a water-softening systems only when the minerals in the water would damage your pipes. Turn the softener off while on vacation.
• When purchasing a new appliance, choose one that is more energy and water efficient.

Outdoor Use

• If you have a well at home, check your pump periodically. If the pump turns on and off while water is not being used, you have a leak.

Car Washing

• Use a shut-off nozzle on your hose that can be adjusted down to a fine spray, so that water flows only as needed. When finished, turn it off at the faucet instead of at the nozzle to avoid leaks. Check hose connectors to make sure plastic or rubber washers are in place to prevent leaks.
• Consider using a commercial car wash that recycles water. If you wash your own car, park on the grass so that you will be watering it at the same time.

Lawn Care

• Don't overwater your lawn. Lawns only need to be watered every five to seven days in the summer, and every 10 to 14 days in the winter. A heavy rain eliminates the need for watering for up to two weeks. Most of the year, lawns only need one inch of water per week. Buy a rain gauge so that you can better determine when to water.
• Water in several short sessions rather than one long one in order for your lawn to better absorb moisture. For example, water in ten-minute sessions spaced 30 minutes apart, rather than one straight 30-minute session.
• Water lawns during the designated hours.
• Position sprinklers so water lands on the lawn and shrubs and not on paved areas.
• Avoid sprinklers that spray a fine mist; most of the mist evaporates before it reaches the lawn. Check sprinkler systems and timing devices regularly to be sure they operate properly. Florida law now requires that "anyone who purchases and installs an automatic lawn sprinkler system MUST install a rain sensor device or switch which will override the irrigation cycle when adequate rainfall has occurred."
• Raise the lawn mower blade to at least three inches, or to its highest level. A higher cut encourages grass roots to grow deeper, shades the root system, and holds soil moisture.
• Avoid over fertilizing your lawn. Applying fertilizer increases the need for water. Apply fertilizers that contain slow-release, water-insoluble forms of nitrogen.
• Use a broom or blower instead of a hose to clean leaves and other debris from your driveway or sidewalk.
• Do not leave sprinklers or hoses unattended. A garden hose can pour out 600 gallons or more in only a few hours. Use a bell timer to remind yourself to turn sprinklers off.

Pool

• If you have a swimming pool, consider installing a new water-saving pool filter. A single backflushing with a traditional filter uses 180 to 250 gallons of water.
• Cover pools and spas to reduce evaporation of water.

Long Term Outdoor Conservation

• Plant it smart. Plant native and/or drought-tolerant grasses, ground covers, shrubs and trees. Once established, they do not need water as frequently and usually will survive a dry period without watering. They also require less fertilizer or herbicides. Landscape with plants that are heat and drought tolerant and that do not require much water to live. Small plants require less water to become established. Group plants together based on similar water needs.
• Install irrigation devices that are the most water efficient for each use. Micro and drip irrigation and soaker hoses are examples of efficient devices.
• Use mulch to retain moisture in the soil. (Help preserve native cypress forests by selecting other types of mulch such as treated melaleuca.) Mulch also helps control weeds that compete with landscape plants for water.
• Avoid purchasing recreational water toys that require a constant stream of water.
• Avoid installing ornamental water features (such as fountains) unless they use recycled water.

Within the Community

• Participate in public water conservation meetings conducted by your local government, utility or water management district.
• Follow water conservation and water shortage rules in effect. You are included in the restrictions even if your water comes from a private well.
• Encourage your employer to promote water conservation in the workplace.
• Patronize businesses that practice water conservation, such as restaurants that only serve water upon request.
• Report water losses (broken pipes, open hydrants, errant sprinklers, abandoned free-flowing wells, etc.) to the property owner, local authorities or your water management district.
• Encourage your school system and local government to help develop and promote a water conservation ethic.
• Support projects that will lead to an increased use of reclaimed wastewater for irrigation and other uses.
• Support efforts that create a concern for water conservation among tourists.
• Promote water conservation in community newsletters, on bulletin boards, and by example. Encourage your friends, neighbors, and co-workers to "be water smart."
• Conserve water because it is the right thing to do - even when someone else is footing the bill, such as when you are staying at a hotel.

