An unidentified speaker said Cumberland has not updated its impact fees for public works, parks, sewer and water in about 20 years and the town issued a request for qualifications in November to hire a consultant to prepare updated impact-fee reports.

The unidentified speaker said, “We haven't updated those fees in 20 years,” and later added, “We got 3 responses,” noting that “2 [were] from very qualified firms.” Staff said interviews with the finalists were held virtually and included Abby, Barry (principal planner) and Joe (public works director).

Town staff described the consultant's role as determining where Cumberland wants to build and which infrastructure — sewer, water, parks and other public-works components — will require upgrades. According to the speaker, the consultant will present those departmental infrastructure needs and the associated costs as part of the impact-fee study.

The transcript records staff asking whether the study would lead to changes in fee levels and when any changes might take effect: “will this still record will generate a cost change of cost from the fee, and when would we expect to see any changes if there are any.” The record does not include an answer or a timetable for any fee adjustments.

Next steps were not specified in the transcript. The town has completed the RFQ and interviewed two finalist firms; any formal contract award or schedule for fee updates was not reported in the provided segments.