[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6126807,"mediaKeyId","2665655-12f4c401daceb33a02e86cb9e21b5a99","parentId",2665655,"title","Cumberland council reviews Fire Department budget as training, per‑diem and ambulance costs rise","audioSeconds",2349,"startMs",702000,"endMs",3051000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2665655-12f4c401daceb33a02e86cb9e21b5a99&start=702&end=3051","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2665655-12f4c401daceb33a02e86cb9e21b5a99/thumbnail_702000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6126807/Maine/Cumberland-council-reviews-Fire-Department-budget-as-training-perdiem-and-ambulance-costs-rise","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6126807-048e96e72dbb6187018fecf13bf81623/orig.mp4?Expires=1771046451&Signature=B~Znb2ckCKMz2XIt16I4UdDcp7CgXYEW7-uA7NGS6Q22RWydxdR~9FXqEdY3zbqlEnevC0~bL1~nOu8UFJ24t1CPnbjS~XJTFeEUKlEH9dMbXlhvQzMuoWHP7zmt~iFutai0weUU3UDdE1qpNJe6bCxaFxhrzkmLavHOWA0DUBs96geA4w0FHJLpToeCFCojB5D90xA0csoG8Tb~-o3a-US192l~fcaGmX3ufDki4X9vXvYe13MwoN~wfw2NSObpx~w4Rp6SyMFJxHnBjQyttgnY882TTb-BsDlJvHHHC5hDNyfe2VhFeTKyjyKhPm1ycmHqCmieaPmtYAz6Dt-Y4A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Town of Cumberland, Maine","date","2025-03-17T23:07:13Z","article","Madam Chair Douglas opened the March 17 budget workshop discussion of the fire department with staff updates on requested increases for fiscal 2026.

Helene, finance staff, said the 2026 draft “trues up” wages to reflect last year’s bargaining agreement, carries the contract’s four percent wage increase for next year and moves some operating items into the department’s line items so those costs can be tracked by cost center. She also pointed to a redlined packet the council can use to see the changes in context.

Why it matters: the proposed changes affect operating costs for public safety and include several items the council flagged for additional detail before budget adoption — notably a roughly $20,000 increase in the per‑diem line, an $18,000 increase in training driven largely by EMS recertification expenses, higher gasoline tied to a recently purchased ambulance and a larger share of contracted dispatching costs.

Staff described the per‑diem increase as a scheduling and cost‑management decision rather than an automatic move to hire more full‑time staff. Matt (staff member) said the intent is to use per‑diem workers to fill open 12‑hour shifts rather than hire another full‑time position; per‑diems pay more for a single shift but can be less expensive than hiring additional full‑time employees and paying overtime or premium pay under the contract.

Council members pressed for detail. Councilor Thorson asked whether the per‑diem rise reflected higher call volume or simply a change in how vacancies will be handled; staff answered it is a backfill strategy tied to the collective bargaining agreement’s requirements for offering shifts to unit members first, then using per‑diems if shifts remain unfilled.

Training: councilors repeatedly asked why training jumped from prior years’ levels. Helene said the largest piece is the EMS license recertification required by the bargaining agreement, which staff identified as the principal driver (approximately $11,500 of the increase). Helene and Matt agreed to supply a line‑by‑line breakdown of training and other operating increases before the council’s next meeting.

Utilities and other operating questions: staff noted a rise in gasoline tied to ambulance operations and an increase in building maintenance tied to a Siemens HVAC contract for central and west stations. Council members also flagged and staff acknowledged incomplete natural‑gas billing entries for October for both stations; Helene said missing bill documentation likely explains the zeroes and that staff will research actual charges and update the record.

Public comment and next steps: council members asked for itemized documentation for the larger training, maintenance and per‑diem increases. Staff agreed to provide more specific backup for each line item and to post council questions and staff answers on the municipal budget page ahead of the next workshop, scheduled March 24.

