County Mayor’s Notes – April 20th, 2026
Before I share this month’s updates, I want to take a moment to recognize someone who meant a great deal to me and to all of Cumberland County. On April 12, I spoke at the funeral of Nancy Hyder, Miss Nancy as I called her. She gave more than three decades of service to this county as a commissioner and made history as the first woman ever elected to the Cumberland County Commission. But more than that, she was steady, she was honest, and she was someone you could always count on.
I had the privilege of knowing Miss Nancy across many seasons of life, from my time as a student, to serving alongside her in county government. No matter the role, one thing never changed. She believed in doing things the right way, treating people with respect, and showing up for others.
Her impact reaches far beyond any title she held. It lives on in the students she taught, the decisions she helped shape, and the countless people she encouraged along the way.
She was a friend, and she will be deeply missed.
I was honored to be included in the first-ever Movers & Shakers class by Crossville Lifestyle. It’s a great group of people doing meaningful work across our community, and I’m proud to be part of it.
You can check it out here: https://www.facebook.com/CrossvilleLifestyle
April is also Autism Awareness Month, which is an important reminder that many families in our community are impacted by autism every day. While there is no cure, early support and strong community resources can make a real difference. That’s why I proclaimed April 2026 as Autism Awareness Month in Cumberland County and encourage everyone to recognize April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day.
I also enjoyed being at the grand opening of the Bookmobile from the Art Circle Public Library earlier this month. This is a great addition for our community. It will bring books and resources directly to people across the county, especially those who may not have easy access to the library.
Thank you to everyone who helped make it happen. I’m excited to see the impact this will have across Cumberland County.
Cumberland County Commission Meeting – April 20
The monthly meeting of the Cumberland County Commission began with all in attendance except Commissioner Wilson.
Shortly before the meeting, we heard the sad news that Mrs. Anita Hale, Fourth District BOE, had passed away. Mrs. Hale was a kind and compassionate person and will be missed. To begin the meeting, we had a moment of silence for Miss Nancy and Mrs. Hale.
I recognized a group of outstanding young people from Cumberland County who participated in Tennessee 4-H Congress, one of the state’s premier leadership and citizenship programs. Held in Nashville, 4-H Congress gave high school students the opportunity to step into the role of a legislator by debating bills, holding elections, and gaining a firsthand understanding of how government works. It also helped them grow as leaders while reinforcing the importance of civic responsibility and service. Representing Cumberland County this year were Ella Beaty, Hadassah Wade, Chloe West, Daniel Deskins, and Maddox Banegas, along with their adult leader, Carl Deskins. We are proud of each of them and appreciate the way they represented our county.
New Business
Second District Commissioner Vacancy
The Commission was notified of a vacancy in the Second District Commissioner seat, effective April 20, 2026, due to the passing of Commissioner Hyder. Members were presented with two options based on guidance from the County Attorney: leave the seat vacant until it is filled by voters in the August election, or begin the process to appoint a temporary replacement to serve until that time.
In a vote of 16-0, the Commissioners voted to leave the seat vacant until the election. Since Commissioner Hyder was on the ballot, state law requires this to be a write-in ballot for election. Information regarding write-in candidacy for the August election is available through the Election Commission.
Fourth District Board of Education Vacancy
The Commission was notified of a vacancy in the Fourth District Board of Education seat, originally effective May 1, 2026, following the resignation of Anita Hale. Sadly, today, we learned that Mrs. Hale had passed away.
Members were presented with the same two options based on guidance from the County Attorney: leave the seat vacant until it is filled by voters in the August election or begin the process to appoint a temporary replacement to serve until that time.
In a vote of 16-0, the Commissioners voted to leave the seat vacant until the election. There was no election scheduled for this seat, and no one on the ballot, so state law allows this seat to be filled differently. The Cumberland County Election Commission will issue independent petitions for this seat beginning tomorrow, and both the Republican and Democratic parties may caucus if they choose.
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 04-2026-1 – APPOINTING MEMBERS TO THE CUMBERLAND COUNTY “E-911” EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS DISTRICT BOARD OF DIRECTORS (FOSTER). In an 16-0 vote, John Stubbs and Dr. Kimberly Peaslee were reappointed to the E-911 board, and Jason Pilant, CMC CAO, was appointed to fill the remaining term of Randy Davis (former CMC CAO).
RESOLUTION 04-2026-2 – APPOINTING MEMBERS TO THE CUMBERLAND COUNTY BOARD OF EQUALIZATION (FOSTER). Willie Freeman, Bill Hargis, Daniel Husk, and Teddy Wanamaker were appointed to the Board of Equalization, with terms expiring April 30, 2028. The vote was unanimous.
