The Cumberland County Commission held its monthly meeting with all commissioners present except Commissioner Sherrill. The meeting opened with congratulations to the 2026 Cumberland County High School Jets baseball team for winning the District 7-AAA Championship. This marked the first time in the school’s 64-year history that the Jets claimed the district title, achieved through a strong postseason run that included victories over tough opponents like top-seeded Upperman and Livingston Academy.

Several resolutions were approved. Joseph Moody was appointed to a one-year term as Judicial Commissioner on a 16-0 vote. Bryce McDonald was appointed and Cathy Cathey and Greg Maxwell were reappointed to three-year terms on the Cumberland County Library Board, with unanimous approval. The Commission extended Catoosa Blvd, Forest Hills Drive, and Leyden Drive on the county road list, adding a total of about 3.09 miles, and added several new roads (Carnoustie Drive, Leyden Circle, Lytham Way, Prestwick Circle, St. Andrews Circle, and Spring Lake Drive) to the county road list. Both road-related measures passed after prior review and approval by planning, environmental, and road officials.

In significant actions related to future development, the Commission unanimously adopted the County Powers Act under Tennessee law. This provides additional local authority to address issues like data center growth and its potential impacts on infrastructure, utilities, and services. Immediately afterward, commissioners unanimously approved a two-year temporary moratorium on the construction, development, establishment, or operation of new data centers in Cumberland County. The moratorium aims to allow time for thorough study of impacts on electrical infrastructure, water resources, transportation, land use, emergency services, and quality of life, while preserving the status quo during planning.

The Commission also approved a large number of routine budget amendments across various funds (including debt service, highway, general, school, and cafeteria funds), many related to year-end cleanup and audit preparation. These covered items such as EMS programs, education grants, special revenue, and operational adjustments.

Financially, the May 2026 report showed the Codes Department issuing 35 residential and 2 commercial building permits along with numerous mechanical and plumbing permits, collecting $46,455 in fees (up from the prior year). EMS collections were nearly on target for the month but remained behind year-to-date. Sales tax revenue exceeded estimates, property tax collections were strong at 100.24% (better than last year), and prisoner boarding payments from the state were substantially higher year-to-date than the previous year.