CUMBERLAND GAP, Tenn. — The Board of Mayor and Alderman (BMA) met in regular session on Monday evening to discuss monthly finances and local matters.

The town of Cumberland Gap fell approximately $2,400 short in their General Fund account this month. Town Recorder Linda Moyers discussed the current financial situation.

“I’ve went over the bills to see what we need to pay now, and what can wait,” stated Moyers. “I’ve accounted for the money that we’ll get at the end of this month, and it looks like we’ll be around $2,400 short.”

Mayor John D. Douglas responded by saying, “We are anticipating that in the month of January we may not have to take any money out, but we’ll have to wait and see.”

Moyers went on to explain to those in attendance that there were several insurance bills that needed to be paid for the month of December. She claimed that the town would be more financially secure in the coming months, because all of the insurance-related costs would taken care of for the next quarter.

Mayor Douglas then asked the board to approve the payment of the bills, and borrow $2,400 out of the town’s money market account.

Alderman Joan Webb made the motion to approve the payment of bills, with a “second” coming from Alderman Jerry Hopson. All were in favor for the decision except Alderman John Ravnum.

“It’s like I stated before, we never put the money back,” Ravnum explained. He promptly voted “no” on the decision. All else voted in favor of the decision.

Alderman Bill McGaffee then reported on behalf of the Law and Order Committee. He stated that one of the town’s patrol vehicles had recently been “totaled” outside of the town’s city limits. Mayor Douglas said that the insurance value on the car was $3,800, and the town will be receiving that amount within the coming weeks to put towards a replacement.

Mayor Douglas continued:

“At our next council meeting, I am going to ask the attorney and M-Task to come up with a policy that we do not do high-speed pursuits, or pursuits of any sort that could jeopardize life or limb... it’s just not worth it.”

The board will further discuss this situation at a later date.

The town of Cumberland Gap has been approached by the state of Tennessee and the Claiborne County Chamber of Commerce to hold an annual festival within the town’s limits. Town Recorder Linda Moyers provided more details concerning the proposed event.

“They’re trying to establish a Claiborne County annual festival, and they chose Cumberland Gap to have the festival every year,” Moyers explained. “There will be activities going on throughout the county, but the main portion will be here in Cumberland Gap.”

She said that the festival will be called the White Lightning Festival, and will take place some time in June.

“There is still several details that need to be worked out,” said Moyers about the festival. The board approved the decision, and no discussion was needed.

In other business, the board discussed and/or approved the following:

• The minutes of the November 2 meeting

• Financial report and updated budget status

• Town water and sewer concerns/updates

• Fire Department Chief John Adams reported five runs for the month of November.

• The board approved the final reading of Ordinance 6-2009 to establish a charge for false emergency alarms.

• Resolution 5-2009 (Waste Water Treatment Improvement 4-year Capital Outlay Note) and Resolution 6-2009 (Twelve-Year Informal Capital Outlay Note-Extension) were approved.

• The board approved the decision to enforce the current ordinance regarding signs, and not allow local establishments to place signs upon their roofs.

• A new garbage ordinance was discussed and left for next month’s planning session.

• The board approved the decision to reapply for a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) to update their current water system.

The Cumberland Gap Town Hall will be closed Dec. 21-Dec. 25 for the holiday season. The office will reopen on Monday, Dec. 28.

Adam Young is a Staff Writer for the Middlesboro Daily News. He can be contacted by e-mail at ayoung@middlesborodailynews.com.