Cheatham County Council approves budget amendments totaling over $36K amid contract concerns

The Cheatham County Commission convened on May 18, 2025, to address several key agenda items, including contract discussions and budget amendments.

The meeting began with a clarification regarding a contract that was not being approved that evening. A commissioner raised concerns about a fee that was initially thought to be 30%, but it was confirmed to be 3%. The discussion highlighted some contractual terms that were not standard for government agreements, prompting the commission to delay the decision to seek further clarification and possibly explore alternative service providers.

Following the contract discussion, the commission moved on to budget amendments. The proposed amendments included allocations for various departments: $374.26 for the county jail, $4,000 for the county clerk's office, $1,770 for the Cheatham County Library, and $125 for the South Cheatham Library. Additionally, $2,430.17 was allocated for COVID-19-related expenses, and $2,100 for the preservation of records. The sheriff's department received two separate allocations totaling $9,974.00.

The budget amendments were put to a vote, resulting in three approvals, with no opposition and two members absent. The funding sources for these amendments were noted as various.

In conclusion, the meeting addressed important financial decisions and contract clarifications, with the commission prioritizing due diligence in their agreements and budget management. Further discussions and follow-ups are expected in future meetings as the commission continues to navigate these issues.