Cumberland officials explore revenue strategies amid rising police budget concerns

The Cumberland Town Council held a budget workshop on May 5, 2025, to discuss the upcoming fiscal year's budget, focusing on various departmental expenditures and potential revenue opportunities. The meeting provided an opportunity for council members to raise questions and seek clarifications regarding budget allocations.

One significant topic of discussion was the police department's travel expenses, which saw a dramatic increase of 3000%. Council member Ron raised concerns about this spike, noting that training costs had risen from $162 to $7,500. The increase was attributed to a shift in budgeting practices, where training expenses were moved from individual departmental budgets to a centralized allocation under the manager's budget. This change was made to ensure adequate funding for the chief and deputy chief's attendance at national conferences, which are deemed essential for their professional development.

The conversation then shifted to the fire department's membership dues for various organizations. Council members expressed concerns about the necessity of individual memberships for the chief and assistant chief, suggesting that regional collaboration could be more cost-effective. The fire department's budget also reflected an increase in membership dues, which rose from $2,000 to $4,000. The council indicated that they would monitor these expenses throughout the fiscal year for potential savings.

Denise, another council member, inquired about the relationship between training and organizational membership, questioning whether such memberships are considered part of the employment package for chief-level positions. The response indicated that while membership is often included in employment offers, it is crucial to be judicious in selecting which organizations to join.

The council also discussed revenue opportunities for the town. Suggestions included exploring pay-and-display parking in certain areas and reviewing permit fees to ensure they are competitive with neighboring communities. The town's revenue sources, primarily excise and property taxes, were acknowledged as limited, prompting discussions on enhancing rescue revenue. The council noted that rates for rescue services had already been increased as of May 1, 2025, and emphasized the importance of billing for services rendered, particularly in cases involving major incidents on local highways.

Council member Ron highlighted the financial implications of responding to accidents on major routes, such as the Turnpike and Route 1, where the fire department often incurs significant costs for manpower and resources. He suggested that the town could benefit from billing for these services, as they frequently involve extended response times and substantial resource allocation.

In conclusion, the budget workshop underscored the council's commitment to scrutinizing departmental budgets while exploring new revenue avenues. The discussions reflected a collaborative approach to fiscal responsibility, with council members actively engaging in dialogue to ensure the town's financial health moving forward. The council plans to continue monitoring budgetary allocations and revenue opportunities as the fiscal year progresses.