Public Budget Hearing and Special Called Meeting
Today’s COVID-19 update follows the budget summary below.
The Cumberland County Commission met for a public hearing followed by a special called meeting to approve the 2020-2021 budget. All Commissioners were present except Darrell Threet, and Joe Sherrill. I had to miss due to my quarantine, so Chair Pro Tempore Rebecca Stone ran the meeting.
Early on during the budget process, the Commission voted to create a zero to low growth budget. This was an attempt to keep the tax rate the same while being fiscally responsible considering the uncertain times due to COVID-19.
As Mayor, I have had a focus on improving emergency services in the county. This budget shows the Commission has a similar interest. Four LUCAS devices were approved for our EMS crews. These devices automate the chest compressions and give our paramedics free hands to work on the patient. Two paramedics were approved in order to put a day truck on the road to improve service as well. Grant funds from the State were used for items such as five patrol cars for the Sheriff’s Department, a new fire truck, and three new ambulances. Maintenance needs were addressed in capital spending as well. Employee raises were not addressed in this budget but may be at a later time when the finances can more accurately be determined. In all, a solid budget was produced that includes no tax increase and that should provide for a healthy fund balance in case there are more financial issues due to the pandemic.
The complete budget will be posted on the County website, www.cumberlandcountytn.gov, soon.
RESOLUTION 08-10-2020-1 – Fixing the tax levy in Cumberland County, Tennessee for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2020. The tax pennies will be distributed as follows:
General Fund: $0.6811
Solid Waste/Sanitation Fund: $0.1407
General Purpose School Fund: $0.5010
General Debt Service Fund: $0.2425
Total tax rate: $1.5653
This resolution was passed unanimously, 16-0.
RESOLUTION 08-10-2020-2 – Making appropriations for the various funds, departments, institutions, offices and agencies of Cumberland County, Tennessee, for the year beginning July 1, 2020 and ending June 30, 2021. This is the resolution that sets the budgets for the various departments. The resolution was approved 14-2 with Blaylock and Patterson voting against.
RESOLUTION 08-10-2020-3 – Appropriations to non-profit charitable organization of Cumberland County, Tennessee for the year beginning July 1, 2020 and ending June 30, 2021. This resolution approves appropriations to the various charities the county donates to such as the Cumberland County Playhouse, the Chamber of Commerce, etc. The Commission decided early in the budget process to give the same funds as last year. The resolution was approved unanimously.
COVID-19 Update (difference from previous day)
171 active cases (-9)
281 recovered (+10)
6 deaths officially reported (+0)
458 positive cases (+1)
30 hospitalizations (+0) *
12,852 negative tests (+66)
3.44% cumulative positivity rate (positive cases / positive cases + negative tests)
0.77% of residents have tested positive
0.29% of residents have active cases
These numbers are intended to be a brief summary of the information provided by the Tennessee Department of Health. More detailed information can be found here: https://www.tn.gov/health/cedep/ncov.html
* Hospitalization data reflect the cumulative (total) number of cases of Cumberland County residents that were ever hospitalized from COVID-19. It does not reflect the number of people currently hospitalized. This does not mean the patient was hospitalized in Cumberland County. It means that a Cumberland County resident was hospitalized at some point.
Health Department Testing and Face Coverings
Masks/face coverings can help to slow the spread by slowing or stopping the droplets that carry the virus. Free cloth masks are available upon request at the Health Department for those that want one. Stop by Monday through Friday from 8:00 am until 4:30 pm to pick one up for each individual in your household.
The local Health Department (1503 South Main Street) is conducting drive through testing, free of charge, Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. No doctor’s order is required, and no appointment is necessary. Anyone can be tested regardless of symptoms.
Census Update
Response Rates:
US: 62.2%
Tennessee: 61.9%Putnam: 65.8%
Cumberland: 60.3%
Cumberland County breakdown:
Crossville: 51.9%
Crab Orchard: 41.8%
Pleasant Hill: 38.4%
Please take the time complete your census by visiting www.2020Census.gov or calling 844-330-2020 to get counted today! It matters. August 11th is the last day to complete the Census before Census workers start the Non-Response Follow Up and begin knocking on doors of those who have not responded.
Thank you for being part of the solution and thank you 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 Twitter.
Thank you,
Allen Foster
Cumberland County Mayor
http://allenfoster.net
allenfoster.com 