It has been an incredibly busy month across Cumberland County, and I’m grateful for every opportunity to serve this community and work alongside so many people who care deeply about our county and its future.

I’m truly humbled and thankful for the overwhelming support shown in the recent primary election. The confidence the people of Cumberland County placed in me means more than I can express. I remain committed to continuing the work of moving our county forward with experience, leadership, and vision. Thank you to my family, friends, supporters, campaign volunteers, and everyone who worked so hard throughout the campaign. I also want to recognize Jill Davis, the Election Commission, and their staff for the tremendous job they did making the election run flawlessly despite the challenges created by the recent fire and relocation. Their hard work and dedication deserve a great deal of credit.

It was great to welcome Governor Bill Lee back to Cumberland County alongside Speaker Cameron Sexton. I’m thankful for their continued leadership, friendship, and support for our community and our state.

One of the meaningful moments this month was placing the sign marking the future home of the Milo Lemert Memorial Park honoring Cumberland County’s own Medal of Honor recipient. Projects like this matter because they help ensure future generations remember the sacrifices made by those who fought to protect the freedoms we enjoy today. Jerry Brownstead has been instrumental in helping bring attention to Milo Lemert’s story, and I appreciate the veterans committee and the many others continuing to help move this project forward. I also want to thank Speaker Cameron Sexton and Senator Paul Bailey for helping secure funding for both the new park and improvements to War Memorial Park.

During National Police Week, I had the privilege of recognizing the men and women who serve in law enforcement across our community. Peace Officers Memorial Day gave us an important opportunity to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. We are grateful for every officer who puts on the badge each day to serve and protect others, along with the families who support them through the sacrifices that come with the profession. This recognition was especially meaningful to me personally because my son, Shade, serves with the Crossville Police Department.

I was also thankful to see Rebecca’s legacy continue impacting lives through the Rebecca Foster Memorial Scholarship. Congratulations to Bo Wattenbarger and all of the scholarship recipients.

Hospital Week was another opportunity to recognize the outstanding team at Cumberland Medical Center. We are blessed to have so many compassionate and dedicated healthcare professionals serving patients and families throughout our community every day.

Another exciting milestone for Cumberland County was celebrating the first graduating nursing class at the Cumberland Campus following the opening of the Cameron Sexton Science Wing and the launch of the Associate of Applied Science Nursing program. Congratulations to these new nurses as they begin careers that will make a difference in countless lives.

I also had the opportunity to share my personal testimony at Highland Park Baptist Church in Lenoir City. Speaking publicly about something that personal was definitely outside my comfort zone, but I hope my story encouraged someone who needed it. The livestream can be viewed here:

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1JuFQ1PJ7Z/?mibextid=wwXIfr.

Thank you again for your continued support, encouragement, and prayers. It remains one of the greatest honors of my life to serve as your Cumberland County Mayor, and I look forward to continuing the important work ahead for our community.

Cumberland County Commission Meeting – May 18
On Friday, June 5, 2026 from 4-6 PM we will be holding an Open House at the Courthouse downtown at 2 North Main Street.  Stop by and see the completed repairs and renovation work, and then join in the fun at the first Friday at the Crossroads event of the year!  Ribbon cutting at 5 PM!

The monthly meeting of the Cumberland County Commission began with all in attendance except Commissioner Holbrook.

It was great to have Boy Scout Troop 374 join us at tonight’s meeting as part of earning their Citizenship in the Community merit badge. It’s always good to see young people taking an interest in how local government works and getting involved in their community. I appreciate them coming out and hope the meeting gave them a good look at the work that goes into serving Cumberland County.

Resolutions
The following resolutions were considered by the Cumberland County Commission.  The sponsor of the resolution is in parentheses.  Detailed information for each resolution can be found here.

RESOLUTION 05-2026-1– TO APPOINT ADDITIONAL MEMBER TO THE CUMBERLAND COUNTY BOARD OF EQUALIZATION (FOSTER). During discussion, it was explained that state law requires Cumberland County to have six members on the Board of Equalization due to the City of Crossville’s population. The commission approved the appointment of Craig Clark as the additional member and confirmed the full board appointments through April 30, 2028. 

The resolution also noted that board members are required to complete annual training related to governance, open meetings requirements, and other responsibilities associated with serving on the Board of Equalization.

The vote was 15-0, with Commissioner Seiber abstaining.

RESOLUTION 05-2026-2 – APPOINTING A MEMBER TO FILL A VACANCY ON THE FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT & PURCHASING COMMITTEE (FOSTER).  The County Commission approved the appointment of Sixth District Commissioner Joe Sherrill to fill the vacancy on the County Financial Management Committee following the passing of Commissioner Nancy Hyder. Commissioner Sherrill will serve the remainder of the term, which expires August 31, 2026. The resolution was approved unanimously.

RESOLUTION 05-2026-13 – APPROVING AN ENERGY SITING AGREEMENT BETWEEN SR COPELAND, LLC, SILICON RANCH CORPORATION, AND CUMBERLAND COUNTY (SHERRILL).  The County Commission considered and approved an Energy Siting Agreement related to the proposed Silicon Ranch solar farm project in Cumberland County.  The vote was unanimous.

