Cumberland County commissioners voted June 26 to approve a contract to start a countywide strategic planning process, authorizing a maximum cost of $113,340 to conduct a review of mandated versus nonmandated services, set strategic priorities and develop implementation metrics.

County staff presented the contract as the final step needed to begin a planning process that will produce a vision, mission, values, strategic priorities, measurable goals and implementation support including a budgetary review. “The cost is currently established at $103,840,” said Stacy Snyder, county staff, noting the higher $113,340 figure on the cover page reflects potential reimbursable travel expenses; “we would make you aware if we were going to incur any additional expenses above the set amount before we incurred those expenses.”

Supporters said the plan is needed now to clarify which services are mandated, which are discretionary and how to align budget decisions with county priorities amid uncertain state and federal funding. “Having those values laid out is incredibly important to the success of this county, particularly as we move forward and grow,” a commissioner said during the discussion.

Opponents warned the timing is poor given federal funding uncertainty and questioned whether the vendor’s scope would deliver the specific scenario-based financial analyses the county might need. A commissioner who opposed the contract argued that the board already has done internal work distinguishing mandated and nonmandated functions and cautioned the outside consultant could produce results that do not answer the board’s practical questions.

After extended discussion, the board approved the contract by voice vote. Commissioners who supported the contract said the work will guide budgets and services for the coming years and include annual reviews; staff said they expect the plan to remain in force for at least five years with annual revisions as needed.

The county plans to continue seeking grant funding to offset the contract cost and to use a mix of virtual and in-person meetings with the vendor to limit travel expenses.