Cumberland County manager releases budget; public hearing and additional work sessions scheduled

Chairman said the county manager has released a proposed budget and provided commissioners with a revenue-neutral tax-rate recommendation. Commissioners have held one work session and scheduled another work session plus public hearings; the public hearing on the budget is set for 7 p.m., during which members of the public will have three minutes to comment.

The manager's initial recommendation included maintaining current rates for the recreation tax and fire tax, according to the chairman's description of staff materials. Commissioners said they will continue budget work sessions and public coffees used to gather community priorities; the chairman said the board aims to complete a series of three to four work sessions before moving to a final vote.

Commissioners noted that even a revenue-neutral tax rate can shift tax burden because residential property revaluation can cause some homeowners to pay more while commercial properties may pay less on average; board discussion will include options for relief and targeting rates for recreation and fire districts.

Ending: Additional budget work sessions and the public hearing are scheduled; commissioners asked staff to prepare information for upcoming hearings and for further deliberation on rate options and impacts to homeowners and volunteer fire departments.