FROM THE DESK OF THE COMMISH

Hello Everyone:

I hope your summer is wrapping up nicely and you are enjoying the crisp cool evenings as fall quickly approaches.  It’s been a busy month preparing for this next County Commissioner meeting.  Although we did not convene in August, the committees continued to work hard in preparation for what is set to be a long list of resolutions for us to get through.

We live in an amazing county that comes with a long list of significant challenges.  While I would enjoy being able to speak with each of you individually, this isn’t always feasible.  However, I am considering a virtual meeting that would allow you to ask me questions and for me to share information directly with you.  I’m not sure of the timing but please be on the look out for an invite and let me know if you would be interested.  Please consider that we have a $794 million + budget and there are dozens of decisions for us to consider each and every month.  Keeping you all in the loop and getting your feedback is important to me.  I want to be sure your voices are heard and any ideas you have are being considered.

I appreciate all the encouragement I have received and will continue to do my best to serve this amazing part of Williamson County.

Oh, and if you haven’t made it out to one of our local high school football games, you are missing out.  Both the Knights(4-0) and the Patriots(3-1) are racking up the wins and the marching bands are on fire!  

And, finally, big CONGRATS once again to the Nolensville Little League team who, for the third consecutive season, won the opportunity to go to the Little League World Series where they finished a very respectful 4^th losing out to the team who would go on to become the Champions.  Way to Stella and the Fellas 😊

As Always...Your Faithful Servant,

Mary Smith

Click here for more updates from around the county

FINANCIAL STATE OF THE COUNTY

TOTAL CURRENT DEBT

$1,099,195,000*
$202,240,000 is self-supporting

COUNTY BUDGET

Original - $794,197,946

Current - $818,268,499
(as of 07/31/23)

COUNTY EXPENSES

$26,777,123 (3.27% of Budget)
(as of 07/31/23)

COUNTY REVENUE

$9,021,689(1.21% of Budget)
(as of 07/31/23)

Click here for more information about the Financial Status of the County

NOTABLE ITEMS

While the full commission did not meet in the month of August, the committees continued to meet to review upcoming resolutions for the month of September.  Please remember, if you have any interest in attending Committee Meetings, the list of Committees and their regularly scheduled meeting times can be found here.

County Debt/Budget
Once a year, typically in the October/November time frame, our Budget Director will go to the Bonds Market to obtain the funding needed for the approved capital projects for the county.  This year, we are currently at $71,000,000 in our bond request with the market interest rates running somewhere between 3.75% to 4.0%.  With two more meetings to go, this could increase based on the beginning funding needed for our Juvenile Justice Center, Jail and Sheriff's Office projects.  After a review of the total funding needs of $325,000,000 over the next 6 to 7 years, the Commission is going to have to work with the mayor, department heads, financial advisors and attorneys to work on a long-term funding plan.  Please be on the lookout for more information regarding this topic as there is sure to be extensive discussions and debate on the best way to pay for these very much-needed services.

Taxes
As the value of properties continue to go up, there are several tax control mechanisms put in place by the state to ensure equalization for those properties appraised on an annual basis versus those appraised every 5 years.  Through this process, it is anticipated that the County may experience an estimated net loss somewhere between $3.8million to $8.9million for fiscal year 2024.  Also, due to the new appraisal ratio, there was a deficit of almost $200k for Tax Relief for our elderly and disabled veterans. The Board of Commissioners will be voting to make up this deficit from the county general fund at this month's meeting to avoid the most vulnerable in our community from an unforeseen financial hardship. If you would like to learn more about Appraisal Ratios or Certified Tax Rates, please go to the Comptrollers site for additional information.

Roads/Infrastructure
For those of you who live in Nolensville, you may be aware of several incidents involving pedestrians crossing Rocky Fork Rd at the two of the three crosswalks located within the town limits.  Through a cooperative effort with the town government and county officials, we are working to make this a safer place for our children and families.  As a first step, we are proceeding with getting the approval to lower the speed limit of the county’s portion of Rocky Fork Rd. to 30 MPH.  I anticipate there will be ongoing discussions and research to continuously improve public safety in this area of Nolensville.

