Cumberland’s town manager has proposed a $16.7 million municipal budget, a 4.9% increase from the current one.
With most of the cost increases going toward wages, salaries and benefits, the town is focused on maintaining the services it already offers in fiscal year 2027, which begins in July.
“We know this is a challenging year, as they all are,” said Cumberland Town Manager Matt Sturgis when presenting the budget on March 9.
“We’re looking to also find a level of growth that balances our operational needs with the sensible stewardship of taxpayer resources,” he said.
In the proposed budget, municipal expenses increase by $778,000, and the largest driver of this change is staffing.
Wages and salaries, increasing by $332,000, make up $6.5 million of the total budget. The town will pay a 4% cost-of-living adjustment to salaries and add several positions. The town will also pay 15% increase on health insurance premiums, as well as other increases to other insurances. Benefits make up $2.7 million of the proposed budget.
Other budget increases come from additional staff positions. The budget proposes the addition of a full-time firefighter/paramedic and the conversion of a deputy fire chief position into another emergency medical services role.
Town staff also want to add one full-time position in public works and one in parks “to support increasing operational demands and community expectations.”
Municipal revenue is also expected to increase by $589,000, or 6.9%, in fiscal year 2027. This comes from increased state revenue sharing, EMS rescue billing, the pay-as-you-throw trash bag program and revenue from the Val Halla Golf Course and recreation department.
With increased municipal revenue, the net increase in the budget is near 3%, said Sturgis, which was the goal. Town revenue will decrease the tax burden of the budget on taxpayers while supporting community services, he said.
“We’re looking to have this year’s budget reflect our continued commitment to responsible fiscal management, transparent government operations and delivery of high quality services to our residents,” said Sturgis.