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Message from the Commish
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This last month has been a very eventful one. Having had two major storms, I am so grateful that our local First Responders have been able to assist with rescue and recovery efforts for victims of Hurrican Helene and that there are so many local organizations collecting food, water and other essentials to get to the residents who have a long road to recovery.
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Here are a couple of organizations I am supporting who are involved in support efforts:
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This past month, I had the incredible opportunity to travel to Scotland and Belgium with fellow church members for both vacation and a mission trip. Experiencing the rich history, stunning architecture, and delicious food of Europe was truly amazing. Yet, being away only deepened my appreciation for the blessings we have in America—freedoms that many people around the world don’t enjoy.
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Visiting other countries made me profoundly grateful for our U.S. Constitution, a remarkable foundation of rights that others look up to. I also feel a deep sense of gratitude for our servicemen and servicewomen who sacrifice so much to protect these freedoms, allowing us to enjoy privileges that we often take for granted.
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As I reflect on these blessings, I’m reminded of how important it is for us to vote. It’s not just a right; it’s a precious privilege that we should never overlook. Participating in our democracy is essential to ensuring our voices are heard and our freedoms are safeguarded. While we may not be perfect, our commitment to these principles is something truly special.
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For more information on Early Voting Locations and Hours and Voting Day Location and Hours, please refer to our Election Commission website:
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Lastly, I’d like to share an opportunity I had to discuss my experience as a Williamson County Commissioner in a recent interview. I hope it offers insights into the challenges we face and highlights why I feel honored and humbled to serve our community.
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Photos from my visit to NATO (Brussels, Belgium) and reminder of why our Freedoms are worth fighting for.
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Steel beam from 107th floor of WTC
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Portion of the Berlin Wall
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Financial Status (as of 8/31/2024)
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Total Direct Debt (incl Hospital)
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$1,097,740,000
Total Debt Service = $1,458,321,059
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Total Net Debt Service = $1,198,053,674
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This month's meeting was held on October 14th. Below is a list of more notable items that were presented and discussed:
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- Outcome of Public Task Force - In this month's meeting, a hired consultant and Public Safety Director presented the final report from the Public Task Force, which was started more than 2 years ago, on how the county can establish a Fire and Rescue Department to effectively serve the unincorporated areas. The primary challenge identified is the need for improved infrastructure, particularly in water supply, which must be addressed before any new fire stations can be constructed. The current proposed date to meet this goal is 2040. No costs to institute this plan were discussed. This information is forthcoming.
- Bethesda 5G Tower - For the second time, the vote on the electrical easement for the 5G Tower next to Bethesda Elementary School has been deferred. This time there were questions regarding whether or not the county was contractually obligated to approve the easement. Also, it was requested to try and work with Vogue Tower to secure a more suitable location that adhered to the 1500-foot setback the county had previously passed in 02/2024. The current proposed location is approximately 800 feet from the Bethesda Elementary School.
- Williamson Annual Debt Review 2024 / Williamson Debt Ratio 2024 - The 2024 Debt Review indicates a Net Direct Debt Ratio of 0.88%, calculated as Total Debt as a percentage of the County's Tax Base. The Tax Base increased significantly from $64,803,589,597 in 2023 to $102,613,324,824 in 2024, reflecting a 60% increase in just one year. This increase is reflected in the County's Net Direct Debt Ratio with a 0.45% decrease from last year. When including Hospital Debt, the Total Direct Debt Ratio stands at 1.07%, down 0.57% from 2023.
It's important to note that these figures primarily reflect the county's ability to raise taxes in response to rising property values. If current revenues are insufficient to cover operational expenses, including debt service, the County Commission may need to consider a property tax increase to ensure adequate funding. This increase will impact both residential and commercial property owners.
- Additional Debt - Bond Resolution Letter - An additional $63,620,000 in bond debt was approved following a letter from the mayor's office informing the Commission of outstanding invoices for already completed maintenance efforts by the schools. These invoices rely on bond funds for repayment and were considered secure after the Commission passed Intent to Fund resolutions in May 2024. The Mayor's Office also provided further details explaining the urgency to reconsider these bond resolutions at the October meeting, rather than deferring until November as initially planned.