Ending: the council did not take any formal votes on the Fire Department budget at this meeting; members instructed staff to return with more detailed cost explanations and supporting invoice or contract information for consideration before final adoption.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Cumberland Town Council Budget Workshop - March 17th, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Madam Chair Douglas opened the March 17 budget workshop discussion of the fire department with staff updates on requested increases for fiscal 2026.","taxTitle","Town Council , Cumberland Center, Cumberland County, Maine","taxId",69260,"location","Maine","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6126795,"Council discusses code enforcement vehicle CIP and regional animal control cost‑sharing",2249,3691000,5940000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2665655-12f4c401daceb33a02e86cb9e21b5a99&start=3691&end=5940","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2665655-12f4c401daceb33a02e86cb9e21b5a99/thumbnail_3691000.jpg","/articles/6126795/Maine/Council-discusses-code-enforcement-vehicle-CIP-and-regional-animal-control-costsharing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6126795-b0cd0b30c6ec9de030b8b217b76ea77a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771046451&Signature=fQZ2cBSlg48jZVgoAQ4ndq0Rw6O1ad9539~k6hnGhEHzSaRw1mu4bBmF7i2QMZGLJJ3kRjTdbucbcTz9jN2hxf426VnxJYgA5NWrm5VRABHSZOHLB9TbCpc1XK8OMaY8Ec-uOhtC6fUxz6UJg9hGIo0Nq9-LNc9Skqyky26g86OWQvNxHhMYpF0qSg7OplhNkrhsuEKXwp1XpT2o8JKDjdm1Wed3O728~jQ0VAjoaPq5QCOs5PebfsnpzTk5PQygMa86bum1~aI7~gLpIHDDSbF8XkKG85CesrInda-BeacgKWfqsXvlYVVfaTIauWIE~kivBDvxA1PY7O4nfuZm5A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The council reviewed two related cost centers: code enforcement and the regional animal control contract shared with neighboring towns.

Code enforcement: staff said the department has moved to restore a capital outlay line so funds can be set aside for a replacement vehicle rather than use a travel stipend. Bill Longley (code official) and staff said the code officer currently uses an older vehicle and the capital line will smooth replacements over a one‑ to five‑year horizon.

Animal control: Helene explained the animal control function is shared with Yarmouth and North Yarmouth. The budget reflects a small wage increase to keep the position competitive; Yarmouth covers approximately 35 percent, North Yarmouth about 26 percent, with the remaining town share shown in the draft budget. Staff said shelter costs are billed to participating towns based on population and that the vehicle capital outlay for the ACO was re‑estimated to reflect depreciation.

Councilors asked for call‑volume data to compare costs and staffing with other towns, and asked staff to return with that information. Councilors also discussed whether fee structures and shelter allocations should be revisited to ensure the shared arrangement remains cost effective.

Ending: staff will provide historical call volume and comparative rate information for regional animal control arrangements and will include a vehicle replacement plan in capital projections for code enforcement; no formal vote occurred.","Councilors reviewed a request to reintroduce a capital outlay line for a code enforcement vehicle and discussed the town’s shared animal control officer arrangement with Yarmouth and North Yarmouth, including proposed wage increases and cost allocations.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6126800,"Council hears Harbor Master budget and shellfish seeding plan; float replacement deferred to next year",539,4391000,4930000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2665655-12f4c401daceb33a02e86cb9e21b5a99&start=4391&end=4930","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2665655-12f4c401daceb33a02e86cb9e21b5a99/thumbnail_4391000.jpg","/articles/6126800/Maine/Council-hears-Harbor-Master-budget-and-shellfish-seeding-plan-float-replacement-deferred-to-next-year","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6126800-545fc5779e3aa1cf00eb4afd72cd35fb/orig.mp4?Expires=1771046451&Signature=ouuJQaXlWV-mF5WxvTQGiCmb5zJjhaHauSwhoOeXNsdc44Bq0gDFkXBVtBS3FAj2gDvK5nIQqqZ8-I2Fs1juz8COxZoHYEEiZr42w9sge60t1IccXjeTWe~fAaLhs65zZOBlOOVWVYBEi4ZTgpbKpbyoOdWRPytDUJH8cFMtKVakviSJnrM0HrMk9pNxS~IpeNSGVXCfMMZwj8UzKxQa4WMabqZijQ49b7BeS-dy3V1xzf9Lk9PF8r1JCZuqIVKuI2ePpMYvhDhEN8NXPnH-vrOTYZD~voK~BsHHbZMevF8IhsRU9aqcrMPbD17knXoC5E~3m4SFjhO3oilyFjafSg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The council reviewed the Harbor Master cost center and related marine programs, including mooring fees, channel marker maintenance and a proposed shellfish seeding pilot.

Helene, finance staff, said the budget adds a $4,000 capital outlay line to begin saving for channel markers, buoys and other marine aids to navigation instead of absorbing large maintenance swings in operating lines. Staff also advised the council the Harbor Master position budgeted mainly overtime wages is intended to reflect the additional responsibilities assigned to that position.

