Cumberland County departments warn state funding rules could force deeper cuts as 2027 budget is presented

Cumberland County commissioners heard detailed department-by-department presentations on the draft 2027 fiscal budget on Wednesday, where staff warned that state-driven funding formulas and pending legal settlements could require additional cuts to human-services programs.

Carrie Frinkbinder, who led the fiscal overview, said the county’s proposed 2027 budget shows $82.6 million in budgeted expenses, about $2.4 million higher than 2026, and $81.7 million in projected revenue, roughly $2.1 million more than last year. "The fiscal budget is scheduled to go on view next Wednesday, May 6th for approval on June 3rd," Frinkbinder said.

Agency directors emphasized uncertainty tied to state allocations. The Aging and Community Services presenter said the department is "still waiting on a final decision from DHS regarding our assessment process," and confirmed a $150,000 reduction tied to Title 19 allocations that was determined using an interstate funding formula the department was not told would be applied. "We just don't know the full amount yet," the presenter said, adding the department will delay hiring an open position until numbers are final.

Children and Youth staff reported tentative allocations that matched their request but said the state retroactively modified prior-year adjustments and denied some position funding. Staff said nine positions remain unfunded in the current budget and warned that filling those roles could become a county obligation if the state does not restore overmatch funding.

Mental health directors described steep recent cuts and the risk of further reductions. The mental health presenter said the department cut about $1.9 million this fiscal year and is preparing for additional cuts because the governor’s budget did not propose new mental-health funding. Staff also described changes to contract language to preserve county oversight and a 90-day-notice provision for substantial service changes.

Several presenters noted the county relies on one-time or grant funds that may not be permanent. Drug and alcohol staff said many positions are currently charged to opioid-related grants and cautioned that services funded by those grants may be unsustainable if the money declines. "Because it will go away at some point... we're all going to have to be prepared when that's no longer providing that large offset," the drug and alcohol presenter said.

County staff discussed a Long-Term Structured Residence (LTSR) project intended to serve people with serious mental illness, describing it as a high-cost, limited-capacity program. Staff said the county has asked the state for a fiscal-code waiver to allow upfront payment of settlement or LTSR funds to reduce long-term mortgage costs; in that scenario, contract terms would protect the county’s asset if a private operator failed to continue the program.

Officials pressed state agencies for clearer explanations of the formulas driving allocations. Presenters described formulas that weigh population, poverty and other factors; several staff said counties have often discovered formula changes only after allocations were issued. Commissioners and staff discussed reviving briefing sessions with the county delegation and using the county’s human-services policy team to coordinate advocacy.

No formal votes were taken. The county will place the proposed budget on view May 6 and is scheduled to consider approval on June 3.