Remembering September 11
It is hard to believe it has been 25 years since September 11, 2001.
I had the privilege of participating in two remembrance ceremonies this year. The first was early that morning at the Cumberland County Fire Department 9/11 Memorial. Later, I spoke at the Veterans and First Responders Park in Fairfield Glade.
For those of us who lived through that day, the memories are still vivid. We remember where we were, the fear and uncertainty, and the moment we realized our nation was under attack.
Nearly 3,000 people lost their lives that day. We owe it to them, to the first responders who ran toward danger, and to the generations who were not yet born to keep telling the story.
We should never forget.
My New Bosses
The DCI fourth grade Downtown Tours are underway again, and this year the students are getting something new, an official Junior County Mayor coin.
I may have made a mistake when I started telling them the coin means they are now the boss.
One young lady wanted my phone number so her parents could call and verify her new authority. Another immediately asked, “Does that mean I’m your boss?”
Then, when I had to leave for the ribbon cutting for the new Highway 127 North bridge, I told the students they were in charge. I gave them the same instructions I give the Deputy Mayor when I leave: “Don’t break it!”
A few of the adults looked a little concerned, but I trusted the kids. Besides, I was only gone for about an hour and a half!
Apparently, what started as a fourth grade tour has turned into a countywide government takeover. The ranks of our Junior County Mayors continue to grow, and they are getting comfortable with their authority!
All kidding aside, these visits are always one of the most enjoyable parts of my job. The kids ask great questions, get a firsthand look at local government, and remind us exactly who we are working for when we talk about the future of Cumberland County.
About Those Business Rumors
I hear this one a lot.
“Why can’t we get a ______ in Cumberland County?”
Sometimes it is followed by, “The city/county won’t let them come here.”
That is not how it works.
Private businesses make their own location decisions based on population, traffic, income, available property, infrastructure, workforce, projected sales, and many other factors. They also look at whether a new location would create new business or simply take customers away from one of their existing locations that are nearby.
While we cannot make those decisions for them, we work hard to make Cumberland County a business-friendly community. We want to support the businesses already here while welcoming new businesses and helping them invest, grow, and succeed.
Sometimes there are also projects we know about that we simply cannot discuss yet. Economic development can involve confidential discussions, multiple competing communities, and private property issues. Talking too early can hurt a project.
So, yes, sometimes a rumor really is just a rumor. And sometimes we may know a little more than we can say.
Either way, I can assure you we are not trying to keep businesses out of Cumberland County. We are doing everything we can to bring good jobs, new investment, and more opportunities here.
Cumberland County Commission Meeting
The monthly meeting of the Cumberland County Commission began with all in attendance except Commissioners Potter and Shanks.
Special Recognition: 2026 IBO World Championship Competitors
Tonight, we had the privilege of recognizing a great group of Cumberland County students who competed in the 2026 International Bowhunting Organization World Championship. The competition was held August 4 through August 9 at Canaan Valley Resort State Park in Davis, West Virginia.
This was not a typical archery range. These students competed on challenging 3D courses through the woods. They had to judge unknown distances, deal with difficult target placements, and stay focused under pressure.
That took a lot of skill, preparation, discipline, and mental toughness.
I proud of how well they competed, but just as proud of the way they represented Cumberland County. I heard great things about their sportsmanship, the friendships they made, and the way they carried themselves throughout the competition.
I want to thank their parents, coaches, and school staff. An opportunity like this required a lot of practice, travel, time, and support.
Competing on a world championship stage was a tremendous accomplishment. These students represented their schools and Cumberland County well, and we are very proud of them.
Stone Memorial High School
- Trevor Thompson
- Alex Hall
- Austen Edington
- Anderson York
- Hunter Edington
- Maddy Young
- Layla Kilgore
- Alexis Young
Cumberland County High School
- Brady Cravens
- William Cross
- Chase Kilgore
- Juliauna George
- Joclyn Crabtree
Homestead Elementary School
- Andy Waldo
- Chase Bennett
Crab Orchard Elementary School
- Reegan Eaton
- Andy Barnes
- Bo Barnes
- Ava Heavilon
- Riley Radcliffe
Resolutions
The following resolutions were considered by the Cumberland County Commission. The sponsor of each resolution is in parentheses. Detailed information for each resolution can be found here.
RESOLUTION 09-2026-1 — TO APPOINT ONE (1) JUDICIAL COMMISSIONER FOR CUMBERLAND COUNTY, TENNESSEE (GIBSON). The County Commission unanimously approved the recommendation of Judge Amanda Worley and Judicial Commissioner Director Jennifer Phillips-Cross to appoint Amber Findley to a two-year term as Judicial Commissioner.
The following routine budget amendments were approved by the Commission for various county departments. Details of each resolution can be found here.
