According to a report by the Crossville Chronicle, Cumberland County’s property assessments for fiscal year 2025-26 grew by 0.85%, with total property values rising to $2,411,830,749 from $2,391,614,791. This results in a net revenue increase of $218,021, assuming the property tax rate remains at $1.1350. The gross tax penny is valued at $241,183, and with a 5% delinquency rate, the net tax penny is $229,124. Estimated property tax revenue for 2025-26 is $26,005,574, allocated as follows: $16,934,544 to the general fund, $2,985,846 to solid waste, $2,146,529 to the school fund, and $4,416,061 to debt service. The budget committee tentatively approved budgets for the drug fund, Railroad Authority, Courthouse Maintenance, Debt Service (with an $11.7 million ending fund balance and $8.3 million beginning balance), and the Road Department (with a $5.9 million ending balance, $959,228 beginning balance, and a $2 million carryover for road repairs). The sanitation fund was approved with a $3.6 million revenue, $4.4 million expenditure, and an $814,593 shortfall covered by its $1.3 million fund balance. Seven new full-time employees were approved for the Road Department and four for sanitation. The committee will reconvene on July 16, 2025, to finalize the county’s general fund and overall budget.