- Budget Concerns - Letter from Comptroller - Each budget year, Williamson County submits its budget to the Comptroller's office to ensure compliance and maintain our AAA bond rating. This year, the Comptroller raised several concerns regarding the cash flow of our schools. These concerns played a part in the need to push the bond resolutions through in an effort to show the county's willingness and ability to pay invoices already incurred by WCS.
- Rezoning Request - There was a public hearing regarding rezoning of property in the Triune Special Area Plan to ensure consistency in transitional zoning across these areas in the county. The Planning Commission had recommended the rezoning and after extensive discussion on impact to the area, the rezoning request was passed. As the Planning Commission continues to review the County Growth Plan, there may be additional needs to review zoning to ensure consistency across the county.
- Time/Location of Committee/Commission Meetings - At this past meeting, a resolution was passed, along with an amendment, to change the time of our County Commission meetings from 7:00pm to 6:00pm beginning with the January 2025 meeting. A resolution was also proposed to restrict County Committee meetings to the Administrative Building located at 1320 W. Main. The resolution passed with an amendment that allows for a location change as long as 2/3 of the requesting committee members agree to the change in location.
- Automatic License Plate Readers (ALPR) - While the Commission did not vote on the purchase of the readers, there was a vote to allow the Sheriff's Office to apply for a permit to install the readers —funded through a DHS grant—on the state right-of-way. Although this topic has sparked some controversy, my primary concern is ensuring our local law enforcement has the necessary tools to keep our community safe, with any misuse addressed directly by our Sheriff. Below is additional information provided by the Sheriff's Office. If you have further concerns about these systems, I encourage you to reach out to our Sheriff directly.
- Flock - Privacy & Ethics
End to End Data Security
Flock FAQ
- Additional Q&A requested and provided by the APLR Vendor and WCSO
- How is the data purged? All data is hard deleted at 30 days and no longer retrievable. This is answered on Flock's website.
- Can the public request LPR records from Flock? No they cannot, we do not own the data, the owner is the (local government). Most agencies/ cities do not consider LPR data to be accessible through public records request because a) the PD needs a search reason to enter into the system and this is codified in their policy b) Hotlist data is CGIS data and therefore also not available through public records requests.
- Documents showing Flock does not sell customer data to 3rd parties. That is in our contract to the Department which is public records.
- Do we share data with federal agencies? We do not share any data, only the department can share data and they can choose who they share with.
- Sheriff's Monthly Report - September 2024
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NOMINATIONS
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Economic Development Council (4 Yr Term, Expiring 10/28)
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Robert Ring (Greenbelt Owner)
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Charlie Fox, III (Greenbelt Owner)
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22 - Yes, 0 - No, 1 - Abstain (M. Smith), 1 - Absent (Clifford)
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Judicial Commissioner (Term Expiring 10/25)
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Expiring/Renewing - Jeremy Joerger
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23 - Yes, 0 - No, 1 - Absent (Clifford)
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UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Resolution No. 10-24-1, (formerly Resolution No. 9-24-1), Resolution Reaffirming the Rules, Regulations and Procedures of the Williamson County Board of Commissioners Concerning the Introduction of Resolutions to Committee by Williamson County Commissioners — Commissioner Richards - DEFERRED UNTIL 11/12/2024 BOC MEETING
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Resolution No. 10-24-2, (formerly Resolution No. 9-24-54), Resolution Authorizing the Williamson County Mayor to Grant an Easement to Middle Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation — Commissioner Stressor - DEFERRED UNTIL 11/12/2024 BOC MEETING
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There was also a motion to reconsider two bond resolutions from September that had been deferred until the 11/24 Commissioner Meeting. The current new debt for this FY is now a total of $343,000,000 (an estimated $512,000,000 total based on 4.5% interest)
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- Resolution No. 9-24-40, Resolution Authorizing the Issuance, Sale and Payment of Not to Exceed $40,400,000 Of General Obligation Public Improvement and School Bonds of Williamson County, Tennessee, And Providing for the Levy of Taxes for the Payment of Debt Service on the Bonds — Commissioner Herbert
- This resolution is to incur debt for the following items:
- Administrative Office Center Renovation - $800,000
- Bethesda Rec Center - $10,000,000 - There is still an additional $9 million of required funding to complete this project. Upon completion, the estimated total cost of this new complex will be approximately $45 million.
