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Cumberland approves unsynchronized levy, council debates split rate and cost drivers
Summary
Council adopted Resolution 26‑16 setting an unsynchronized levy (range $77,000,500–$79,000,000) and moved to a split tax rate; councilors heard the mayor describe budget pressures (snowstorms, retirements, EMS costs) and a proposed split of $11.03 (commercial) and $10.01 (residential). The resolution passed on a recorded vote.
The Cumberland Town Council on April 15 approved Resolution 26‑16, adopting an unsynchronized levy for portions of fiscal 2026 and 2027 and advancing a split property-tax rate intended to rebalance commercial and residential shares.
Mayor Mudda explained the levy range ($77,000,500 to $79,000,000) and said drivers include unexpected highway costs from recent snowstorms and increased public-safety expenses tied to retirements and injured-on-duty claims in police and EMS. He said the town is projecting higher housing-aid receipts but is cautious about relying on one-time or timing-dependent revenue.
The administration proposed moving to a split rate, with a recommended commercial rate of $11.03 and a residential rate of $10.01. Mayor Mudda and financial staff explained that the split shifts a portion of the tax burden from homeowners to commercial property because other revenue streams (motor-vehicle excise, tangible tax) have changed or been limited over time.
Councilors asked detailed questions about collection-rate assumptions, receivables tied to potential federal or FEMA reimbursements for snow response, and the timing of valuation adjustments from revaluation hearings. Finance staff said final values arrived the prior Friday and that several hundred appeals affected totals; the administration indicated it would present a budget amendment with more precise highway and receivable figures at the next meeting if needed.
After discussion, council approved the resolution on a recorded vote (final recorded tally at the meeting: 5–2). Councilors were told a formal budget amendment is expected at the next council meeting to reconcile year-end items such as storm costs and severance/retirement payouts.