Blue Collar Contract 2021-2024

Blue Collar Contract 2018-07-01 - 2021-06-30

Blue Collar Contract 2015-07-01 - 2018-06-30

To report pothole incidents and sightings, contact the Department of Transportation: 

Department of Transportation 

317-555-1234 

123 Smooth Drive 

Indianapolis, IN 46204

Generally: Real estate is assessed on 70% of its value as of the assessment date (October 1st). The assessment will remain constant until the next revaluation, unless: improvements or physical changes are discovered, or corrections made to the data. Zone changes or variances may have an impact on value, hence the assessment may change. It is also possible that a change will create a decrease in value.

Revaluation: Every five years municipalities are required to implement a revaluation by state law. The next revaluation required for the town is 2022. One of the criteria is that the Assessor or representatives of the Assessor conduct interior and exterior inspections of all properties within the municipality. In order to comply with the law the Assessors' office has begun the process of conducting interior and exterior inspections of all properties for the 2022 revaluation project. Between now and 2022 letters will be sent to specific neighborhoods letting you know when we will be in your area. For those properties that have been issued building permits you will be asked to allow us to perform an interior and exterior inspection at the time of the visit for the permit. Utilizing this approach in conducting the inspections for the 2022 revaluation project will result in reducing the cost to the town for the completion of the project. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated in this effort as it will ensure equity and fairness for all.

Commercial Property: Income is a factor in the valuation of commercial properties, and all commercial properties will be required to submit an Income and Expense Report annually, at least 3 years prior to a Revaluation. A statutory change is that the Assessor may request more frequent filings of the I & E. If required, the I& E is due June 1st of any given year, and failure to submit will result in a 10% statutory penalty on the next Grand List.

Chapter 6, Article 2 of the Berlin Municipal Code relates to Alarm Systems.

No person shall possess or use an alarm system within the Town of Berlin without first applying for and receiving an alarm user permit.


Applications for alarm user permits must be accompanied by an application fee of $35.00, and can be obtained at Berlin Police Headquarters or via the link below.  Completed applications can be submitted in person at the Berlin Police Department Records Division or mailed with your $35.00 check or money order made payable to:  Berlin Police Department, 240 Kensington Road, Berlin, CT 06037

To learn more about Alarm System regulations click on the links below to view the entire ordinance and application form.

• Town Code (Chapter 6, Article 2)
• Application Form

Important reminders for all bus riders:

1. Reservations MUST BE MADE AT LEAST 48 HOURS IN ADVANCE for all medical appointments.
2. Reservations MUST BE MADE AT LEAST 24 HOURS IN ADVANCE for all regular appointments.
3. All bus reservations must be made during our regular business hours. 8:30AM to 3:30PM.
4. All calls for rides home MUST BE MADE BY 3:00 PM.
5. Cancellations can be taken at anytime. An answering machine is available after normal business hours.
6. You are allowed two stops per day except when going to the grocery store.
7. We are unable to provide transportation to and from medical procedures, Dialysis or discharges from the hospitals or other facilities.
8. You are not allowed any unscheduled stops unless it has been approved by the Senior Center Director.

• Mondays - Stop & Shop
• Tuesdays - Shop-rite
• Wednesdays - Stop & Shop

Click Here to Open the Raffle Application

                                        

The Berlin Police Department is a State and Internationally Accredited law enforcement agency. The agency has been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA) since March 1996. It is one of only 18 agencies in the state to be so recognized. The Police Officers Standards and Training Council, (P.O.S.T.C.) also awarded State Accreditation on the Berlin Police Department in November of 2004.

The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc.(CALEA), administers the international accreditation program. The accreditation program requires agencies to comply with state-of-the-art standards in four basic areas; policy and procedures, administration, operations, and support services.

A team of assessors from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA), visited Police Headquarters November 15-18, 2015 to examine all aspects of the Berlin Police Department's policies, procedures, management, operations and support services. The Berlin Police Department had to comply with 309 of the applicable mandatory standards and at least 80% of the non-mandatory standards in order to gain accredited status. The department was found to be in compliance with all 338 mandatory standards and 79 of the 82 non-mandatory standards or 91%. The Berlin Police Department has been an internationally accredited agency since 1996 and received its sixth re-accreditation award and Advanced Meritorious status in 2016.

                                            CALEA Certificate - 2016

                                           CALEA Assessment Team 2015

                           Police Commission with Berlin Accreditation Team

Geographical Location

Berlin is strategically located at the geographical center of the State of Connecticut, on the east coast of the United States.

• Click here to view an interactive map of the Town of Berlin.

