May 2nd, 2018 by WCBC Radio

The Cumberland Mayor and City Council moved another step closer to finalizing its FY 2019 budget with discussions taking place during a brief public work session on Tuesday afternoon. As was discussed last the month, the city plans to reduce employee health care benefits- with  the individual deductible increasing from $300 to $500;  the family plan deductible increasing from $900 to $1,500. The copay for emergency room visits would increase from $150 to $200. Although no increase in the property taxes is expected, 5 percent increases for the water and trash collection bills are part of the plan. Officials are also still discussing the possibility of offering incentives for eligible employees to take retirement or implementing a hiring freeze- although a freeze seems unlikely.  Mayor Brian Grim…