Cumberland County's Financial Management committee has approved a bid of $356,976.60 for the Cumberland Childcare project, awarded to Stubbs Construction of Crossville during a Tuesday morning meeting.

Cumberland County Mayor Allen Foster explained, “Cumberland County applied for and received the CDBG-CV grant [Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus] to expand childcare in our community. After public hearings to solicit applications for the funding, Cumberland Childcare was awarded the opportunity to participate in this grant. The plan is to purchase and renovate a residential home into a licensed childcare facility, creating up to 40 new childcare slots and 10 new employment opportunities.”

Foster expressed his confidence in Stubbs Construction, saying, “… I am confident in [Stubbs] ability to execute this project effectively. The project bids came in over budget since the project was awarded in 2022. With the approved additional funds granted by the Department of Economic and Community Development, the project can commence. I kindly ask we move forward with awarding Stubbs Construction the project …”

The additional funds for the project will be provided by the CDBG-CV grant, according to Foster.

William Stepp, director of schools for Cumberland County, motioned to approve the bid, pending the funding. The motion was supported by Nancy Hyder, 2nd District county commissioner, and was unanimously approved by the committee.

The project will move forward once the funding is secured.

Committee members Jack Davis, 5th District county commissioner; Stanley Hall, Cumberland County Highway department superintendent; and John Patterson, 9th District county commissioner, were not in attendance at the meeting.