Planning Commission
There is a new Rural Land Use Plan available for you to view as the county and municipalities work together through the Coordinating Committee to finalize urban growth boundaries (UGB) and special area plans (SAP) for the county.  You can see the latest proposals here which will come before the full commission for adoption once the plan is finalized. 

On the September agenda for the CC is an update to the rear setbacks for residential lots that fall under an acre to allow for a 10’ setback versus 15’ setback for pool installation.  This is a big win for homeowners who live in conservation subdivisions that have smaller lots.

Other Items of Interest
For those of you who have been patiently waiting on septic permits, changes are coming.  There will be a Public Meeting on Sept. 19th to discuss the proposed amendments based on the study conducted over this past year.  Click here for more details.

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.

The next meeting will be September 11th at 7:00pm at the County Administrative Building.  If you are unable to attend in person, you can always view virtually by going to the WC-TV website.

UPCOMING RESOLUTIONS

September Resolution Packet

ELECTIONS & APPOINTMENTS

 2023-24 STEERING COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

1) ZONING
PUBLIC HEARING — Regarding Resolution No. 9-23-1, Resolution to Adopt Amendments to Storm Water Management Regulations Originally Adopted on November 8, 2004, to Update the Provisions Related to Water Quality Standards, Waterway Natural Areas, Compliance with State Permit Requirements and Other Clarifications

Resolution No. 9-23-1, Resolution to Adopt Amendments to Storm Water Management Regulations Originally Adopted on November 8, 2004, to Update the Provisions Related to Water Quality Standards, Waterway Natural Areas, Compliance with State Permit Requirements and Other Clarifications —Commissioner Hester

PUBLIC HEARING - Regarding Resolution No. 9-23-3, Resolution to Amend Section 11.04 of the Zoning Ordinance Regarding Setback Standards for Swimming Pools

Resolution No. 9-23-3, Resolution to Amend Section 11.04 of the Zoning Ordinance Regarding Setback Standards for Swimming Pools — Commissioner Clifford

PUBLIC HEARING -— Regarding Resolution No. 9-23-4, Resolution to Amend Articles 10, 11, 14 and 23 of the Zoning Ordinance Regarding Private Landfills and Other Solid Waste Disposal Uses

Resolution No. 9-23-4, Resolution to Amend Articles 10, 11, 14 and 23 of the Zoning Ordinance Regarding Private Landfills and Other Solid Waste Disposal Uses — Commissioner Clifford

2) APPROPRIATIONS
Resolution No. 9-23-5, Resolution Amending the 2023-24 General Purpose School Budget by $3,252,690 for Additional Capital Costs - Commissioner Webb

Resolution No. 9-23-6, Resolution Appropriating and Amending the 2023-24 Election Commission Budget by $2,568.70 — Commissioner Herbert

Resolution No. 9-23-7, Resolution Appropriating and Amending the 2023-24 Assessor’s Budget by $8,439.72 for Educational Incentive Salary Supplements — Revenues to Come From State Funds — Commissioner Herbert

Resolution No. 9-23-8, Resolution Appropriating and Amending the 2023-24 County Commission Tax Relief Program Budget by $197,064.25 — Revenues to Come From Unappropriated County General Fund Balance — Commissioner Herbert

Resolution No. 9-23-9, Resolution Amending the 2023-24 Highway Department Budget and Appropriating up to $120,851.10 for Final Paving Expenses on Greenbrier Road — Revenues to Come From State Aid Program — Commissioner Herbert

Resolution No. 9-23-10, Resolution Appropriating and Amending the 2023-24 Library Budget by $137,430.76 — Revenues to Come From Donations, Contributions and Fines — Commissioner Webb

Resolution No, 9-23-11, Resolution Appropriating and Amending the 2023-24 Williamson County General Sessions — Veteran’s Treatment Court Budget by $202,808.54 for the Department of Justice Grant — Revenues to Come From Rollover Federal Grant Funds — Commissioner Sturgeon

Resolution No. 9-23-12, Resolution Appropriating and Amending the 2023-24 Veterans Treatment Court by $45,000 — Revenues to Come From Veterans Treatment Court Reserve — Commissioner Sturgeon

