March has already been a busy month, with opportunities to serve our community both here at home and beyond.
I was proud to sign a proclamation recognizing March 2026 as Extension Month in Cumberland County. Our UT Extension office does incredible work supporting local agriculture, families, and youth programs like 4-H. Their efforts help farmers succeed, teach valuable life skills to young people, and provide resources that benefit residents across our county every day. We are fortunate to have such a strong Extension team serving Cumberland County.
One of the highlights of the month was spending time with Mrs. Cole’s third grade class at South Elementary School as part of Read Across America. The students were full of energy and asked some great questions. I’m honestly not sure who enjoyed the visit more, them or me. Encouraging kids to read and discover new ideas is so important, and visits like this remind me how bright the future is for Cumberland County. We truly have great students and dedicated teachers in our schools.
Last week, I traveled to Washington, DC with fellow mayors from across the Upper Cumberland to meet with federal legislators and their staff. These meetings are important because they give rural communities like ours a seat at the table when national decisions are being discussed. We talked about the needs and priorities of our region and made sure Cumberland County’s voice was heard. I appreciate the Upper Cumberland Development District for making this trip possible.
The week continued back home with several great opportunities to connect with our community. I attended the Tennessee Tech University Board of Trustees meeting, stopped by the Cumberland County Republican Women’s Club to hear from Speaker Cameron Sexton, and attended the Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours hosted at the Cumberland County Playhouse. Events like these highlight the strong partnerships and community involvement that make our county such a special place.
I’m grateful every day for the opportunity to serve and represent Cumberland County. Thank you for allowing me to be your voice and to work alongside so many people who care about our community’s future.
Cumberland County Commission Meeting – March 16
The monthly meeting of the Cumberland County Commission began with all in attendance except Commissioners Davis, Hyder, Shanks, and York.
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 03-2026-1 – REQUESTING CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF A PROPOSED COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT AND ACKNOWLEDGING THAT AN INCREMENT OF SALES AND USE TAXES GENERATED FROM FUTURE ACTIVITIES WITHIN THE DISTRICT WILL BE APPLIED AS PAYMENTS ON THE INDEBTEDNESS FINANCING THE COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT (ISHAM). The City of Crossville is looking to create a Commercial Development District for possible incentives for retail development. Since the City of Crossville is in Cumberland County, the county must agree to creating the Commercial Development District. Any incentives would be from the City of Crossville, and would not affect funding to the county. The resolution was approved in an unanimous vote.
RESOLUTION 03-2026-12 – TO APPOINT ONE JUDICIAL COMMISSIONER FOR CUMBERLAND COUNTY (GIBSON). Upon the recommendation of Judge Amanda Worley and Judicial Commissioner Director Jennifer Phillips-Cross, Amber Findley was appointed, in a 14-0 vote, to a six month term, beginning today, as a Judicial Commissioner.
The following routine budget amendments were approved by the Commission for various county departments. Details of each resolution can be found here.
- RESOLUTION 03-2026-2 – GENERAL FUND, BUDGET AMENDMENT, SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT (THREET)
- RESOLUTION 03-2026-3 – GENERAL FUND, BUDGET AMENDMENT, EMS (GIBSON)
- RESOLUTION 03-2026-4 – GENERAL PROGRAM SCHOOL FUND, BUDGET AMENDMENT, TRANSPORTATION (BALDWIN)
- RESOLUTION 03-2026-5 – GENERAL PROGRAM SCHOOL FUND, LINE ITEM GENERAL BUDGET AMENDMENT, SUPPORT SERVICES-ATTENDANCE (BALDWIN)
- RESOLUTION 03-2026-6 – GENERAL PURPOSE SCHOOL FUND, BUDGET AMENDMENT, ISM STATE GRANT (BALDWIN)
- RESOLUTION 03-2026-7 – PERKINS FEDERAL FUND, BUDGET AMENDMENT, PERKINS GRANT (BALDWIN)
- RESOLUTION 03-2026-8 – GENERAL PROGRAM SCHOOL FUND, BUDGET AMENDMENT, CENTEGIX DEVICES (BALDWIN)
- RESOLUTION 03-2026-9 – GEAR UP STATE/FEDERALLY FUNDED BUDGET AMENDMENT (BALDWIN)
- RESOLUTION 03-2026-10 – GENERAL PROGRAM SCHOOL FUND, BUDGET AMENDMENT, REALLOCATE FUNDS (BALDWIN)
- RESOLUTION 03-2026-11 – GENERAL PROGRAM SCHOOL FUND, BUDGET AMENDMENT, TISA (BALDWIN)
Financial Update
In February 2026, the Cumberland County Codes Department issued 27 residential and 1 commercial building permits, 24 general mechanical permits, and 25 general plumbing permits. A total of $35,490 in fees were collected compared to $39,806 the same month a year prior.
The EMS service collected $266,066 which is below the estimated monthly income of $433,333. Year to date we are down $600,496. Sales tax collections for January, which reflect sales from two months prior, came in at $1,662,534 which was $55,677 above estimated revenue. Year to date we are ahead of revenue projections by $361,465. Property tax collections are at 91.12 percent, compared to 93.02 percent at this point last year. Hotel/Motel tax collections stand at $704,873 year to date, versus $726,623 last year. This represents 58.74 percent of the annual budgeted amount of $1,200,000. Prisoner boarding payments for having state inmates at the county jail are $421,562 year to date versus $280,399 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 