Shellfish seeding: Chris and Coastal Waters Committee members recommended a multi‑year seeding effort to restore the clam population in a local flat that historically supported shellfishing. Staff budgeted $2,500 in capital for initial seeding and estimated commercial shellfish license revenue of $1,500; they said the seeding effort would be a multi‑year program intended to establish a sustainable resource.

Master float plan: Councilors asked about funds set aside for the harbor master float replacement and whether Army Corps involvement remains part of the permitting pathway. Staff said the major float project is likely to appear in the fiscal 2027 budget rather than 2026, and that state grant paperwork was submitted last fall; the Army Corps review and earlier engineering work have been completed. Staff estimated possible project costs in discussion at roughly $12,000 to $25,000 depending on the final scope and noted the town could pursue non‑taxpayer fundraising ideas (for example, selling plank engravings) to help offset local costs.

Moorings and fees: staff reported mooring fee revenues run around $20,000 and proposed modest increases of about five percent to help cover rising maintenance costs for navigation aids.

Ending: councilors asked to receive a status update on the grant (referred to in the discussion as “Grama” application) and asked staff to include any harbor capital needs in next year’s CIP. No formal action was taken at this meeting.","The Harbor Master budget adds a modest capital set‑aside for channel markers and buoy replacement, councilors discussed a multi‑year seeding plan to restore clam beds, and staff said a master float replacement is anticipated in fiscal 2027 with grant applications pending.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6126804,"Public Works budget review highlights salt, staffing and vehicle choices amid hiring constraints",2002,4974000,6976000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2665655-12f4c401daceb33a02e86cb9e21b5a99&start=4974&end=6976","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2665655-12f4c401daceb33a02e86cb9e21b5a99/thumbnail_4974000.jpg","/articles/6126804/Maine/Public-Works-budget-review-highlights-salt-staffing-and-vehicle-choices-amid-hiring-constraints","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6126804-9d40e0143e4fa6030101db4fee040fb5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771046451&Signature=k-Y-Q-wgocH1Rj1I4PaFvkq-qlZtxJrPfgphUtsI5uQ-D-QCECg7umLDUAl02SmWPbPGO4Tnq3WN~Wo0Ix-o6xQtNnRnl2pRfcCRPOz9ruKYwPXjhyWWyV1b44zFe5flbHIVJaYUF1zaAZSusbUPbbpHpRq9RFlEZS0KAgRkrth1ukPkfZTJ7QvM0HOOafKTqdsGteVVzks1WG7e~-6HPagkjPa7H-RZd0coQlSRlcvRerdxjpN~Wh-3O6tA3CpmFi-7YKTXa3wIHLOrJRlpGdKiizihPoCYgv41iOXVPx3p1HgDNANj~VuSMvPdN9V3-cyooPMp4jIqve9z0EtlAw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The council spent substantial time on Public Works’ proposed 2026 budget, focusing on winter operations, fleet costs, staffing and capital needs.

Chris (public works staff) explained the town uses a molasses‑based brine mixed with salt to reduce required tonnage and truck wear, and that recent winters drive large year‑to‑year swings in salt and mailbox repair costs. He said the salt budget is set using a three‑year average of tonnage and the current supplier is procured through a cooperative arrangement (GPOG).

Fleet and maintenance questions drew extended comment. Councilor Ronald Copp urged the town to prefer gasoline engines for one‑ton and smaller trucks, citing higher purchase and maintenance costs for diesels and frequent diesel service issues; Chris said recent vehicle replacements include at least one gas pickup and that a gas replacement is planned in the CIP. Councilors asked staff to consider lifecycle and total‑cost analyses when scheduling replacements.

Contracted services: public works staff said contracted snow plowing costs rose under new bids and that the town has seen fewer contractors available for municipal routes. Staff noted the town retains a small contracted route with a single reliable operator but that market dynamics and labor shortages may require different arrangements in future years.

Operational details: councilors asked about the wash bay’s water usage (it is used to rinse undercarriages and reduce corrosion) and whether some pavement striping and crosswalk work could be done in‑house versus contracted; staff said striping costs rose because some crosswalks required multiple applications and added pavement markings. Councilors requested an estimate for a flashing crosswalk at Route 9 and Carroll Lane because of observed pedestrian safety concerns.

Staffing and regionalization: councilors and staff discussed hiring challenges for equipment operators and the potential for greater regional cooperation with neighboring towns for specialized equipment and services. Staff described prior and ongoing conversations with neighboring communities about shared resources.

