Town Council finalizes municipal budget amid public input and staff appreciation

The Cumberland Town Council convened on May 5, 2025, to discuss the municipal budget during a public hearing. The meeting followed a two-hour workshop aimed at finalizing adjustments to the budget, which was met with positive feedback from council members.

Councilor Eads opened the discussion by expressing gratitude to staff members Helene, Matt, and Chris Bulldog for their hard work and organization throughout the budgeting process. He emphasized the collaborative effort that went into creating the budget and noted the excitement for the upcoming year.

During the public hearing, the council invited audience members to share their thoughts on the budget. However, no comments were made from the public, leading to the closure of the hearing. Eads acknowledged the thorough review process, highlighting the involvement of new council members and the new town manager. He reassured the public that due diligence was exercised in the budget discussions, addressing concerns about affordability and funding for essential services.

The council members collectively praised the efforts of the finance chair and the staff, noting that the budget process was smooth and well-organized. They expressed confidence that the public could trust the outcomes of the discussions, which included careful consideration of community needs and financial constraints.

As the meeting concluded, council members reflected on the progress made and looked forward to the next budget cycle starting July 1. The overall sentiment was one of pride in the collaborative work done and optimism for the future of Cumberland's municipal budget.