Cambridge City budget ‘best’ under circumstances

Cambridge City is facing increasing challenges to its 2026 budget from rising property tax caps.

During town council’s Oct. 13 public hearing on the budget, Bob Bever said the town may collect $559,451 of the $849,040 that it would otherwise use to provide services.

The cap gap increased from $290,000 to $375,700 in one year. Other funds coming through state government decreased, and the town has less cash on hand.

Despite those challenges, Bever said council stayed under the maximum allowable tax levy by $671 instead of a few thousand dollars as normal.

If the town’s opioid settlement funds are removed, the budget increased by just $944 over last year while giving its employees 3% raises.

“We’ve done the best we can under the circumstances,” Bever said.

A special meeting to approve the budget begins at 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23, at town hall, 127 N. Foote St. The public is invited.

Land bank

Valerie Shaffer, Economic Development Corp. of Wayne County’s president, said council could join the new county land bank for $5,000 annually for three years. It’s designed to revitalize neighborhoods by maintaining deteriorating properties that don’t sell in commissioner sales until suitable owners can be found to avoid demolition. The land bank could help market properties and clear titles and liens to make them viable, more predictable investments. It also vets buyers to make sure they have development plans, money and a deadline to complete work.

Some councilors thought joining the land bank might help reach absent owners and take some work off Joe Webb, Cambridge City’s public works superintendent, who’s currently addressing blighted properties. Progress also could be made between council’s monthly meetings.

Council will review funding possibilities and consider them at its 6 p.m. Nov. 10 public meeting in town hall.

In other business

• Council supported using $325,000 in remaining water project funds to replace six nonworking hydrants and one valve, and a water line at Pearl and Front streets.
• No progress has been made about a stray cat colony that upsets East Church Street neighbors. Councilors will contact animal welfare organizations and Wayne County Health Department to seek potential solutions and research other communities’ successes. Nonprofit shelters are too full to take pets. Trap-neuter-release could prevent reproduction but won’t address current sanitation and illness concerns.
• The town received a unique rebate from its health insurance provider because claims decreased. Council agreed to give each participant $225 and add the rest to the general fund.
• American Legion donated $6,000 to Cambridge City Police Department toward Flock surveillance cameras. Cambridge City Area Chamber of Commerce gave the fire department $500.
• Council is addressing structural concerns in the 100 block of West Main, believing the building poses a visible danger to passersby and neighboring businesses. The sidewalk was closed while awaiting an engineer’s assessment. Council supported beginning unsafe building proceedings to clear the town of liability.
• Bever will look into town ordinances to address a concern about people living in a tent.
• The fire department’s costume parade begins at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 31 at the former school (100 block East Main) and ends at the station, 127 W. Maple, where costume judging takes place before 6 p.m.
• CCPD’s Seth Biava thanked U.S. Deputy Sheriff’s Association for donating lights for officers’ weapons.