Ending: councilors asked that staff provide more granular backup on particularly large line changes (internet, uniforms and striping) and to return with options on vehicle procurement, lifecycle costs and possible regional service arrangements.","Councilors and public works staff discussed salt and brine use, rising striping and crosswalk costs, large swings in internet and phone charges for departmental sites, and long‑running concerns about diesel versus gasoline fleet costs and vehicle maintenance.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6126806,"Council discusses phone lines, faxes and radio coverage as part of budget review",651,1181000,1832000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2665655-12f4c401daceb33a02e86cb9e21b5a99&start=1181&end=1832","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2665655-12f4c401daceb33a02e86cb9e21b5a99/thumbnail_1181000.jpg","/articles/6126806/Maine/Council-discusses-phone-lines-faxes-and-radio-coverage-as-part-of-budget-review","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6126806-42e56d7d691f2e25c57be79b9bf49558/orig.mp4?Expires=1771046451&Signature=WJoW19UtO0ck3dqSCj7gXB3UQ9O20zpUsxqntT6xBGwWl35ObBRwsQ12Z2s7Kb~bn1ZD5BxSVrRiqsh5f2-EP-5vyyRkJCe9cxAD7Boa3xNUfJY804~Uyi8Oy7VmHTY4PBYLdKqw4geODC8DWhMyMoAJ8C76codfeBmO~jB7cqXl7TWGj9SbrXBjDdNZF6hKdf~zNeR1zT3flotAT6CrRA-5s3OR4jKPIk-Dr0D8UH7negU~82aT9vGBsvC~2c~16ZbIXqWvbS~EqnA3OpeKkWDYZ0ccnINWXADEoD1sO30e3Cae~JFbK2rsq7PkX7dyK4LguuMSVlXSTNlVJRIl2A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","During the budget workshop councilors asked for detail on telephone, fax and cellular costs and for the town’s plan to improve radio coverage and cellular service in coverage gaps.

Helene, finance staff, and Matt explained the town switched voice service from a legacy vendor to a new voice‑over‑IP provider (ION) to avoid repeated per‑change fees from the prior vendor. They said the town still maintains copper backup lines at key facilities — notably the fire station — because some alarms, elevator lines and fire‑panel communications still require copper and because copper provides a fallback if municipal Internet is unavailable.

Madam Chair Douglas and other councilors pressed whether fax lines could be eliminated and whether the copper backups remain necessary. Helene said some services — alarm panels, elevator lines and certain public‑safety functions — still require copper; she suggested some alarm panels could be converted to wireless radio in future upgrades.

Councilors also raised widely varying monthly cell and Verizon bills and asked why some months showed large single‑month spikes. Helene explained some spikes reflect device purchases through the carrier (for example, purchasing an iPad with service for vehicle use), and that the fire department moved some in‑vehicle computing from expensive “Toughbook” laptops to iPads to reduce hardware expense while keeping cellular service on vehicle devices.

Radio coverage and tower plans: Matt and public‑safety chiefs described a multi‑year effort to improve radio and cellular coverage. Staff said the town is exploring co‑location on existing towers, working with neighboring communities and pursuing one or more new tower co‑location opportunities (Shoebeeck, a proposed Mountain Road tower and a potential new tower under discussion). Staff characterized the schedule as aiming for site agreements and co‑locations within roughly a year, subject to permitting, lease negotiations and potential grant support; prior budgets and a grant have partially funded early engineering work.

Councilors asked for continued clarity on recurring monthly costs and asked that staff post the vendor and device breakdown for cell and data accounts in the budget Q&A so the council can compare recurring service versus one‑time equipment purchases.

Ending: staff will provide a more detailed line‑by‑line explanation of phone, fax and cellular charges and continue work on tower co‑location and grant options; councilors asked for updates at upcoming budget meetings.","Cumberland councilors questioned recurring phone, fax and cellular bills and heard staff describe transitions to VoIP, copper backup lines for redundancy and an active effort to co‑locate radio and cellular antennas to eliminate coverage gaps on the west side of town.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Cumberland council reviews Fire Department budget as training, per‑diem and ambulance costs rise

Council discusses code enforcement vehicle CIP and regional animal control cost‑sharing

Council hears Harbor Master budget and shellfish seeding plan; float replacement deferred to next year

Public Works budget review highlights salt, staffing and vehicle choices amid hiring constraints

Council discusses phone lines, faxes and radio coverage as part of budget review