This has been an eventful and meaningful month for me, both personally and in service to Cumberland County. The greatest blessing came on October 26 with the birth of my newest granddaughter, Eden Rebekah Wright. She is the little sister of my first granddaughter, Asa. I am certainly blessed!
I had the opportunity to attend this year’s Governor’s Conference, where highlights included Deputy Governor and TNECD Commissioner Stuart McWhorter’s conversation with comedian Nate Bargatze, and an inspiring message from Governor Bill Lee on Tennessee’s future. I also enjoyed hearing from social media influencers Austin & Colin, and from Dr. Muhammad Ismail, Director of the Cybersecurity Education Research and Outreach Center at Tennessee Tech University, my alma mater. Their insights into workforce development, technology, and cybersecurity were energizing.
It was a privilege to welcome everyone to the Field of Honor, now in its fourth year and one of Cumberland County’s most meaningful traditions. Each flag tells a story of service and sacrifice, reminding us that freedom is real and paid for by the men and women who protect it. I’m grateful to the Lake Tansi Exchange Club for creating such a powerful place for our community to reflect and give thanks.
I also spoke at our Veterans Day ceremony. My thanks go to Wendy and Katie from our Veterans Service Office, our Parks and Rec staff, and the volunteers who made the event possible. A special thanks to Mark Pfaffenroth for stepping up when the VSO was short staffed. We honored our veterans for their service, sacrifice, and example, and I appreciated hearing from my friend and congressional candidate Van Hilleary, who served as keynote speaker. Freedom has never been free, and every veteran has made a difference.
I enjoyed attending the Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner. One of the best parts of living in Cumberland County is how well we work together and how committed we are to strengthening our community. I’m grateful for the people who live out those values every day.
We also celebrated a tremendous turnout for the Veterans and First Responders Memorial dedication. Raising the Cumberland County flag was an honor and it reminded me how deeply our county respects those who serve. From the Veterans Museum to the Memorial Park improvements with DCI, the 911 Memorial at the fire department, and now this new memorial, our community continues to honor service in meaningful ways. As the parent of a police officer, this moment was especially personal.
I am proud and thankful to serve the people of Cumberland County.
Cumberland County Commission Meeting – November 17
The monthly meeting of the Cumberland County Commission began with all in attendance except Commissioner Patterson.
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 11-2025-1 – TO APPOINT LORI BOWERS AS CUMBERLAND COUNTY ARCHIVIST (SHANKS). The county archivist, Joyce Rorabaugh, has stepped down from per position as County Archivist. Lori Bowers, in a unanimous vote, was appointed to fill the remaining term until September 30, 2027.
RESOLUTION 11-2025-2 – TO REAPPOINT MEMBERS TO THE CUMBERLAND COUNTY SOLID WASTE REGIONAL PLANNING BOARD (FOSTER). Everett Bolin and Barry Field were reappointed to the Solid Waste Planning board with terms to expire November of 2031. These appointments were 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 11-2025-3 – GENERAL FUND, FIRE DEPARTMENT, BUDGET AMENDMENT (GIBSON).
- RESOLUTION 11-2025-4 – GENERAL FUND, HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT, BUDGET AMENDMENT (SHERRILL).
- RESOLUTION 11-2025-5 – GENERAL PURPOSES SCHOOL FUND, BUDGET AMENDMENT ISM STATE GRANT (WILSON).
- RESOLUTION 11-2025-6 – STATE PROGRAM SCHOOL FUND, BUDGET AMENDMENT, NEW STATE BUDGET SPECIAL EDUCATION PRESCHOOL GRANT (WILSON).
- RESOLUTION 11-2025-7 – GENERAL PROGRAM SCHOOL FUND, BUDGET AMENDMENT, SMHS TENNIS COURTS (WILSON).
- RESOLUTION 11-2025-8 – GENERAL PROGRAM SCHOOL FUND, BUDGET AMENDMENT, TISA (WILSON).
Financial Update
In October 2025, the Cumberland County Codes Department issued 32 residential and 0 commercial building permits, 34 general mechanical permits, and 31 general plumbing permits. A total of $42,800 in fees were collected.
The EMS service collected $439,522 which is above the estimated monthly income of $433,333. Year to date we are down $205,855 due to an error with the third-party billing company that has been corrected. Sales tax collections for October, which reflect sales from two months prior, came in at $1,480,348 which was $29,985 above estimated revenue. Year to date we are ahead of revenue projections by $133,142. Property tax collections are at 25.54 percent, compared to 22.08 percent at this point last year. Hotel/Motel tax collections stand at $362,977 year to date, versus $385,321 last year. This represents 30.25 percent of the annual budgeted amount of $1,200,000. Prisoner boarding payments for having state inmates at the county jail are $237,185 year to date versus $87,494 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
allenfoster.com 