- Bethesda Library - $3,000,000 - 10,000 sq ft complex
- 40 Heart Monitors ($2,631,967), 23 Sheriff Vehicles ($1,679,460), 5 Ambulances ($2,500,000), 3 Fire Tankers ($2,100,000), Fire Ladder Truck ($2,500,000)
- School Expenses (High School) - General Security ($519,000), Physical Security ($3,572,200), Network Security ($1,083,646), Asphalt/Paving ($850,000), Roofs ($2,108,000), HVAC Replacement ($1,395,000), Maintenance ($1,292,400), and Technology ($3,753,646)
- UPDATE: 16 - Yes, 6 - No (M. Smith, Sturgeon, Hayes, O'Neil, Torres, Richards, 1 - Abstain (Graves), 1 - Absent (Clifford)
- Resolution No. 9-24-41, Resolution Authorizing the Issuance, Sale and Payment of Not to Exceed $23,220,000 Of County District School Bonds of Williamson County, Tennessee, And Providing for the Levy of Taxes for the Payment of Debt Service on the Bonds — Commissioner Herbert
- This resolution is to incur debt for the following K-8 School Expenses:
- General Security ($1,512,000), Physical Security ($5,918,000), Network Security ($275,803), Asphalt/Paving ($1,088,000), Roofs ($4,185,000), HVAC Replacement ($1,779,000), Maintenance ($2,728,300), Technology ($4,291,250), and General Purpose Capital ($1,090,000)
- UPDATE: 16 - Yes, 6 - No (M. Smith, Sturgeon, Hayes, Torres, Richards, 1 - Abstain (Graves), 1 - Absent (Clifford)
1) ZONING
PUBLIC HEARING Regarding Resolution No. 10-24-3, Resolution to Amend the Official Zoning Map as it Relates to Approximately 31 Acres Located at 5157 Murfreesboro Road (Map 113, Parcels 05706, 05709 and 05712) — Commissioner Clifford
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- UPDATE: 14 - Yes, 7 - No (Herbert, Lawrence, Webb, Hayes, Hester, Tunnicliffe, Richards), 1 - Abstain (Beathard), 1 - Absent (Clifford)
- Further explanation - The recommendation of the Planning Commission was to allow for the rezoning in order to be consistent with the County Growth Plan and to ensure a proper transition from more densely populated residential areas and commercial to the lower density 1-to-5-acre zoning throughout the Triune Special Area Plan and other Special Area Plans throughout the county.
PUBLIC HEARING - Regarding Resolution No. 10-24-4, Resolution No. 10-24-4, Resolution to Amend Article 3 of the Zoning Ordinance Regarding Deferral and Withdrawal of Applications — Commissioner Clifford
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- UPDATE: 23 - Yes, 1 - Absent (Clifford)
PUBLIC HEARING - Regarding Resolution No. 10-24-5, Resolution to Amend Article 16 of the zoning Ordinance Regarding Performance Agreements and Maintenance Obligations - Commissioner Clifford
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- UPDATE: 23 - Yes, 1 - Absent (Clifford)
PUBLIC HEARING - Regarding Resolution No. 10-24-6, Resolution to Amend Articles 3 and 20 of the Zoning Ordinance regarding Approval of a Nontraditional Wastewater Treatment and Disposal System Site Plan in Conjunction with Special Use Review — Commissioner Clifford
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- UPDATE: 22 - Yes, 1 - No (Tunnicliffe), 1 - Absent (Clifford)
PUBLIC HEARING -— Regarding Resolution No. 10-24-7, Resolution to Amend Article 6 of the Zoning Ordinance Regarding Minor Site Plans - Commissioner Clifford
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- UPDATE: 23 - Yes, 1 - Absent (Clifford)
PUBLIC HEARING _ Regarding Resolution No. 10-24-8, Resolution to Amend Article 19 of the Williamson County Zoning Ordinance Regarding Flood Hazard Regulations - Commissioner Clifford
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- MOTION TO DEFER FAILED - 11 - Y, 12- N
UPDATE: 22 - Yes, 1 - No (Hayes), 1 - Absent (Clifford)
2) APPROPRIATIONS
Resolution No. 10-24-10, Resolution of the Governing Body of Williamson County, Tennessee,
Authorizing the Issuance, Sale and Payment of Interest-Bearing 2024-25 General Purpose School Fund Tax Anticipation Notes Not to Exceed Thirteen Million ($13,000,000) Dollars - Commissioner Herbert
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- UPDATE: 21 - Yes, 2 - Abstain (Graves, Richards), 1 - Absent (Clifford)
