Ocean Pines GM outlines firehouse groundbreaking, irrigation and bulkhead work and says association is 'in the black'

General Manager Linda reported a detailed update on capital projects and the association’s finances at the March Ocean Pines Association meeting.

Linda said the firehouse project status is green, with groundbreaking expected within the next week or two and an estimated construction timeline of roughly 60–65 weeks. On the golf course, she said phase 2 of the irrigation project began in December and that holes 1–10 and 18 were complete, with holes 11–17 next; she noted that bulkhead work at Pond 8 and Pond 18 is underway and cited a bulkhead cost of $141,000 that will help retain water for irrigation and reduce pumping from the aquifer.

On a planned Tiki Kitchen at the Yacht Club, Linda described a hybrid arrangement in which Touch of Italy contributes to interior fit-out while the association retains ownership of the structure. She told the board the staff leveled five bids and selected a contractor based on that review.

Linda and Treasurer Monica also reviewed finances. Monica reported approximately $12.5 million in cash as of Feb. 28, 2026, with $6.5 million invested in CEDARS and $34,000 in interest income; she said $6 million is in insured sweep accounts, Treasury bills and money market accounts across two banks. The GM said year-to-date favorability was in the six-figure range and estimated the association could be about $150,000 “in the black” by year-end, driven in part by improved food-and-beverage revenue from the Touch of Italy contract.

Linda emphasized continued investment in infrastructure — the firehouse, pipe lining and drainage work, racket-sports and other facilities — and said staff are outsourcing some ditch-cleaning tasks to contractors to maintain progress and protect the association’s balance sheet.