Cumberland County commissioners outline new community grants, Board of Health budget and Narcan vending machines

Commissioner Romero used the commissioners' reports section to summarize several public-health and community initiatives and budget figures.

"In 2026, total grants awarded were 5,400 and change," Romero said when describing Board of Health activity, and he provided budget figures: citing 2025 expenses around $4,217,000 and a 2026 budget of $4,402,000, a change he described as a 4.39% increase. Romero said those funds primarily derive from grants and not from property-tax increases.

Romero also announced two new Board of Health members, Michael Ausburn and George Santorio, and said the county is reallocating $250,000 to support food organizations and school assistance. He described a plan to provide $5,000 to schools around the county, stating the money comes from grant funding and not local taxes.

On corrections and overdose response, Romero said $29,000 will be repurposed from a larger $1.9 million fund to purchase cameras and that the county ordered 15 vending machines that will be stocked with Narcan nasal spray for use in overdose responses.

Deputy Director Marchand and other officials also thanked first responders and described recognition events for firefighters and 911 dispatchers. Director Taylor and commissioners praised the 911/OEM response to a recent burning barge on the river, thanking 911/OEM Director Dawn Bowen and Deputy Director Gabe Scarpa for coordinating multi-agency response and stating the barge was extinguished and moved to Camden without entering county ports.

No formal votes were taken as part of these reports; the comments were delivered as informational updates to the board and public.