THE SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES OF THE CUMBERLAND TOWN COUNCIL

TUESDAY, MAY 27, 2025, at 6:00 P.M.

JOSEPH L. MCCOURT MIDDLE SCHOOL, 45 HIGHLAND AVENUE, CUMBERLAND, RI

 

 

Call to Order

Council President called the meeting to order at 6:03 p.m.  He noted that 5 councilors were present, constituting a quorum, with Councilor Lisa Beaulieu and Councilor Bradley absent.

 

Pledge of Allegiance

The Council President led those present in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

Public Comments

The Council President asked if anyone had public comments before discussing the ordinances. No members of the public came forward to speak. 

 

Old Business

 

Ordinances for Public Hearing

1. #25-10 – An ordinance establishing the Operating Budget for the Town of Cumberland's General Fund for Fiscal Year 2025/2026

 

The Council President opened the public hearing at 6:05 p.m. 

 

Council President outlined the process for discussing the ordinance, stating that the Mayor would give a brief presentation first, followed by the Council President reading department numbers into the record. Council members would have an opportunity to ask questions after each department. The Mayor would then explain and take questions, followed by public comments and final Council questions.

 

Mayor Mutter began his presentation by discussing the budget message and explaining that the main funding focus was on school construction. He noted that revenue replacement from last year's budget was used to stay within the 4% cap and 3% rate. The Mayor stated that FY25 would likely finish using those fund balances, which would not be available to use again. He explained that housing aid coming in FY26 would be enough to remove some fund balances, but not all. The budget, as proposed, still included $350,000 of fund balance and $700,000 in revenue stabilization.

 

The Mayor outlined the proposed tax rate of 3.5%, noting that it was a revaluation year and property values were likely to increase significantly. He presented the main budget drivers, including a $740,000 increase in Town contribution to education, increases in Police pension OPEB, trash and recycling costs, debt service, and IT hardware replacement needs.

 

Mayor Mutter explained some behind-the-scenes aspects of the budget, including funding the HSA upload from a fund balance, moving master leases out of department budgets, and pulling out some capital needs to balance the budget. He emphasized the Town's positive attributes, including top-performing schools, an accredited Police Department, and recreational spaces.

 

The Council President then read the revenue and expenditure numbers for the general fund into the record.

 

Councilor Metivier asked about the significant increase in the Information Technology budget.

 

The Mayor explained that this was due to necessary hardware replacements for Town departments, as many pieces would be out of date by October.

 

Councilor Metivier also inquired about the severance line item.

 

Mayor Mutter clarified this was a catchall for Town employee severance payments, including significant payments for retiring police officers.

 

The Council President asked about the school construction aid for FY26.

 

Mayor Mutter confirmed the amount was $3,921,721, emphasizing the importance of this number being accurate.

 

School Superintendent Dr. Thornton and School Committee Vice Chair Kerri Smith addressed the Council regarding the school budget. They highlighted the challenges faced by the school department, including low per-pupil spending compared to the State average and the use of fund balances to carry the budget. They requested that the Council consider additional funding for the School Department.

 

Councilor Magill asked about teacher compensation for oversized classes.

 

Ms. Smith explained that teachers are compensated for up to two additional students per class, with anything beyond that requiring negotiation.

 

Mayor Mutter clarified some points about the school construction bonds and debt service, emphasizing that these costs were not included in the school department's portion of the budget.

 

With no further public comments, the Council President closed the public hearing for Ordinance #25-10 at 6:55 p.m.

 

2.  #25-11 – An ordinance establishing the Operating Budget for the Town of Cumberland's Water Department for Fiscal Year 2025/2026

 

The Council President opened the public hearing at 6:55 PM

 

The revenue and expenditure numbers for the Water Department were read into the record.

 

Mayor Mutter explained that the increase in revenue and expenditure of approximately $700,000 from FY25 was due to increases in water treatment chemicals, purchased water from Pawtucket Water Supply, and a deficit reduction plan to repay the general fund.

 

Director Romeo confirmed these points and added that the deficit reduction plan would involve approximately $400,000 per year for the next 6 years to make the general fund whole.

 

With no public comments, the Council President closed the public hearing at 6:59 PM.

 

3.  #25-12 – An ordinance establishing the Operating Budget for the Town of Cumberland's Sewer Department for Fiscal Year 2025/2026

 

The Council President opened the public hearing at 6:59 PM

 

The Council President read the revenue and expenditure numbers for the Sewer Department into the record.

 

Mayor Mutter explained that the budget anticipates making the Sewer fund an enterprise fund, noting new line items for debt service principal and interest and an infrastructure improvement fund. He also mentioned that a previously planned $2.3 million project in Berkeley did not receive federal funding as hoped.  The Mayor acknowledged the retirement of longtime Sewer Department employee Dave Carr, thanking him for his service.

 

With no public comments, the Council President closed the public hearing at 7:03 PM.

 

4.  #25-13 – An ordinance establishing the Operating Budget for the Town of Cumberland's Recreation Fund for Fiscal Year 2025/2026

 

The Council President opened the public hearing at 7:03 PM and read the revenue and expenditure numbers for the recreation fund into the record.

 

Mayor Mutter explained that the Recreation budget was now run through the general fund and praised Director Crawley for his management of the department. He noted that revenues typically exceed expenses, increasing the fund balance.

 

The Council President commended Director Crawley for growing the recreation programs in a fiscally responsible way.

 

With no public comments, the Council President closed the public hearing at 7:05 PM.

 

Public Comments

No members of the public came forward to speak.

 

Adjournment

Motion made by Councilor Shaw, seconded by Councilor Magill, and it is voted to adjourn at 7:06 p.m.  Vote 5/0.