An important point discussed during the meeting was that the solar farm project is moving forward regardless of how the commission voted, as the county legislative body does not have the authority to stop the project.

The commission was essentially faced with two options:

1. Approve the siting agreement and secure the protections and requirements negotiated in the agreement for Cumberland County residents.
2. Deny the agreement and receive none of those protections or requirements while the project still moves forward.

The approved agreement included several protections and obligations related to the project, including setbacks and vegetative buffers, third party construction inspections, road repair responsibilities, emergency responder access, decommissioning requirements, and a $230,000 community benefit fee to Cumberland County.

RESOLUTION 05-2026-14 – TO APPROVE EASEMENT DEEDS FOR THE CITY OF CROSSVILLE TRAFFIC SIGNAL REPLACEMENT PROJECT AND AUTHORIZE COUNTY MAYOR TO SIGN AGREEMENT (FOSTER).  The County Commission approved easement deeds related to the City of Crossville Traffic Signal Replacement Project and authorized the County Mayor to sign the necessary agreements. The easement involves county-owned property at the downtown courthouse located at the corner of Main Street and Fourth Street and supports planned traffic signal improvements in the area.  The resolution was approved 16-0.

RESOLUTION 05-2026-15 – CUMBERLAND COUNTY COMMISSION TO APPROVE THE UPDATED CUMBERLAND COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN (FOSTER).  The County Commission approved the updated Cumberland County Parks and Recreation Master Plan. The update is required every three years by the State of Tennessee in order for the county to remain eligible for state grants and funding opportunities related to parks and recreation projects.  The updated plan outlines current needs, priorities, and long-term goals for recreational development across Cumberland County and serves as a guide for future improvements and investments.  The resolution was approved unanimously.

The following routine budget amendments were approved by the Commission for various county departments.  Details of each resolution can be found here.

• RESOLUTION 05-2026-3 – GENERAL FUND, BUDGET AMENDMENT, FIRE DEPARTMENT (WILSON)
• RESOLUTION 05-2026-4 – FEDERAL PROGRAM SCHOOL FUND, BUDGET AMENDMENT, SALARY & BENEFITS LINE (MALL)
• RESOLUTION 05-2026-5 – FEDERAL PROGRAM SCHOOL FUND, BUDGET AMENDMENT, FEDERAL 911 REALLOCATIONS (MALL)
• RESOLUTION 05-2026-6 – FEDERAL PROGRAM SCHOOL FUND, BUDGET AMENDMENT, FEDERAL IDEA 901 REALLOCATION (MALL)
• RESOLUTION 05-2026-7 – GENERAL PURPOSE SCHOOL FUNDS, BUDGET AMENDMENT, REVISION (MALL)
• RESOLUTION 05-2026-8 – GEAR UP STATE/FEDERAL FUNDED, BUDGET AMENDMENT, GEAR UP GRANT REVISION (MALL)
• RESOLUTION 05-2026-9 – GENERAL PROGRAM SCHOOL FUND, BUDGET AMENDMENT, LEGAL SERVICES APPROPRIATIONS (MALL)
• RESOLUTION 05-2026-10 – GENERAL PROGRAM SCHOOL FUND, BUDGET AMENDMENT, TVA ENERGY RIGHT GRANT FOR NORTH CUMBERLAND ELEMENTARY (MALL)
• RESOLUTION 05-2026-11 – RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION GRANT, BUDGET AMENDMENT, REALLOCATION (MALL)
• RESOLUTION 05-2026-12 – GENERAL PROGRAM SCHOOL FUND, BUDGET AMENDMENT, UPDATING STUDENT TECHNOLOGY DEVICES (MALL)

Financial Update
In April 2026, the Cumberland County Codes Department issued 43 residential and 2 commercial building permits, 30 general mechanical permits, and 41 general plumbing permits.  A total of $56,238 in fees were collected compared to $52,803 the same month a year prior.

The EMS service collected $624,500 which is above the estimated monthly income of $433,333.  Year to date we are down $465,661.  Hopefully this number continues to improve.  Sales tax collections for April, which reflect sales from two months prior, came in at $1,255,571 which was $83,251 above estimated revenue.  Year to date we are ahead of revenue projections by $522,896.  Property tax collections are at 99.63 percent, compared to 97.4 percent at this point last year.  Hotel/Motel tax collections stand at $864,274 year to date, versus $877,337 last year.  This represents 72.02 percent of the annual budgeted amount of $1,200,000. Prisoner boarding payments for housing state inmates at the county jail are $516,559 year to date versus $361,825 last year.  The total budgeted amount is $397,823 annually.

Thank you for being part of the solution and for the opportunity to serve as your County Mayor.  If you are interested in hearing my thoughts and views on news, events, and activities in Cumberland County, please subscribe to my newsletter, and follow me on Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter).

Thank you.

Allen Foster
Cumberland County Mayor
http://allenfoster.com