New Cumberland met for the beginning of a new term for the Mayor, Council and City appointees. The composition of the Council and Mayor does not change. Mayor Will White won re-election to a four-year term, while Council members up for re-elected were all successful in their bid. Penny Spilecki, Dave Cline and JoEllen Kessel were all sworn in to their new terms.
Appointees named to their position by the Mayor and approved by Council include the following: Chief of Police – Lester Skinner; City Solicitor – Frankovitch, Anetakis, Simon, DeCapio & Pearl; Municipal Judge – Dean Makricosta, Esq.; and City Clerk – Tamera Jenkins.
Council discussed that Council member JoEllen Kessel had attended the Hancock County Museum meeting. It was noted that one of their Museum Commissioners, Vivian Weigel, had passed away. A replacement for Weigel would need to be appointed by the Hancock County Commission. Mayor White stressed that the City cannot take responsibility for the Museum. The Museum property is owned by the Hancock County Commission and a large yard behind the Museum had been mentioned as a 2nd Ave, playground. The Museum, however, is bound by the terms of Virginia Marshall’s will and it appears the property cannot be split.
Some relief from the geese problem which plagues the town was achieved thanks to a company who was in the area doing geese removal for Mountaineer and Ergon. The company saw the flock of geese gathered in the Fireman’s Field and were able to take 55 geese away.
In other business, Council:
**Approved a part-time Cleaning Person for the City Building;
**’Approve Budget Revisions ;
**Voted to approve the 1st reading for a water rate increase of about 30% for residential customer;
**Voted to approve the 1st reading for a 18% sewer rate increase for residential customer;
**Approved the following 2026 donations;New Cumberland Festival Committee – $5,000.00; New Cumberland Volunteer Fire Department – $6,000.00; Swaney Library – $1,000.00; United Social Service – $1,000.00; Yuletide Lights – $1,000.00; CASA – $250.00; Garden & Beautification Committee – $3,000.00. The total of money allocated is $17,250.00. Council allocated $20,000.00 to the line item in case another need arises that may come to them for a donation.
**Approved the 2026 increases.
**Announced the Yard of the Month is Donna and Joe Hoder at 913 Second Ave.
