February 28th, 2023 by WCBC Radio

Cumberland city officials are continuing to tweak the hotel/motel grant program with City Administrator Jeff Silka outlining a plan to streamline and formalize the distribution process. The annual distribution of funding was a topic of discussion Tuesday during a City Council work session at City Hall. Each year, a portion of the hotel/motel accommodation tax collected by Allegany County is distributed to the city, and officials subsequently make a portion available to organizations located within city limits that help attract visitors to the area. Silka is recommending the process be moved to spring to be included as part of the city’s regular budget process; and that applications be due by May 1st.  He says the new timeline allows organizations to be aware of their funding level at the start of the fiscal year. Councilwoman Laurie Marchini applauded Silka’s plan saying this is a change that is long overdue…