COUNTY RESOLUTIONS
- RESOLUTION 09-2026-2 — AUTHORIZING THE DEMOLITION AND RECONSTRUCTION OF THE CUMBERLAND COUNTY ELECTION COMMISSION, HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT AND MAINTENANCE BUILDING (ISHAM)
- RESOLUTION 09-2026-3 — GENERAL FUND, BUDGET AMENDMENT, FIRE DEPARTMENT (GIBSON)
- RESOLUTION 09-2026-4 — GENERAL FUND, BUDGET AMENDMENT, TRUSTEE (MAXWELL)
- RESOLUTION 09-2026-5 — GENERAL FUND, BUDGET AMENDMENT, SHERIFF/JAIL (MAXWELL)
- RESOLUTION 09-2026-6 — GENERAL FUND, BUDGET AMENDMENT, SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT (GIBSON)
- RESOLUTION 09-2026-7 — GENERAL FUND, BUDGET AMENDMENT, AMBULANCE SERVICE (ISHAM)
- RESOLUTION 09-2026-8 — GENERAL FUND, BUDGET AMENDMENT, THREE STAR GRANTS (CLARK)
- RESOLUTION 09-2026-9 — GENERAL FUND, BUDGET AMENDMENT, PARKS & FAIR BOARDS (ISHAM)
- RESOLUTION 09-2026-10 — GENERAL FUND, BUDGET AMENDMENT, GENERAL CAPITAL PROJECT FUND (GIBSON)
- RESOLUTION 09-2026-11 — OTHER CAPITAL PROJECTS (190), BUDGET AMENDMENT, WESTEL COMMUNITY UTILITY INFRASTRUCTURE (ISHAM)
BOARD OF EDUCATION RESOLUTIONS
- RESOLUTION 09-2026-12 — GENERAL PURPOSE SCHOOL FUND, BUDGET AMENDMENT, FEDERAL – PERKINS BASIC (COOPER)
- RESOLUTION 09-2026-13 — GENERAL PURPOSE SCHOOL FUND, BUDGET AMENDMENT, INDUSTRY CERTIFICATIONS (COOPER)
- RESOLUTION 09-2026-14 — GENERAL PURPOSE SCHOOL FUND, BUDGET AMENDMENT, AVIATION GRANT (COOPER)
- RESOLUTION 09-2026-15 — GENERAL PURPOSE SCHOOL FUND, BUDGET AMENDMENT, GEAR-UP GRANT (COOPER)
- RESOLUTION 09-2026-16 — CUMBERLAND COUNTY SCHOOLS, BUDGET AMENDMENT, RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION GRANT (COOPER)
- RESOLUTION 09-2026-17 — GENERAL PURPOSE SCHOOL FUND, BUDGET AMENDMENT, PUBLIC SCHOOL SECURITY GRANT (COOPER)
- RESOLUTION 09-2026-18 — GENERAL PURPOSE SCHOOL FUND, BUDGET AMENDMENT, TNRMT PROPERTY INSURANCE (COOPER)
- RESOLUTION 09-2026-19 — GENERAL PURPOSE SCHOOL FUND, BUDGET AMENDMENT, HEALTH SERVICES (COOPER)
- RESOLUTION 09-2026-20 — GENERAL PURPOSE SCHOOL FUND, BUDGET AMENDMENT, ISM GRANT (COOPER)
- RESOLUTION 09-2026-21 — GENERAL PURPOSE SCHOOL FUND, BUDGET AMENDMENT, EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION (COOPER)
- RESOLUTION 09-2026-22 — GENERAL PURPOSE SCHOOL FUND, BUDGET AMENDMENT, SPED STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES (COOPER)
- RESOLUTION 09-2026-23 — GENERAL PURPOSE SCHOOL FUND, BUDGET AMENDMENT, UNCLAIMED PROPERTY DIVISION (COOPER)
- RESOLUTION 09-2026-24 — GENERAL PURPOSE SCHOOL FUND, BUDGET AMENDMENT, STEM INNOVATION NETWORK (COOPER)
- RESOLUTION 09-2026-25 — GENERAL PURPOSE SCHOOL FUND, FEDERAL BUDGET AMENDMENT, BEHAVIORAL PARTNERSHIP SUPPORT GRANT (COOPER)
- RESOLUTION 09-2026-26 — GENERAL PURPOSE SCHOOL FUND, FEDERAL BUDGET AMENDMENT, IDEA PART B (COOPER)
- RESOLUTION 09-2026-27 — GENERAL PURPOSE SCHOOL FUND, BUDGET AMENDMENT, FEDERAL GRANT – IDEA PRESCHOOL (COOPER)
- RESOLUTION 09-2026-28 — GENERAL PURPOSE SCHOOL FUND, BUDGET AMENDMENT, TEIS IDEA C GRANT (COOPER)
- RESOLUTION 09-2026-29 — CENTRAL CAFETERIA FUND, BUDGET AMENDMENT, SCHOOL FOOD AUTHORITIES (COOPER)
Financial Update
In August 2026, the Cumberland County Codes Department issued 26 residential and 0 commercial building permits, 41 general mechanical permits, and 35 general plumbing permits. A total of $35,291 in fees were collected, compared to $41,731 during the same month a year ago.
The EMS service collected $276,894 which is below the estimated monthly income of $433,333. Year to date, we are $176,647 below estimated income. Local option sales tax collections for the General Purpose School Fund (BOE) in September were $1,506,503 which was $39,735 below projections. These numbers reflect sales from two months prior. Year to date we are $26,125 above projections. Property tax collections are 0% compared to 0.01% the year prior. Hotel/Motel tax collections are $121,246 compared to $124,462 last year. That is 9.90% of budget. Prisoner boarding (one month of revenue) is $38,212 compared to $0 this time last year. Gas was budget at $3.50 per gallon and diesel was budgeted at $4.50 per gallon this year. We are currently averaging $2.87 for gas and $4.26 for diesel.
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 