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Message from the Commish
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As summer winds down and the new school year begins, I’ve been reflecting on the transition from the back-to-school rush to the excitement of a fresh academic year. This year feels especially significant for me, as for the first time in 17 years, I don’t have a child starting elementary, middle, or high school. Nevertheless, I’ve enjoyed seeing the pictures and smiling faces of kids beginning their new school adventures.
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The start of the month was particularly special as I had the chance to visit our son at the United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York. Our three hours together were deeply meaningful and served as a poignant reminder of how fleeting these precious family moments can be. I encourage you to savor these busy years of catching the bus, attending school events, and volunteering with your children—they pass all too quickly.
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With the conclusion of the local county general election, I am excited to announce that Margie Johnson will be joining us as the new school board member for District 5. I look forward to working with her and the rest of the board to explore strategies for attracting and retaining top-notch educators and ensuring our students reach their highest academic potential. I also want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Jennifer Aprea for her four years of dedicated service to the board. Public servants are often underappreciated, so her commitment to our community is truly commendable.
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As I reach the midpoint of my term, it’s hard to believe that nearly two years have already flown by. Serving our district and the broader Williamson County community has been a rewarding experience. Reflecting on the past year, I’m proud of the significant progress and key developments we’ve achieved together, and I’m eager to share these updates with you below.
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This year has been marked by substantial changes, transitions, and community-focused initiatives. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished and look forward to continuing our work in the months ahead. Thank you for your continued support and engagement.
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Year in Review
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v Solid Waste Department partners with Spring Back Mattress to begin recycling program
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v County is gifted Burwood Community Center
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v County Commission approves adoption of Parks & Rec Master Plan
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v County Commission Approves Bond Debt of ~$106 million
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v Sheriff Dusty Rhoades announced his retirement
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v Bonds issued for 2024 capital projects came to $83,915,000
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v County Commission votes against purchase of WAKM radio station
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v County Commission increases notice of vacancies for committees from 7 to 15 days
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v County awards the first of the Opioid Settlement payments to various organizations
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v No Meetings Scheduled for December
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v Sheriff Dusty Rhoades resigns, and Chief Deputy Mark Elrod assumes position as Interim Sheriff
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v Erin Nations resigns, David O’Neil is appointed District 6 County Commissioner with no other nominees
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v Special session held regarding placement of 5G towers near schools and private residences
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v County Commission voted to defer vote on Sheriff’s vacancy until after March Primary Election with only three Republican nominees running
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v County Commission approves 1500ft setback from schools for 5G tower placement
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v County Commission defers vote on $100k hand-marked paper ballot study to be conducted by selected vendor
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v Jeff Hughes is nominated and sworn in as the Williamson County Sheriff
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v County Commission votes against $100k hand-marked paper ballot study to be conducted by selected vendor
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v Budget season begins – No County Commission meeting
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v Zoning updated to allow banners on WCS athletic fields
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v $23 million in bond funding approved
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v Resolution to create Legislative Committee fails despite ongoing need to address state funding of WCS schools
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v Page High Boys & Girls Lacrosse Teams recognized for State Championship
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v District 10 County Commissioner David Landrum Resigns
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v County Commission votes to extend contract with Williamson Inc.
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v Budget Committee meetings will start being recorded
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v County Commission passes FY25 budget totaling $853,207,687 including 6% raise for teachers and 7% for county staff
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v County Commission passes Comprehensive County Growth Plan
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v County Holds Special Session to Discuss Jail/JJC/ALC Project
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v New Rotating Committee Members Selected
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v District 10 Commission Seat Filled by Cheryl Brown
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v Additional ~$53 million bond debt approved
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v New Public Safety Director, Connor Scott, is confirmed
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v School Board & County Elections are Held
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v District 3 School Board Winner, Dennis Driggers, appointed
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Latest News
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- Triple J Update - While there have not been any additional resolutions or funding requests, there are still several concerns around this project including the overall costs of building new and whether or not building on land adjacent to an active rock quarry is a good investment for taxpayer dollars. There are viable solutions to help reduce costs and to ensure our capital investments have a longer life.
- Possible renovation of existing commercial and/or manufacturing facilities
- Reducing the overall size of the buildings - the current request for the Juvenile Center is 657% larger than the current facility, although the projected number of juvenile employees and detainees is only 150% to 167% increase.
- Reusing existing government owned facilities for the purpose of needed office space.
- Finding alternatives to crime prevention such as more active law enforcement in the community.
- New Committee Announcements – Please see the list of new standing committee members and proposed rotating committee members (to be confirmed at the Sept. 9th County Commission Meeting)
- District 10 County Commissioner Update – After a failed attempt to defer the vote until September, Cheryl Brown was nominated and appointed by a vote of 15 to 7. On August 13th, the Williamson County Republican Party held a convention for the Republican nomination which was won by Bill Petty. The final vote will now go to the November 5th election where Bill Petty will run against Independent candidate, Joe Williams. You can learn more about the convention in the following news articles:
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Ongoing Considerations
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- Work with legislators and local municipalities to ensure we have the infrastructure and funding to provide to new developments.
- Protect the rights of landowners from municipal growth boundaries.
- Identify cost savings with regards to renewable contracts such as insurance.
- Prioritize salaries of lower paid employees to obtain more competitive pay, especially for teachers and law enforcement.
- Review capital projects to ensure we find ways to maintain and build required facilities that does not require tax increases.
- Review and update of setbacks for residential areas as it pertains to 5G and other wireless facilities. Promoting a #FiberFirst solution for wireless communication and internet needs.
- Improve the timing for individual property owners to obtain building permits.
- Review the requirements for Economic Development grants and how this relates to our association with Williamson Inc. to ensure growth is not becoming an increased burden to existing home and business owners.
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Get Involved
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Property Committee Meeting
Wednesday, August 21st at 5:30pm
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Verizon Building (Includes Tour of Building)
455 Duke Drive
Frankin, TN 37064
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NOTE: On the Agenda is the request for a seismic study to determine vibration impact on proposed jail site. Public Comment is welcomed and encouraged as this could lead to a significant increase in debt and an impending property tax increase to fund. Click here for More info
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County Commission Meeting
Monday, September 9thth at 7:00pm at:
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Executive Admin Building
1320 West Main Street
Franklin, TN 37064
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Arrington Special Area Plan - Public Meeting
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Friendly Reminders
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REDUCE-REUSE-RECYCLE…There is a new way to recycle mattresses in Williamson County and to save them from going into the landfill. Click here for more details.
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