Cambridge Community Update

Village of Cambridge, NY

More

May 01.2025

Kayak Safety Training | MAY 18, 2025 | Cambridge Fire Department

May 1, 2025As spring opens up our rivers and creeks, it also brings a responsibility -to ourselves, to our families, and to each other. That’s why I want to spotlight an important event happening right here in the Village.On Saturday, May 18, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., the Cambridge Fire Department is hosting a free Kayak Safety Course at 50 Gilbert Street.This is more than a weekend activity. It’s a hands-on, practical way to prepare for the paddling season - and a chance to learn directly from the first responders who know our waterways best. You’ll come away with tips, techniques, and the kind of awareness that can prevent accidents before they happen.Whether you’re new to kayaking or you’ve been paddling for years, I encourage you to join. Registration is required - once you sign up, the team will follow up with what to bring and how to prepare.Safety isn’t just seasonal, and it’s not something we outsource. It’s something we practice, together.I’m proud of our fire department for making this course available - and proud of the residents who will take the time to show up.See you on the water - safely.

Write a Comment

Blog Image

April 30.2025

Setting a Standard: What It Means to Get Things Done (Quietly)

A quiet reflection from Mayor James Sweeney on how Cambridge is building trust — not with noise, but with consistency, clarity, and the quiet work of getting things done.

Write a Comment

Blog Image

April 26.2025

Grant Opportunity for Residents Pursuing Skilled Trades

Residents exploring careers in the skilled trades now have access to a new grant program aimed at helping cover educational or career-related costs.TCT Federal Credit Union recently launched its TCT Supports the Trades Grant, open to credit union members aged 16 and older who are either currently enrolled in or have completed a trade program and demonstrate financial need.The program is part of a regional push to connect skilled workers with steady, in-demand jobs. Employers such as Eastern Castings, Fort Miller Group, Hudson Headwaters, and IBEW Local 236 are just a few of the organizations TCT supports through its membership base — and all reflect the kinds of industries where skilled labor is urgently needed.“There are jobs in our communities that offer competitive salaries through a trade education, and we want to help them achieve their goals,” said Curt Cecala, CEO of TCT.The grant is now accepting applications. 🔗 Details and application info: www.tctfcu.org/grantsTCT maintains a branch here in Cambridge and has served the tri-county region since 1959. While the Village does not endorse any specific institution, we’re sharing this information as a public service — to help connect residents with tools, funding, and opportunities that support their goals.

Write a Comment

Blog Image

April 23.2025

Understanding the Village’s Fiscal Stress Score

What’s This All About?Recently, the New York State Comptroller’s Office released its annual Fiscal Stress Monitoring Report, and Cambridge appeared on the list. That got some attention — and understandably so.Let’s clarify what this means, what it doesn’t mean, and where we go from here. The Board of Trustees has been transparent every step of the way — from the decisions made in 2023 to the ongoing planning we're doing now.It’s a score based on past data — specifically, the budget adopted back in April 2023. That’s nearly two budget cycles ago. It reflects choices made with residents in mind, during a period when inflation was high and everything from groceries to heating fuel was costing more. How Did We Get Here?Here’s what led to the score:The Village used fund balance that had been built up since 2015 to invest in public safety — things like airpacks, a firetruck, and parts of the new firehouse that weren’t covered by the loan.The tax rate increase was held to just 0.43%, even as the Village absorbed rising costs and completed long-planned public safety upgrades. The Village remained within just $61 of the state’s maximum levy limit — a clear sign of disciplined budgeting.The Comptroller’s model flags municipalities for drawing down reserves, even if that spending is intentional and aligned with long-term planning.So while the Village did spend, it spent on purpose — and on needs that were known and planned for.What Does the Score Really Mean?It’s important to understand how the state’s system works. The fiscal stress score is essentially a snapshot — one that doesn't always show the whole picture. It doesn’t look at why money was spent, just how much was spent and how much is left in reserves. So a village that spends wisely on public safety can score lower than one that stockpiles cash but delays upgrades.This score isn’t a warning light — it’s a report card from a moment in time. But that doesn’t mean we ignore it. We use it to inform smarter choices moving forward.What Are We Doing About It?Here’s what we’re already doing to strengthen the Village’s financial footing:Creating department-specific reserve funds to keep future equipment needs on trackAligning major purchases with lifecycle-based planning, so we replace things before they failImproving how we forecast, track, and value Village assets for long-term decision-makingCoordinating closely with the Treasurer’s Office to integrate those strategies into the annual budget processThese aren’t flashy moves — they’re practical ones. They build predictability into our budget and ensure that future Boards have the tools they need to plan, not just react.Where We Go From HereCambridge has never been about cutting corners or chasing headlines. We take care of each other. We make the hard decisions. And when something needs to be fixed — whether it’s a fire truck or a funding model — we get to work.So yes, we made big investments in public safety. Yes, we kept taxes low. And yes, that created a score we now have to manage. But the Village is in capable hands, and our plan is already in motion.If you’ve got questions, talk with any member of the Board of Trustees or join us at a Board meeting. Our door’s always open — because Cambridge works best when we work together.

Write a Comment

Don't Ever Miss Out On A New Post

SUBMIT FORM

The Village of Cambridge, NY community update provides residents with timely local government news, Board of Trustees updates, and information about community happenings and events.

Kayak Safety Training | MAY 18, 2025 | Cambridge Fire Department

Setting a Standard: What It Means to Get Things Done (Quietly)

Grant Opportunity for Residents Pursuing Skilled Trades

Understanding the Village’s Fiscal Stress Score

Your Post Title Will Be Here

Your Post Title Will Be Here

Your Post Title Will Be Here

Your Post Title Will Be Here

Your Post Title Will Be Here

Your Post Title Will Be Here

Your Post Title Will Be Here

Your Post Title Will Be Here

Kayak Safety Training | MAY 18, 2025 | Cambridge Fire Department

Setting a Standard: What It Means to Get Things Done (Quietly)

Grant Opportunity for Residents Pursuing Skilled Trades

Understanding the Village’s Fiscal Stress Score

Your Post Title Will Be Here

Your Post Title Will Be Here

Your Post Title Will Be Here

Your Post Title Will Be Here

Your Post Title Will Be Here

Your Post Title Will Be Here

Your Post Title Will Be Here

Your Post Title Will Be Here

Terms of Service

Privacy Policy

Core Modal Title