Resolution No. 10-24-12, Resolution Appropriating and Amending the 2024-25 Library Budget by $5,000 — Revenues to Come from Donations and Memorials — Commissioner Webb
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- UPDATE: 23 - Yes, 0 - No, 1 - Absent (Clifford)
Resolution No. 10-24-13, Resolution Authorizing the Williamson County Mayor to Enter Into a Grant Contract with the State of Tennessee, Department of Environment and Conservation and Appropriating and Amending the 2024-25 Community Development Budget by $19,602 — Revenues to Come From Grant Funds — Commissioner Herbert
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- UPDATE: 23 - Yes, 0 - No, 1 - Absent (Clifford)
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Resolution No. 10-24-14, Resolution Appropriating and Amending the 2024-25 Parks and Capital
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Improvement Program by $40,325 — Revenues to Come From Donations and Recreation Privilege Tax Funds — Commissioner Smith
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- UPDATE: 23 - Yes, 0 - No, 1 - Absent (Clifford)
Resolution No. 10-24-15, Resolution Appropriating and Amending the 2024-25 Parks and Recreation Budget by $44,500 — Revenues to Come From Recreation Privilege Tax Funds — Commissioner Herbert
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- UPDATE: 23 - Yes, 0 - No, 1 - Absent (Clifford)
Resolution No. 10-24-16, Resolution Authorizing the Williamson County Mayor to Enter Into a Grant Contract with the State of Tennessee, Administrative Office of the Courts on Behalf of Juvenile Services and amending the 2024-25 Juvenile Services Budget by $2,000 — Revenues to Come From State Grant Funds — Commissioner Mason
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- UPDATE: 23 - Yes, 0 - No, 1 - Absent (Clifford)
Resolution No. 10-24-17, Resolution Authorizing the Williamson County Mayor to Enter Into a Grant Contract with the State of Tennessee, Department of Safety and Homeland Security and Appropriating and Amending the 2024-25 Sheriff's Office Budget by $40,000 — Revenues to Come From Grant Funds — Commissioner Mason
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- UPDATE: 23 - Yes, 0 - No, 1 - Absent (Clifford)
Resolution No. 10-24-18, Resolution Authorizing the Williamson County Mayor to Enter Into a Grant Contract with the State of Tennessee, Department of Safety and Homeland Security and Appropriating and Amending the 2024-25 Sheriff's Office Budget by $4,425,000 — Revenues to Come From Grant Funds — Commissioner Herbert
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- UPDATE: 23 - Yes, 0 - No, 1 - Absent (Clifford)
Resolution No. 10-24-19, Resolution Appropriating and Amending the 2024-25 County Clerk’s Budget by $50,000 for Equipment Purchases — Revenues to Come From Filing Fees - Commissioner Herbert
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- UPDATE: 23 - Yes, 0 - No, 1 - Absent (Clifford)
LATE FILED Resolution No. 10-24-30, Resolution Authorizing the Williamson County Mayor to Enter Into a Grant Contract with the State of Tennessee Opioid Abatement Council on Behalf of the DUI Recovery Court and Appropriating and Amending the 2024-25 DUI Recovery Court Budget by $146,443 Revenues to Come From State Grant Funds Commissioner Herbert
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- UPDATE: 23 - Yes, 0 - No, 1 - Absent (Clifford)
3) OTHER
Resolution No. 10-24-11, Resolution Authorizing the Williamson County Mayor to Execute a 2024-25 Grant Agreement with the State of Tennessee, Department of Health for the Provision of Dental Services at the Williamson County Health Department in an amount Not to Exceed $175,800 — Commissioner Herbert
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- UPDATE: 23 - Yes, 0 - No, 1 - Absent (Clifford)
Resolution No. 10-24-20, Resolution Accepting the Donation of Extrication Equipment on Behalf of Williamson County Fire Rescue — Commissioner Mason