RESOLUTION 04-2026-3 – PETITIONING THE STATE OF TENNESSEE TO RENAME THE RENFRO HOLLOW PORTION OF HIGHWAY 70 EAST IN MEMORY OF KENNETH “KEN” NELSON (COOPER). The Commission considered a resolution honoring Kenneth “Ken” Nelson, a Marine Corps veteran, law enforcement officer, and martial arts instructor who made a lasting impact on Cumberland County through his service and mentorship. After moving to Crossville in the 1970s, he helped shape the lives of many young people through his dojo and his commitment to discipline and accountability. In January 1988, while serving as a deputy with the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Department, he was killed in the line of duty after volunteering to assist during icy road conditions. In recognition of his life, service, and legacy, the resolution requests that the State of Tennessee rename the Renfro Hollow portion of Highway 70 East in his honor. The resolution was approved unanimously.
RESOLUTION 04-2026-4 – ADDING MAPLE RIDGE DRIVE AND MAPLE RIDGE LANE TO THE COUNTY ROAD LIST (SHERRILL). The commission voted XXX to add these roads to the county road list. The roads were approved by Road Superintendent Stanley Hall, the Planning Commission, and the Environmental Committee, with the condition that the developer is to maintain the roads for a period of five years following acceptance. The resolution was approved 16-0.
RESOLUTION 04-2026-5 – ADDING NICHOLSON DRIVE TO THE COUNTY ROAD LIST (SHERRILL). The commission voted XXX to add this road to the county road list. The road was approved by Road Superintendent Stanley Hall, the Planning Commission, and the Environmental Committee. The resolution was approved unanimously.
RESOLUTION 04-2026-6 – ADDING BLUFF VIEW CIRCLE, BLUFF VIEW LOOP, BLUFF VIEW POINT, BLUFF VIEW WAY, CATOOSA RIDGE DRIVE, AND RIDGE TRAIL TO THE COUNTY ROAD LIST (HOLBROOK). The commission voted XXX to add these roads to the county road list. The roads were approved by Road Superintendent Stanley Hall, the Planning Commission, and the Environmental Committee. The resolution was approved 16-0.
RESOLUTION 04-2026-7 – APPROVING LEASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN FREDERICK SCOTT LANSFORD AND CUMBERLAND COUNTY FOR TEMPORARY RELOCATION OF THE CUMBERLAND COUNTY ELECTION COMMISSION(FOSTER). The Commission considered a resolution to address the temporary relocation of the Cumberland County Election Commission after a recent fire rendered its current facility unsafe. To ensure the continued operation of election services and maintain public access, the County entered into a lease agreement with Frederick Scott Lansford for property located at 2876 N. Main Street in Crossville. The resolution authorized the County Mayor to execute the lease for this temporary location under the agreed terms. The resolution was 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 04-2026-8 – STATE PROGRAM SCHOOL FUND, BUDGET AMENDMENT, PRESCHOOL GRANT (MALL).
- RESOLUTION 04-2026-9 – GEAR UP STATE/FEDERALLY FUNDED, BUDGET AMENDMENT (MALL).
- RESOLUTION 04-2026-10 – GENERAL PURPOSE FUND, BUDGET AMENDMENT, EARLY LITERACY TUTORING GRANT (MALL).
- RESOLUTION 04-2026-11 – GENERAL PROGRAM SCHOOL FUND, BUDGET AMENDMENT, SAFE AND SECURE ENVIRONMENT (MALL).
- RESOLUTION 04-2026-12 – GENERAL FUND, BUDGET AMENDMENT, COUNTY COMMISSIONER (HOLBROOK).
- RESOLUTION 04-2026-13 – GENERAL FUND, BUDGET AMENDMENT, OTHER PUBLIC HEALTH & WELFARE – ANIMAL SHELTER (POTTER).
- RESOLUTION 04-2026-14 – GENERAL FUND, BUDGET AMENDMENT, SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT (WILSON).
- RESOLUTION 04-2026-15 – GENERAL FUND, BUDGET AMENDMENT, EMS (HOLBROOK).
- RESOLUTION 04-2026-16 – GENERAL FUND, BUDGET AMENDMENT, SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT (GIBSON).
- RESOLUTION 04-2026-17 – GENERAL FUND, BUDGET AMENDMENT, FIRE DEPARTMENT (WILSON).
- RESOLUTION 04-2026-18 – GENERAL FUND, BUDGET AMENDMENT, OPIOID TASK FORCE (ISHAM).
- RESOLUTION 04-2026-19 – ACKNOWLEDGING THE CORRECTION OF FUND BALANCE FOR CERTAIN COUNTY FUNDS (MALL).
Financial Update
In March 2026, the Cumberland County Codes Department issued 40 residential and 1 commercial building permits, 30 general mechanical permits, and 30 general plumbing permits. A total of $50,646 in fees were collected compared to $64,001 the same month a year prior.
The EMS service collected $377,001 which is below the estimated monthly income of $433,333. Year to date we are down $656,828. Sales tax collections for April, which reflect sales from two months prior, came in at $1,255,571 which was $83,251 above estimated revenue. Year to date we are ahead of revenue projections by $522,896. Property tax collections are at 98.96 percent, compared to 96.79 percent at this point last year. Hotel/Motel tax collections stand at $771,044 year to date, versus $786,465 last year. This represents 64.25 percent of the annual budgeted amount of $1,200,000. Prisoner boarding payments for having state inmates at the county jail are $466,703 year to date versus $323,039 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 