Cambridge City costs climb, caution grows

Despite rising prices for supplies and services, Cambridge City town leaders are trying to keep taxpayers’ costs steady in 2027.

While the new budget won’t be finalized for a few more months, council conducted a workshop on Thursday, July 29, to brainstorm 2027 priorities and analyze how January-June 2026 spending matched the current budget.

Public Works Superintendent Joe Webb, Clerk-Treasurer Sherry Ervin, Police Chief Richard Roberts and Sgt. Seth Biava, town attorney Bob Bever, and the five councilors gathered for the public discussion.

Questions, concerns and priorities emerged, including:

• Gas prices are rising again. Police officers and town laborers use thousands of gallons annually.
• Indiana’s Community Crossings paving grants (which offer $4 matches for the town’s $1) likely will be harder to obtain. State matches are now capped at $100 million.
• Councilors want to boost town workers’ pay to help prevent turnover. Options include a 3% raise or a one-time stipend that wouldn’t obligate future spending.
• Contributions for employees’ medical insurance aren’t available yet, but expected to rise.
• Town buildings need brick and roof repairs.
• Several sidewalks need replacing. Many are caused by tree roots, which also need removal. The town requires property owners to replace sidewalks, but few repairs take place. Jim McLane, council president, suggested freeing funds to do targeted repairs.
• While some aging equipment was replaced this year, additional expensive items are wearing out, such as an approximately $15,000 mower. Police and fire departments already faced significant repairs this year. Roberts hopes to replace an older vehicle next year; firefighters are raising money for a new truck.
• The cemetery board agreed to the initial payment for a used dump truck, but the town’s share begins in late 2027.
• Storm damage cleanup expenses vary.
• It’s unknown if multiple candidates will file for an election, which the town must pay for if it’s needed.

Council tentatively agreed to shift some funds for priority needs, such as moving $15,000 from Economic Development Income Tax fund to town building repairs.

In addition, they removed $1,000 from cemetery grave digging because more residents are selecting cremation.

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Councilors Jim King and McLane attended a local government leaders’ meeting two days earlier regarding long-term effects of Indiana Senate Bill 1 that will affect town revenue.

New state property tax credits, including supplemental homestead, have taken effect that could reduce the town’s expected revenue starting in 2026. To offset that gap, the town can request Wayne County Council enact a local income tax starting in 2029.

Thus, McLane urged bracing for “a couple pretty rough years” and being conservative with spending in 2027.

Knowing those upcoming challenges, Bever suggested the town might want to keep a larger operating balance for the following year.

However, councilors also are preparing for a public hearing during their 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 10, monthly meeting on a proposed three-phase increase on water rates and charges. They said they’d like to try to keep local tax rates the same to offset higher water bills starting Jan. 1. The public is invited to town hall, 127 N. Foote St.

Taxpayers still have time to share their opinions or ask questions. Council must conduct a public hearing for the 2027 budget before approval.