Chamber Hears of What’s to Come
Cumberland County News Editor Greg Wells, right, was presented the Business Spotlight of The Month by Chamber of Commerce President Liza Tucker, left. The award was in recognition of the newspaper’s important contributions to the community.
By Greg Wells
CCN–Editor
Cumberland County Chamber of Commerce Treasure Rebecca Bow told the members at the general meeting April 15 that her committee has investigated how to best install the memorial bricks previously sold by the chamber.
She said they are waiting for approval from the city to install the bricks against the concrete wall which forms the front of the base of the Paul Smith Memorial Stage. That is the stage used for the bluegrass festival and other events at Joseph Schickel Park.
She said installation and painting of the concrete that isn’t covered by the bricks would likely cost less than $500 and would be done by her committee members. Presently that account has over $1,000 in it.
The members were generally at agreement with the proposal, and it awaits City approval for implementation.
Speakers at the meeting were County Judge-Executive Luke King and Citizens Bank of Cumberland County Vice President Matt Hurt.
Hurt spoke about the need to keep an eye on your credit report, and to watch for scams and swindles on your computer, tablet and phone.
He said that being dubious about any emails or texts you receive, as well as monitoring your credit report for inconsistencies is the basis of good financial practices.
King described the situation with regard to the “splash pad” and gave the history of how the issue arose.
County Judge-Executive Luke King Speaks to Chamber members about funding the Splash Pad.
He said the project was brought as a top priority for the youth by the civics club at Cumberland County high school. He added that he and the magistrates have committed to pursuing a splash pad.
King explained that this was not a project for the monies raised by the insurance premium tax, but rather a project with funds earmarked from corpse of engineers funds, $43K; bank interest on deposit, $84K; rental revenue, $7K; unspent COVID recovery (ARPA) funds, $27K; unfilled worker salary, $27K; and $12K in money not spent on county interns after that program has been funded by the state.
He went on to say that the project will be rebid in October with a May 15 opening deadline, 2026.
When questioned about the cost of not accepting the bid this year for $199,270, he said there is some concern, but that bid was for a project which would have been completed this fall.
When the issue of the tornado shelters was brought up, he said it was true that the county received funds, based on bids of $120,000 for two storm shelters, but by the time construction began the cost was $305,000 for one shelter. He clarified that that multi-year delay was due to Covid.
Chamber President Liza Tucker and Partners with Pride coordinator Amy Morgan said $30,000 in state grant funds are in-hand to finish the bridge and sidewalk in the parking lot beside the walking track on Upper River Street.
Tucker reminded members that:
- April 22 “Spring in the Alley” will be hosted adjacent to the square beside the country peddler
- May 2 “First Friday” will be on the Square.
- May 6 at noon is the next chamber Board of Directors meeting.
