CUMBERLAND COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING (FEB. 17TH) HIGHLIGHTS
The Cumberland County Commission held its monthly meeting on February 17, 2026, with several commissioners absent, including Hyder, Seiber, Mall, and Patterson (the latter recovering at Good Samaritans). Among the key resolutions passed was one (sponsored by Sherrill) unanimously approved to preserve the commission’s authority to object to beer permits issued within less than 2,000 feet of schools, churches, or public gathering places, despite past practices allowing closer proximity beyond the 100-foot minimum. Another resolution (Seiber) clarified the purchasing policy, confirming that no purchase orders are required for recurring subscription or maintenance agreements, as they are already budgeted and approved annually; this passed 14-0.
The commission unanimously approved a $25,000 loan to the Cumberland County Industrial Development Board to cover increased operational expenses amid rising development activity, with repayment expected upon the sale of property at Interchange Drive. A budget amendment related to the Safe Baby Court program (Mall) shifted $2,910 from supplies back to a salary supplement line item at Judge Worley’s request, passing 10-4 after prior adjustments in December 2025 had redirected funds toward supplies for children. Numerous routine budget amendments were also approved for various departments, including the Sheriff’s Department, school funds (covering items like Safe School Counselors, STEM awards, technology, grants, and nutrition programs), ARPA-related fund corrections and closures, and the completion of the County Archives building renovation with remaining funds transferred.
Financially, the Codes Department reported issuing 26 residential and 2 commercial building permits in January 2026, along with various mechanical and plumbing permits, generating $34,016 in fees—an increase from $26,672 the prior year. EMS collections totaled $288,235, falling short of the monthly estimate and contributing to a year-to-date deficit of $433,228. Sales tax revenue for January (reflecting prior sales) reached $1,447,019, exceeding estimates by $56,925 and placing year-to-date collections $305,788 ahead of projections. Property tax collections stood at 66% (slightly below last year’s 67.01%), hotel/motel taxes at $648,821 year to date (54.07% of the $1.2 million budget, down from the previous year), and prisoner boarding payments at $338,660 (ahead of last year’s $280,399 and on track toward the $397,823 annual budget).
