CUMBERLAND GAP, Tenn. — The Cumberland Gap Board of Mayor and Alderman (BMA) met briefly on Monday night to discuss monthly financial and community matters.

The board first approved the minutes of the October meeting, and the town’s financial statement with a roll call vote. All board members were in agreement and no discussion was needed.

Town Recorder Linda Moyers then gave the town financial report. She explained that a total of $38,500.83 was needed to pay the monthly bills. Mayor John D. Douglas stated that the town of Cumberland Gap was going to have a financial shortfall for the month of November. Recorder Linda Moyers spoke about the monetary issue:

“I think we will be okay in all the funds except for the General Fund,” declared Moyers. She stated that the General Fund bill for the month of November totaled $15,054.06, and the town fell nearly $8,500 short of that amount.

“In order to pay the bills, we are going to have to go to the money market,” stated Douglas. “There is no other way out. I am going to recommend that we take $8,500 out of the money market to pay the bills, and have a couple of hundred dollars left to start December with.”

Douglas expressed to the community members in attendance that there were no extra expenditures for the month. He assured everyone that the bills were common for this time of year, due to payroll and certain insurance-related costs.

“There is nothing we can do about it,” Douglas explained. “So, to keep the town running, that is my recommendation of $8,500.”

Alderman John Ravnum disagreed.

“I warned about this when we were doing the budget,” said Ravnum. He voted no on the decision. All other board members approved.

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

• The board approved the decision to issue Kathy England a building permit.

• Alderman Jerry Hopson gave the streets and parks report. He updated the board on the current conditions of town roadways. Hopson stated that the town has been working hard, and roadway conditions were gradually improving.

• Water report and town sewer updates

• Fire Department report

• Approved Ordinance 6 -2009 to establish a charge for false emergency alarms.

On Dec. 4, the Cumberland Gap Fine Arts Council (CGFAC) is organizing a tour of homes, which will take place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. CGFAC member Phyllis Hopson said that six area homes and two local churches — all with historical significance — will be the focus of the tour. The tour will conclude at the Olde Mill Bed and Breakfast, and refreshments will be served. Currently, there are 60 tickets available at $10 per person.

“It’s going to be a fun evening,” said Hopson, in reference to the tour of homes. Hopson also urged everyone within the town of Cumberland Gap to “tastefully” decorate their home for Christmas. Prizes will be given away for home with the best decorations.

On Dec. 5, Cumberland Gap residents John and Geri Ravnum will be hosting a Victorian Christmas event from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at their home, which is located between the Cumberland Gap General Store and the Old Drug Store. Father and Mother Christmas will be reading Christmas tales to area kids. All children are welcome to attend the festive event. Hot cider and cookies will be served.

OSHA Safety Director Ray Paul and Alderman Joe Webb were not in attendance.

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