Courthouse Repairs/ Renovations
I have been asked quite a bit about the renovations and repairs to the courthouse, and I am happy to report that the work is on track and on time. The update will take a little time to read, but hopefully it’s worth it.
This project began in September 2022, when a water leak led to the discovery of significant structural damage in the large courtroom. A subsequent inspection by a structural engineering firm found major damage to two large oak roof trusses, making the original 1905 section of the courthouse unsafe and requiring it to be closed to the public.
As a result, several offices were relocated. The County Clerk’s Office was permanently moved to 1760 South Main Street, while my office, the Register of Deeds, Human Resources, and Finance continued operating from the courthouse. The Veterans Services Office was temporarily relocated to the Milo Lemert Building across the street and will return once renovations are complete.
Beginning in November 2022, temporary shoring work was installed to stabilize the building. This included six structural columns designed to safely transfer roof loads without penetrating existing concrete floors, a decision that reduced both cost and disruption. Additional work was done to support damaged trusses and ensure the building remained safe.
In December 2022, a full building envelope and roof assessment was approved, and shoring work continued into January 2023, when inspections began. In April 2023, WJE Engineers & Architects and Upland Design Group were formally engaged to design permanent structural solutions and renovation work. These firms had initially been brought in on an emergency basis to assess safety, and once the building was stabilized, work shifted toward long-term repairs.
In May 2023, we received welcome news from Speaker Cameron Sexton and Senator Paul Bailey, who helped secure a $2 million state grant to assist with courthouse repairs. Given the estimated cost of $5 to $6 million at the time, this support was significant and speaks to the strong representation Cumberland County has in Nashville.
By December 2023, engineering was complete, bids were taken, and $2,281,199 was approved for structural repairs, roof replacement, and building envelope work. The original estimate for this phase was approximately $4 million. This work was completed on time in late January of 2025.
In January 2024, funding was approved for the renovation phase, including a complete HVAC replacement. The low bid of $2,999,750 was awarded to Stubbs Construction, a local firm. The original estimate for this phase was as high as $3.9 million. Thanks to conservative budgeting, existing funds, debt service reserves, and the state grant, all work has been completed without taking on new debt.
Stubbs Construction started in February of 2025, and is on schedule to complete renovations in late spring or early summer. Most of the original 1905 section is complete, and renovation work is underway to the addition. We will host an open house so the public can see the work that has been done. This project reflects careful planning, fiscal responsibility, and a long-term commitment to preserving one of Cumberland County’s most important historic buildings for future generations. It is something we can all be proud of.
Cumberland Plateau Water Authority
Over the past year, Cumberland County has made significant progress in strengthening the future of our water system through the growth of the Cumberland Plateau Water Authority (CPWA).
Since May 2025, when CPWA served zero customers, we have created a stronger, more unified system through the merger of Crab Orchard Utility District, South Cumberland Utility District, and most recently West Cumberland Utility District. These mergers have resulted in a countywide water authority now serving more than 17,000 customers.
This work reflects a clear, generational vision for water service in Cumberland County, one focused on long-term sustainability, reliable service, and responsible stewardship of infrastructure. By bringing systems together, CPWA is better positioned to operate efficiently today while planning for the needs of future generations.
Each merger followed a public and transparent process, guided by careful review and public input. These decisions were not about consolidation for its own sake, but about building a water system that will serve our county well for decades to come.
Cumberland County Commission Meeting – January 20
The monthly meeting of the Cumberland County Commission began with all in attendance except Commissioners Threet and Patterson. Commissioner Patterson has returned from the hospital and is recovering at Good Samaritans.
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 01-2026-1 – TO APPOINT TWO (2) JUDICIAL COMMISSIONERS FOR CUMBERLAND COUNTY, TENNESSEE (GIBSON). Jennifer Phillips-Cross was appointed to a two-year term, and Joseph Moody to a six-month term as Judicial Commissioners in a 16-0 vote.
RESOLUTION 01-2026-2 – ADDING CHESTNUT RIDGE LANE AND CHESTNUT RIDGE COURT TO THE COUNTY ROAD LIST (DAVIS). In a unanimous vote, 0.42 miles of Chestnut Ridge Lane and 0.12 miles of Chestnut Ridge Court were added to the county road list.
RESOLUTION 01-2026-3 – ADDING RAQUET CLUB DRIVE TO THE COUNTY ROAD LIST (DAVIS). Raquet Club Drive (0.11 miles) was added to the county road list in a 16-0 vote.
RESOLUTION 01-2026-4 – EXTENDING HOUSTON DRIVE ON THE COUNTY ROAD LIST (DAVIS). Houston Drive was extended from 0.25 miles to 0.54 miles on the county road list in a unanimous vote.
RESOLUTION 01-2026-5 – APPROVING THE 2026 CUMBERLAND COUNTY ROAD LIST (SHERRILL). The final vote on roads for the evening was to approve the 2026 Cumberland County Road List, including the additions voted on previously tonight and throughout 2025. By law, only roads that are listed on the official road list that is approved in January of each year are considered county roads. The list in its entirety was approved in a 16-0 vote.
The following routine budget amendments were approved by the Commission for various county departments. Details of each resolution can be found here.
- RESOLUTION 01-2026-6 – GENERAL PURPOSE SCHOOL FUND, BUDGET AMENDMENT, ISM STATE GRANT (MALL)
- RESOLUTION 01-2026-7 – GENERAL PROGRAM SCHOOL FUND, BUDGET AMENDMENT, HEALTHY STUDENTS STRONGER LEARNERS GRANT (MALL)
- RESOLUTION 01-2026-8 – CENTRAL CAFETERIA FUND, BUDGET AMENDMENT, USDA GRANT FUNDS (MALL)
- RESOLUTION 01-2026-9 – GENERAL FUND, BUDGET AMENDMENT, COUNTY COMMISSION (MALL)
- RESOLUTION 01-2026-10 – HIGHWAY FUND, BUDGET AMENDMENT, HIGHWAY & BRIDGE MAINTENANCE LONGEVITY (POTTER)
- RESOLUTION 01-2026-11 – SANITATION FUND, BUDGET AMENDMENT, RECYCLING CENTER LONGEVITY (HOLBROOK)
- RESOLUTION 01-2026-12 – GENERAL FUND, BUDGET AMENDMENT, LONGEVITY EXPENDITURE (GIBSON)
- RESOLUTION 01-2026-13 – GENERAL FUND, BUDGET AMENDMENT, SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT (HOLBROOK)
Financial Update
In December 2025, the Cumberland County Codes Department issued 24 residential and 3 commercial building permits, 35 general mechanical permits, and 32 general plumbing permits. A total of $36,638 in fees were collected.
The EMS service collected $526,771 which is above the estimated monthly income of $433,333. Year to date we are down $288,130. Sales tax collections for November, which reflect sales from two months prior, came in at $1,490,147 which was $44,594 above estimated revenue. Year to date we are ahead of revenue projections by $248,863. Property tax collections are at 58.22 percent, compared to 57.5 percent at this point last year. Hotel/Motel tax collections stand at $578,757 year to date, versus $598,997 last year. This represents 48.22 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 $128,658 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
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