Cumberland County adopts amended 2026 budget, raises levy limit amid one dissent

The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners adopted an amended 2026 budget on July 21, 2026 that raised the county tax levy limit to 3.5% and established a so-called "cat bank" as described in the resolution title. Director Taylor read the resolution and the board moved to open and close the public hearing with no public speakers.

Commissioner Garcia Biki voted No and explained her position at length: she said the county's June budget "exceeded the statutory 2% cap for several county entities" and that the state later rejected the earlier budget, leaving the board to adopt an amended plan that "relies on a patchwork of grant additions and technical adjustments" and includes roughly a $5.9 million change in the levy. She said the process lacked long-term financial planning and transparency. Other commissioners—including Ostino, Sorrow, Romero, Deputy Director Marsh and Director Taylor—voted Yes, some saying state review required the board to act quickly; the motion carried with a single opposition.

The board then read and approved Resolution 2026-388 amending the county budget with multiple line-item adjustments to anticipated revenues, local revenues, special item totals and the amount to be raised by taxation (the transcript lists the amended totals as presented during the meeting). Director Taylor and county staff said the amended budget will be filed with the Division of Local Government Services for certification and is effective immediately upon passage.