Frequently Asked Questions

A facilities master plan (FMP) is a comprehensive document, based on an analysis of data, that identifies facility needs and provides set of options to address these needs. 

 Cumberland County has completed its first-ever FMP, which includes independent expert recommendations to proactively address its obsolete facilities, growing facility space deficits and increasing demand for county services.

 For years, Cumberland County has managed facility and space challenges through a series of short-term fixes, including renovations, relocations and consolidations. The county FMP marks a shift towards a long-term, comprehensive approach to facility and space planning over the next 20 years. It will inform future facility decisions, enabling the county to provide services to residents in the most effective and fiscally responsible manner for generations to come.

Many county government facilities aren’t just old, but some are functionally and structurally obsolete. Renovations can’t or won’t cost-effectively address fundamental issues like the need for more space, improving accessibility and meeting modern operational standards. In many cases, building new makes more sense in the long run by avoiding continuous costly repairs on outdated structures.

The FMP presents data, analysis, and independent expert recommendations with estimated costs ranging from $200,000 for facility improvements to over $200 million for new facilities. It does not represent actual costs or any decisions. The county will only advance projects that are fiscally and operationally responsible. The county also anticipates offsetting costs by selling properties that no longer meet its needs and reducing spending on leases. The FMP proactively addresses obsolete facilities and increasing demand for essential services in the most fiscally responsible way for generations to come.

While the FMP provides a comprehensive range of options, the county does not intend to pursue every option in the plan. The county will strategically select facility projects that will best address future needs and make the most sense fiscally and operationally.

The county has been making changes across its facilities to address space challenges for years. These changes include renovations, relocations and consolidations. However, as one of the fastest growing counties in the Commonwealth, it became apparent that a long-range comprehensive approach to facility and space planning was needed. The FMP is the county’s first broad forward-looking approach to ensure that its facility infrastructure will support the county’s growth for generations to come. It represents the county’s commitment to strategic, long-term planning to best serve residents with essential government services.

The primary goal is to improve services. By centralizing and improving facilities, the county will aim to enhance customer access, convenience and safety, and ensure that county staff have adequate and secure space to perform their duties effectively. This will ultimately lead to better service for residents and more efficient operations for the county.

County facilities are fundamental to providing essential county services. As the demand for services grows with our population, obsolete and insufficient facilities directly impact the county’s ability to serve residents effectively and efficiently. The data, analysis and options in the FMP will help guide future facility and space planning so the county can fulfill its mission to provide impactful and essential county services in the most effective and financially responsible manner possible.