Resolution No. 9-23-13, Resolution Appropriating $33,042.09 to the 21“ District Recovery Court — Revenues to Come From Dedicated Account — Commissioner Sturgeon

Resolution No. 9-23-14, Resolution Appropriating $39,986.40 to the 21% District Recovery Court — Revenues to Come From DUI Fines — Commissioner Sturgeon

Resolution No. 9-23-15, Resolution Appropriating and Amending the 2023-24 Williamson County General Sessions — DUI Court Budget by $103,462.12 — Revenues to Come From Unappropriated County General Fund Balance — Commissioner Sturgeon

Resolution No. 9-23-16, Resolution Appropriating and Amending the 2023-24 Williamson County General Sessions — DUI Court Budget by $110,326.62 — Revenues to Come From Unappropriated County General Fund Balance — Commissioner Sturgeon

Resolution No. 9-23-17, Resolution Amending the 2023-34 Juvenile Services Budget by $29,401 — Revenues to Come From State Grant Funds — Commissioner Sturgeon

Resolution No, 9-23-18, Resolution Appropriating and Amending the 2023-24 Juvenile Services Budget by $844 — Revenues to Come From Prior Year State Grant Fund Balance - Commissioner Sturgeon

Resolution No. 9-23-19, Resolution Appropriating and Amending the 2023-24 Sheriff’s Office Budget by $3,920.54 — Revenues to Come From Rollover Federal Pass Through State Grant Funds — Commissioner Sturgeon

Resolution No. 9-23-20, Resolution Authorizing the Williamson County Mayor to Enter into a Grant Contract with the State of Tennessee, Office of Criminal Justice Programs and Appropriating and Amending the 2023-24 Sheriff's Office Budget by $176,332 - Revenues to Come From State Grant Funds — Commissioner Sturgeon

Resolution No. 9-23-21, Resolution Appropriating and Amending the 2023-24 Capital Projects Budget by $957,860 for the Purchase of Fire Equipment for the W. C. Volunteer Fire Services — Revenues to Come From Fire Protection Privilege Tax Funds - Commissioner Sturgeon

Resolution No. 9-23--22, Resolution Appropriating and Amending the 2023-24 Health Department Budget by $130,000 — Revenues to Come From State Grant Funds —- Commissioner Morton

Resolution No. 9-23-23, Resolution Appropriating and Amending the 2023-24 Health Department Budget by $3,255 — Revenues to Come From Prior Year State Grant Fund Balance — Commissioner Morton

Resolution No. 9-23-24, Resolution Appropriating and Amending the 2023-24 Health Department Budget by $2,860.27 — Revenues to Come From Grant Funding - Commissioner Morton

Resolution No. 9-23-25, Resolution Authorizing the Williamson County Mayor to Enter into a Grant Contract with the State of Tennessee, Department of Environment and Conservation, on Behalf of the Williamson County Solid Waste Department and Appropriating and Amending the 2023-24 Capital Expenditures Budget by $49,292.04 — Commissioner Herbert

Resolution No. 9-23-26, Resolution Authorizing the Williamson County Mayor to Enter into a Grant Contract with the Arts Build Communities Designated Agency and Appropriating and Amending the 2023-24 Parks and Recreation Budget by $5,000 — Revenues to Come From Grant Funds — Commissioner Herbert

Resolution No. 9-23-27, Resolution Appropriating and Amending the 2023-24 Parks and Recreation Budget by $118,716.62 — Revenues to Come From Donations and Reserves — Commissioner Webb

Resolution No. 9-23-28, Resolution Accepting a Donation from Friends of Williamson County Animal Center and Appropriating and Amending the 2023-24 Animal Control Budget by $70,000 — Revenues to Come From Donations - Commissioner Morton

Resolution No. 9-23-29, Resolution Appropriating and Amending the 2023-24 Animal Control Budget by $6,000 — Revenues to Come From Donations — Commissioner Morton

Resolution No. 9-23-30, Resolution Appropriating and Amending the 2023-24 Animal Control Budget by $100,000 — Revenues to Come From Reserve Account — Commissioner Morton

Resolution No. 9-23-31, Resolution Authorizing the County Mayor to Enter into a 2023-24 Contractual Agreement with the State of Tennessee for Local Health Services and Increasing the 2023-24 Health Department Operations and Revenues Budget by $60,800 — Commissioner Morton