Locational Advantages

Directions from 91 N/S (Second bullet, directions from 9 North)

Take exit 22N, 9North - New Britain
Follow Rt. 9N to Exit 24 (this is a left-hand exit), Kensington 71/372
Take your first exit, it is the Willow Brook Park Stadium exit, 71
At the light, take a left. This is New Britain Rd.
You will go through 1 light then continue on this road for a while. You will go through another light then you will see a blinking light.
Continue going straight, this is now Kensington Rd. You will pass the Post Office and a convalescent home. Keep going, our entrance road is down on the right. We are in the Town Hall complex - Town Hall, Police Dept., Library, Community Center, Park and Recreation Dept., etc. Once on that road, take your first right. That will bring you into our parking lot. If the lot is full there is parking on the left-hand side.

Directions from 84 E/W

Take Exit 35, it is a left exit, for Rt. 72 E to 9 - New Britain
Once on Rt. 72 take Exit 7, Corbin Ave. 372.
At the end of the ramp, take a right, onto 372E.
Follow for a few miles. The road will fork, stay to the right on 372E. Go straight through the light. Follow to the next light.
At that light, take a right onto 71S, this is New Britain Rd. Go to the blinking light.
(Follow last bullet in 91 N/S above).

Directions from 9 South

Take 9 South to the Ellis St exit.
At the light, take a left. At the next light, take a left onto South Main St.
Follow past Willowbrook Park. Stay on this road, it will turn into New Britain Rd. Follow for a few miles until you reach a blinking light.
(Follow last bullet in 91 N/S above).

Directions from the Berlin Turnpike - North

Once you pass the batting cages/bumper cars/miniature golf (Putter's Paradise) on the right, take a left onto Meadow Lane (between Peterbilt and Berlin Auto).
Keep following this road, it turns into Four Rod Rd.
At the stop sign, take a left onto Norton Rd.
At the next stop sign, take a right onto Kensington Rd. Keep going a mile or so, our entrance is down on the left-hand side. We are in the Town Hall complex - Town Hall, Police Dept., Library, Community Center, Park and Recreation Dept., etc. Once on that road, take your first right. That will bring you into our parking lot. If the lot is full there is parking on the left-hand side.

Directions from the Berlin Turnpike - South

Follow the Berlin Turnpike south past Taco Bell, then the Blue Lobster. At CVS, take a right onto Deming Rd.
At the light, take a left onto Christian Lane. Stay on this road, you will go over Rt 9. At the stop sign, go straight. At the next intersection, go straight through the light. This is now Burnham St.
Keep following until you reach a stop sign. Take a left onto Four Rod Rd.
Take your first right onto Camels Back. At the stop sign, take a left onto Kensington Rd.
Our entrance road is down on the right. We are in the Town Hall complex - Town Hall, Police Dept., Library, Community Center, Park and Recreation Dept., etc. Once on that road, take your first right. That will bring you into our parking lot. If the lot is full there is parking on the left-hand side.

CURRENT BID OPPORTUNITIES

Please check in regularly for new bid opportunities.

Visit "Closed Bids, Bid Lists, RFPs," to view bids that have recently closed but have not yet been awarded contracts.

Visit "Awarded Bids and RFPs," to view a list of projects that have recently been awarded contracts.

The following items are Accepted:

• Glass & Juice Cartons: Clear or colored glass bottles & jars.
• Clean food and beverage containers only. Single-serve containers, pint, quart, and half-gallon juice and milk cartons.
• Metal Cans & Foil: Clean food and beverage containers only.
• Aluminum foil & foil baking tins.
• Plastics #1 through #7: Clean food and beverage containers only.
• Newspapers, Magazines, Catalogs, Phone Books, and Cereal-type boxes.
• Mixed Paper: Office paper, Stationery and Envelopes including those with plastic windows, Direct Mail pieces - shiny coated paper ok. 
• SHREDDED PAPER must go in your regular trash container to be burned for energy.

Any questions pertaining to recycling can be referred to the town's recycling coordinator (Jim Horbal) at 860-828-7069, or call the Tunxis Recycling operating committee at 860-585-0419 or 860-225-9811.

