CC Notes – October 21st 2013
All members of the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners were present for the October monthly meeting with the exception of Jan McNeil who was out sick. The meeting was relatively quick with only a few resolutions on the agenda.
Resolutions
A resolution for the Parks and Fair Boards in the amount of $40,000 was unanimously approved. With this resolution, the County accepted the funds from a grant from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation. The county contribution is in-kind labor and services with no county funds being expended. A $12,000 budget amendment was also unanimously approved for the Clerk and Master to upgrade computer systems in the office. This money will come from revenues in a restricted account that are reserved and designated specifically for this purpose.
The wildlife areas in Cumberland County are important to all the residents of Cumberland County. As such, it is important for our local voice to be represented when major issues arise that affect our area. In an effort to ensure our community is heard by the TWRA and Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission, a resolution was passed creating a Wildlife and Fisheries’ Committee. The committee will be composed of the County Mayor, two members of the County Commission, and four residents of Cumberland County. The members of the committee will be appointed at an upcoming meeting.
A resolution to accept the offer of William Johnson and Patricia Johnson to purchase property owned by Cumberland County was approved in a 15 – 2 vote, with Commissioners Harvel and Lynch voting against. The property was on the delinquent tax list. This sale will put the property back on the tax rolls so property tax can again be collected. The final resolution of the evening served to add Towne Centre Drive to the Official Cumberland County Road List. The motion passed 16 – 1 with Commissioner Brown the dissenting vote.
Financial Report
Sales tax collections recorded in September were down $966 against the budgeted amount, but were up when compared to collections from the previous fiscal year. Year to date, collections are down $27,157 versus the budget amount. Property tax collections are at four percent, which is trending above last year’s total. This is due, at least in part, to the notices being sent out earlier than they were last year. The Hotel/Motel tax is at 21.3 percent of the budgeted amount with just over $170,000 collected thus far. Contracted prisoner income from the state is at 22.6 percent of budget with $237,355 collected. The biggest fiscal concern at this point is with Ambulance collections. We are currently at 8 percent in collections when we should be at 15 percent. The revenue has significantly decreased with collections for the month at just $92,726. For reference, the expected monthly average is $223,000. The EMS Director was asked to look in to this issue and report back as we cannot have problems like we have seen in the recent past.
Thank you for allowing me to serve the 4th District and Cumberland County. If you have any questions or comments, please contact me at any time.
Sincerely
Allen Foster
Board of Commissioners
4th District Representative
http://allenfoster.net
allenfoster.com 