MINUTES OF THE JOINT MEETING OF THE CUMBERLAND TOWN COUNCIL & SCHOOL COMMITTEE

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2026 AT 6:00 P.M.

CUMBERLAND TOWN HALL, EVERETT “MOE” BONNER, JR. COUNCIL CHAMBERS

45 BROAD STREET, CUMBERLAND, RHODE ISLAND

OPEN SESSION

 

1.      Call to Order

The joint meeting of the Cumberland Town Council and School Committee was called to order at 6:01 PM. All Town Council members were present. School Committee members Feather and Smith were absent.

 

2.      Discussion

 

a.      Pre-Budget Consultations and Three-Year Forecasting with the School Committee Pursuant to the Requirements of RIGL 16-2-21 through 16-2-21.3

Superintendent Thornton presented financial data showing Cumberland's efficient educational spending, noting the district achieves strong academic results despite having the lowest per-pupil spending in the state. He highlighted increasing enrollment (31 more students this year), which positively impacts state aid, with projections showing an additional 125 students expected next year.

CFO McGrath reviewed the school department's fund balance history, which has declined from over $6 million in FY21 to a projected $1.2 million in FY26. He explained key budget challenges including:

• Health insurance rate increases projected at 9.9%
• A high number of large health claims (16 claims averaging $142,000)
• Certified staff contract increases of 4% plus step increases estimated at $2.2 million

Mayor Mutter presented the town's three-year financial forecast, explaining that the town faces structural budget challenges. Key points included:

• Even with maximum 4% tax levy increase, the budget cannot cover existing costs if structured properly without fund balance use
• Both school and town departments have been using fund balances to balance their budgets, which is unsustainable
• The 2026-27 budget would likely require structural balance with no fund balance usage
• The first principal payment on school construction bonds will create additional pressure on the budget

The Council and School Committee discussed future budget implications including potential requests that might exceed the 4% tax levy cap.

b.      School Committee's New Change Order Policy

This item was discussed briefly, with clarification that the policy had been rectified after initial concerns. The policy enables the Superintendent to approve change orders up to $25,000 after consultation with Building Committee members, allowing construction projects to proceed without delays for small dollar amounts.

 

c.       Sidewalk Snow Clearing Around Student Walking Distance

School Committee member Dean initiated discussion about student safety concerns during winter weather when sidewalks are not cleared, noting recent heavy snowfall forced students to walk in the roadway.

 

The Council discussed potential ordinance options to encourage homeowners to clear sidewalks, though concerns were raised about enforcement and fairness.

 

Mayor Mutter explained the town had utilized overtime and contractors to clear priority sidewalks but noted that a comprehensive sidewalk clearing program would require additional budget allocations for staff and equipment.

 

3.      Public Comments

There were no public comments.

4.      Adjournment

MOTION BY COUNCILOR SHAW, SECONDED BY COUNCILOR MCGILL TO ADJOURN AT 7:18 PM.  VOTE 7/0.