To retrieve a list of income taxes paid for 2023, please follow the steps below:

1. Access the online bill pay system.
2. Type in your last name and first initial.
3. Change the search filter to “IRS Payment Record for Year 2023”.
4. Click search.
5. Click the “IRS” checkbox as highlighted below, a report will be generated that lists all tax bills paid in calendar year 2023

Taxpayers must ALWAYS remember to keep a copy of the cancellation of motor vehicle registration (Plate Receipt) and a copy of the Bill of Sale form or keep a copy of both sides of the Certificate of Title showing the transfer of title for their own records.

The Assessor’s Office requires two (2) forms of proof in order to adjust taxes.

The Bill of Sale H-31 form taken from the CT DMV website is an acceptable form if the taxpayer is selling the vehicle. If the taxpayer already has a Bill of Sale form or has filled out the back of the Certificate of Title, that is also sufficient.

For other types of transactions:

• Totally Damaged/Junked
• Removed from Connecticut and registered out of state
• Stolen, not recovered
• Repossessed
• Traded in (and license plate cancelled)

One should always keep a copy of the cancellation of motor vehicle registration (Plate Receipt) and a copy of the necessary document which shows proof of a specific transaction.

See Municipal Tax Obligations Concerning Motor Vehicle Property Tax

This will explain just what documents are necessary for specific transactions.

Please contact the Assessor’s Office at (860) 828-7039 with any questions.

• Nickel Cadmium (NI-Cd)
• Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH)
• Lithium Ion (Li-ion)
• Small Sealed Lead (Pb), less than 2 lbs each
• These batteries are typically found in household items such as cordless power tools, cellular and cordless phones, laptop computers and camcorders, and so identified.

• Berlin Town Hall
• Room 8, Public Works
• Berlin Municipal Transfer/Recycling Center

Add the information regarding the powerpoint classes. 

Raffle Sample with Instructions

1. Dropbox outside of building:

For the convenience of Berlin taxpayers, a dropbox has been installed outside of door 3 at Town Hall. This box is for taxpayers choosing to drop off their payments at Town Hall. It will be checked throughout the day, and at the end of each day to ensure payments are being processed in a timely manner.

PLEASE DO NOT DROP OFF A CASH PAYMENT IN THE DROPBOX. This box is intended for payments made with checks only.

2. Mail in your payment

Please send only checks when you choose to mail in your tax payments. Include your payment stub to ensure that staff knows which accounts the payment should be applied to.

Payments can be mailed to:

BERLIN REVENUE COLLECTOR
Room 108
240 Kensington Road
Berlin, CT 06037

OR IN JULY & JANUARY TO*:

TOWN OF BERLIN
PO Box 150410
Hartford, CT 06115-0410

*Please note that this PO Box is a lockbox through the Town's bank; they accept payments during collection months to reduce the time it takes to process and post checks.

Should you like a receipt for your payment, enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope with your payment.

NOTE: Please ensure that the legal line and numeric line on your check match. A $20 return check fee will be charged to your account, should the bank not accept a check for insufficient funds, incorrect information, amounts not matching, etc.

3. Online (fee based service)

DISCLAIMER:

Please read the information below carefully before continuing with Online Tax Payments. By submitting your payment, you acknowledge that you have read and understand the information and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions stated.

Fees:

E-check $0.95 flat fee, Credit/ Debit card 2.99% of balance.

Accepted Cards:

VISA/ MASTERCARD/ DISCOVER and AMERICAN EXPRESS. Payments by credit/debit cards are only accepted online, you CANNOT pay with credit/ debit card in the office.

DMV Clearance:

(Per Connecticut General Statute 14-33). ALL outstanding vehicle taxes associated with your name and/or your VIN#, including taxes not yet delinquent, must be paid to issue a clearance. You must pay with cash or certified funds (cashier’s check, bank check, money order) for an immediate clearance. Payment made with a personal check or EFT will cause a 10 business day hold before the clearance is issued. Payments made with credit/ debit card will cause a 48 hour hold before clearance is issued.

Motor Vehicle Accounts IN COLLECTION:

2022 MV bills (bill number starts with 2022-03) and older are in collection and subject to additional fees. These bills can only be paid through TaxServ. For payment information to TaxServ, please call: (860) 724-9100.

If you cannot find your accounts you may not be able to pay online. Please contact the Berlin Revenue Collector’s Office at (860) 828-7023 for information.

The Town of Berlin is not responsible for losses incurred as a result of using this website for tax payments.

>>>>> Online payments (not in collection) can be made via the My Tax Bill portal. <<<<<

4. In person payments

Cash and check payments can be made in Room 108 of Town Hall.