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- UPDATE: 23 - Yes, 0 - No, 1 - Absent (Clifford)
Resolution No. 10-24-21, Resolution to Repeal the 2021 International Energy Code and Adopt the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code with the 2009 Tables in Accordance with Rule 0780-02-23-.02 - Commissioner Clifford
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- UPDATE (AS AMENDED): 23 - Yes, 0 - No, 1 - Absent (Clifford)
Resolution No. 10-24-22, Resolution Authorizing the Williamson County Mayor to Execute a License Agreement with the City of Franklin for Regularly Scheduled Government Meetings - Commissioner Hester
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- UPDATE: 23 - Yes, 0 - No, 1 - Absent (Clifford)
Resolution No. 10-24-23, Resolution Amending the Rules, Regulations and Procedures of the Williamson County Board of Commissioners Concerning a Majority Vote — Commissioner Herbert
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- UPDATE: 23 - Yes, 0 - No, 1 - Absent (Clifford)
Resolution No. 10-24-24, Resolution Amending the Rules, Regulations and Procedures of the Williamson County Board of Commissioners Concerning the Timing of Overriding a Veto — Commissioner Herbert
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- UPDATE: 23 - Yes, 0 - No, 1 - Absent (Clifford)
Resolution No. 10-24-25, Resolution Amending the Rules, Regulations and Procedures of the Williamson County Board of Commissioners Concerning the Regularly Scheduled Time of the Board of Commissioners’ Meetings - Commissioner Mason
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- AMENDED TO CHANGE TIME TO 6:00PM START TIME: 17 - Yes, 5 - No (Lawrence, Sturgeon, Aiello, Hayes, Richards), 1 - Abstain (Brown), 1 - Absent (Clifford)
- UPDATE (AS AMENDED): 18 - Yes, 4 - No (Lawrence, Aiello, Hayes, Richards), 1 - Abstain (Brown), 1 - Absent (Clifford)
Resolution No. 10-24-26, Resolution Amending the Rules, Regulations and Procedures of the Williamson County Board of Commissioners Concerning the Location of the Board of Commissioners’ Meetings — Commissioner Herbert
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- AMENDED TO REQUIRE 2/3 COMMITTEE VOTE TO CHANGE LOCATION: 13 - Yes, 10 - No (Jones, Herbert, Lawrence, Webb, Guffee, Aiello, Hester, Tunnicliffe, Brown, S. Smith), 1 - Absent (Clifford)
- UPDATE(AS AMENDED): 14 - Yes, 9 - No (Mason, Lawrence, M. Smith, Sturgeon, Hayes, Sanford, O'Neil, Torres, Richards), 1 - Absent (Clifford)
Resolution No. 10-24-28, Resolution of the Governing Body of Williamson County, Tennessee, approving the Williamson County Sheriff's Office Proposal to Install and Operate Law Enforcement Automated License Plat Recognition Cameras on State highway Right-of-Way — Commissioner Mason
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- UPDATE: 21 - Yes, 13 - No (Richards), 1 - Abstain (Hayes), 1 - Absent (Clifford)
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Resolution No. 10-24-29, Resolution Authorizing the Williamson County Mayor to Execute an
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Intergovernmental Agreement with the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County Commissioner Mason
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- UPDATE: 23 - Yes, 0 - No, 1 - Absent (Clifford)
Resolution 10-24-31, Resolution Authorizing the Williamson County Mayor to Enter Into an Interlocal Agreement with the City of Franklin for the Allocation of Potential Grant Funds - Commissioner Webb
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- UPDATE: 23 - Yes, 0 - No, 1 - Absent (Clifford)
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Get Involved
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County Commission Meeting
Tuesday, November 12th at 7:00pm at:
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Executive Admin Building
1320 West Main Street
Franklin, TN 37064
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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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