Resolution No, 9-23-32, Resolution of the Governing Body of Williamson County, Tennessee, Authorizing the Issuance, Sale and Payment of Interest-Bearing 2023-24 General Purpose School Fund Tax Anticipation Notes Not to Exceed Six Million ($6,000,000) Dollars - Commissioner Herbert

Resolution No. 9-23-33, Initial Resolution Authorizing the Issuance of Not to Exceed $25,250,000 of General Obligation Bonds of Williamson County, Tennessee —- Commissioner Herbert

Resolution No. 9-23-34, Initial Resolution Authorizing the Issuance of Not to Exceed $325,000,000 of General Obligation Bonds of Williamson County, Tennessee — Commissioner Herbert

Resolution No. 9-23-35, Resolution Adopting the Capital Projects Fund Budget for the Williamson County Adequate Facilities Tax, the Williamson County Adequate School Facilities Tax and the Williamson County Education Impact Fee for the 2023-24 Fiscal Year — Commissioner Herbert

LATE FILED Resolution No. 9-23-48, Resolution Appropriating and Amending the 2023-24 Parks and Recreation Budget by $1,352,030 — Revenues to Come From Unappropriated County General Fund Balance — Commissioner Tunnicliffe

Resolution No. 9-23-36, Resolution Accepting a Conditional Donation from Petfinder to be Utilized by Animal Care for Adoption Fees - Commissioner Morton

Resolution No. 9-23-37, Resolution Lowering the Speed Limit on Residential Roads Located in the Whitehall Farms Subdivision - Commissioner Morton

Resolution No. 9-23-38, Resolution Accepting the Donation of a Pavilion from Friends of Williamson County Animal Center to Williamson County Animal Control - Commissioner Morton

Resolution No. 9-23-39, Resolution to Surplus and Approve the Conveyance of a 2005 Fleetwood and Thor Trailer to the City of Franklin, Tennessee, and Authorizing the Williamson County Mayor to Execute all Documentation Needed to Complete the Conveyance — Commissioner Sturgeon

Resolution No. 9-23-40, Resolution to Surplus and Approve the Conveyance of a 1999 Ford Motor Home to the City of Nolensville, Tennessee, and Authorizing the Williamson County Mayor to Execute all Documentation Needed to Complete the Conveyance — Commissioner Sturgeon

Resolution No. 9-23-41, Resolution to Surplus and Approve the Conveyance of Various Law Enforcement Related Equipment to Other Law Enforcement Agencies Within the State of Tennessee and Authorizing the Williamson County Mayor to Execute all Documentation Needed to Complete the Conveyance —Commissioner Sturgeon

Resolution No. 9-23-42, Resolution Accepting the Donation of Seven (7) Vehicles on Behalf of the Williamson County Office of Public Safety - Commissioner Sturgeon

Resolution No. 9-23-43, Resolution Authorizing the Williamson County Mayor to Enter into a Limited License Agreement with Tennessee Senior Olympics, Inc. for Sponsorship and use of Recreational Facilities - Commissioner Herbert

Resolution No. 9-23-44, Resolution to Surplus and Approve the Conveyance of Equipment, Vehicles and Other Personal Property Owned by the County and Authorizing the Williamson County Mayor to Execute all Documentation Needed to Complete the Conveyance — Commissioner Herbert

Resolution No. 9-23-45, Resolution Revising Certain Personnel Policies as Required by the Federal Pregnant Workers Fairness Act — Commissioner Herbert

Resolution No. 9-23-46, Resolution Amending the Rules, Regulations and Procedures of the Williamson County Board of Commissioners Concerning Calling Town Hall Meetings — Commissioner Mary Smith

LATE FILED Resolution No. 9-23-47, Resolution to Reduce the Speed Limit Along Rocky Fork Road, a County Road in Williamson Count — Commissioners Sanford and Smith

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COUNTY/DISTRICT 5 EVENTS

NOLENSVILLE FARMERS MARKET – SUMMER MARKET NOW OPEN
Follow them here

Monday, September 11, 2023 @ 7:00pm

1320 West Main

Franklin, TN

Click here for more District 5 and County Events