We only accept cash and check in the office. We do not accept credit/debit cards in the office at this time.
Multiple bills can be paid with one check. Please bring your bills with you, so that they can be scanned, and have the receipt attached to them at the end of the transaction(s).

Town of Berlin - Revenue Collector's Cash Acceptance Policy

The Town of Berlin Revenue Collector follows the cash acceptance procedures outlined below. The purpose of this policy is to ensure accurate and secure acceptance of cash payments, minimize the risk of inadvertently accepting counterfeit notes, avoid loss, and safeguard the integrity of financial transactions. 

All cash received at the Revenue Collector's office is processed and verified using a counterfeit detection device. This machine accurately counts the cash and identifies notes that cannot be validated as legal currency. In the event the currency is rejected by the machine, the cash will not be accepted by the Revenue Collector's Office and must be replaced by the payor. The payor has the option to write a check for the difference or exchange the rejected notes with valid legal currency. Anyone who tenders invalid notes shall remain liable to the Town for payment of the underlying obligation. 

All coins of $5.00 must be in rolls. 

Closed Bids - Not Yet Awarded

Bid #2023-13 Paper Goods Dam Consultant

• View Legal Notice
• View Request for Qualifications
• View Bid Response Sheet

Bid # 2024-06 Sidewalks Assistance and Construction Management

• View Legal Notice
• View Request for Qualifications
• View Cost Estimate
• View Preliminary Construction Cost Estimate
• View Grant Acceptance Letter
• View Location Map
• View Sidewalk Development Over Time
• View Sidewalk Connect Wetlands Approval
• View Four Rod Sidewalks
• View Kensington Rd & Robbins Rd Sidewalks
• View Norton Sidewalks
• View Percival Ave Sidewalks
• View Addendum #1
• View Fillable Fee Schedule Form
• View Addendum #2
• View Bid Responses

Bid # 2024-07 Insurance Agent of Record Services

• View Legal Notice
• View Request for Proposals
• View Addendum #1
• View Addendum #2
• View Addendum #3
• View Bid Results

Bid # 2024-08 Emergency Sewer Services Including Sewer Pump Stations (Re-bid)

• View Legal Notice
• View Request for Proposals
• View Bid Results

Bid # 2024-09 Senior Housing Development

• View Legal Notice
• View Environmental Documents
• View Request for Qualifications
• View Assessors Card
• View Assessors Map
• View Drainage Report
• View Percival Ave GIS Map
• View Percival Ave Survey 2023
• View Property Description
• View Reallocation of Units
• View Site Application Approval
• View Site Plan Extension of Approval
• View Text Amendment
• View Wetlands Approval
• View Full Set
• View Full Set 2
• View Full Set 3
• View Addendum #1
• Bid Responses:
  • View Design Build Modular Bid
  • View Pennrose Bid
  • View Percival Street Partners LLC Bid
  • View Vesta Bid

***If physical copies and flash drive were not in the office by 4:30pm April 25, 2024, your bid will be non-responsive. Emailed bids are not accepted.

Bid # 2024-10 Sidewalk Survey and Design Services

• View Legal Notice
• View Request for Qualifications
• View Sidewalk Connectivity Segments
• View Sidewalk Development Over Time
• View Addendum #1
• View Fillable Fee Schedule Form
• View Addendum #2
• View Bid Responses

Bid # 2024-11 Design Build Generator Project

• View Legal Notice
• View Request for Proposals
• View Percival Heights Eversource Bills
• View Senior Center Eversource Bills
• View Garage Load Bank
• View Garage Work Order
• View Generator Spec Sheet
• View Photos
• View Addendum #1
• View Pre-Bid Attendance
• View Additional Photos from Pre-Bid Walkthrough
• View Addendum #2
• View Bid Results

Bid # 2024-12 Catch Basin & Street Sweeping Materials Transport & Disposal

• View Legal Notice
• View Request for Proposals
• View Bid Results

Bid # 2025-02 Water & Sewer Repairs

• View Legal Notice
• View Request for Proposals
• View Bid Results

Bid # 2025-04 Paper Goods Dam Consultant (Re-bid)

• View Legal Notice
• View Request for Qualifications
• View Bid Response Sheet

Bid # 2025-05 Land Records Management and Dog Registration

• View Legal Notice
• View Request for Proposals
• View Addendum #1
• View Bid Results