[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6230018,"mediaKeyId","3443530-b3770ef277cf8cd69a69752565f3ae82","parentId",3443530,"title","Arlington delays budget adoption after assessor/comptroller discrepancy; board asks staff for work session and ambulance fee analysis","audioSeconds",1419,"startMs",3792000,"endMs",5211000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3443530-b3770ef277cf8cd69a69752565f3ae82&start=3792&end=5211","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3443530-b3770ef277cf8cd69a69752565f3ae82/thumbnail_3792000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6230018/Tennessee/Arlington-delays-budget-adoption-after-assessorcomptroller-discrepancy-board-asks-staff-for-work-session-and-ambulance-fee-analysis","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6230018-a2c6d10cdd6b2ead077d36a9b524d7d7/orig.mp4?Expires=1775176121&Signature=JGfF5LpPZ1eS8QNifjJ2xzWoALf8TPFYYpSgDZy1eXXD1kF-UhYMdwQR3xBFcrm-2Gn8SF~TUvS7NGE7CyNxS-uKl483LOq5Z-V1U8e709JJ0LI5pKyKWeVFWmh~2hL0sZqyfLpyAbAWLPMyh8jKdjtzamRUffIO344Tay80CwGhNYzBd0AcFDjTaxprllwFKFgVBjEMeHe5iSIvNu99YvAGteecrr3aArcG3fc~O9sfiOwrHOj2vIGsE40ao3Pln40PL0jLwitDZKhSBDL-5ZWtPZdmN3~mGxKDiU~20oKT1VyVufwtpz7NEcaQqcR0WvRc1mcR610iBRJMcLbVlw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Town of Arlington, TN","date","2025-05-22T13:24:07.4Z","article","The Board of Mayor and Aldermen on May 5 decided to remove the proposed fiscal year 2025‑26 budget from the agenda after town staff reported unresolved valuation differences between the Shelby County assessor’s office and the state comptroller.

Mrs. Owens, the town’s finance director, told the board staff had been working with both the assessor and the comptroller and recommended pulling the budget because of material valuation discrepancies. “It’s about a $5,000,000 for personal property difference, and about a $6,000,000 for real property,” Owens said, and added that those differences would “change your tax rate completely.” She recommended the board move the first reading to a June 2 work session and hold a second reading June 23 to allow time to reconcile figures.

After discussion the board approved the recommendation to pull the budget and instructed staff to schedule a budget work session. Staff said they would present model scenarios at that work session including (a) the current approach of funding ambulance paramedic service through the general fund and (b) an option that shifts the ambulance cost into a utility/fee structure. The county‑provided ambulance/paramedic cost cited in the discussion was about $622,000 for the town after a recent increase of roughly $176,000 compared with the prior year.

Board members also asked staff to calculate the impact of charging an ambulance fee per household (or per utility account) and to show the net effect on the tax rate. The board asked that staff prepare both presentations (current tax‑funded model and fee‑funded model) for the work session; staff agreed to prepare those scenarios.

Separately, the board agreed to accelerate paving on Milton Wilson Road. Staff said completing the full Forest‑to‑Chester section now would cost an estimated $900,000 to $1,000,000 but would avoid repeated short‑term patching and rising asphalt prices; the board agreed the work should be funded from street‑and‑road reserves rather than the general fund. Staff noted a street aid reserve balance and said some planned bridge items are state‑funded, leaving reserves available for the road.

The board also agreed to set up a budget work session; staff said they will poll members for availability and may use video conferencing to accommodate travel schedules. No budget adoption or tax‑rate vote occurred at the May 5 meeting.

Key clarifying details: assessor/comptroller valuation differences cited by staff: $5,000,000 (personal property) and $6,000,000 (real property); ambulance contract cost cited ~ $622,000 with an increase of ~$176,000 year‑over‑year; Milton Wilson Forest→Chester estimated paving cost $900,000–$1,000,000 to be funded from street/road reserves. Staff will present modeled tax vs. fee scenarios at the scheduled work session prior to a June reading.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","BMA May 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Arlington’s board removed the proposed fiscal 2025‑26 budget from the May 5 agenda after staff reported unresolved valuation discrepancies between the assessor and the state comptroller that would materially alter the tax rate.","taxTitle","Arlington, Shelby County, Tennessee","taxId",71161,"location","Tennessee","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6230023,"Arlington updates fire code language in first reading; lithium‑battery language pulled from 2024 code for later review",318,1084000,1402000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3443530-b3770ef277cf8cd69a69752565f3ae82&start=1084&end=1402","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3443530-b3770ef277cf8cd69a69752565f3ae82/thumbnail_1084000.jpg","/articles/6230023/Tennessee/Arlington-updates-fire-code-language-in-first-reading-lithiumbattery-language-pulled-from-2024-code-for-later-review","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6230023-89b8b3ec0aea51d7bf27bcba9c2346cc/orig.mp4?Expires=1775176121&Signature=Q~Asr0vw-WPcK9EAXNBUuYfWohG9bTBZ4s8WBOXBaFGYkK4ak5ZiGhIu9t50ApqJIQxc9q4diJufpoaFIQrpY3Ea8dgseRWif-f7hWs5Q-A4ZEuFG5uncAelxGcqB0EFsvtoh7OgRyG8gH0-xtki0tibRdubFkbQ-wf8F6VSV4mS2YbciROyGCHsCCFoPyM3-C9U0X4MEfGfuFAjjCTblBhLQWE5TXVnaSaDyX7IA8zn8sc4js7NatSe7ZQ5LkNNWouxFnVWFvYU1GMYJ3RoV5pKg8aHPru19EhXHNV-GrPdixJS71tRNlKW5-q99enNoVlGw5FQ6SfbsKMVA49-PA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Board of Mayor and Aldermen on May 5 gave first reading approval to ordinance 2025‑01, which updates Title 7 — the town’s fire protection code — by adopting the 2021 edition of the International Fire Code with local amendments.

Angela Reeder, town staff, described the update as a move to clarify standards the town already enforces and to modernize language. “What we’re proposing now is to update those regulations by incorporating the 2021 fire code edition… and then again some local amendments,” Reeder said. She listed items included in the draft: clarifications on gross floor area measurement, standards for public and private fire hydrants, widening of fire access roads with limited chief discretion, and language tying outdoor public fireworks displays to the town’s special events permit process.

Reeder said the draft includes language about lithium‑ion battery storage that was taken from the 2024 code, but that the lithium language would not be adopted at this meeting because “there are still some things being worked out with that code.” The chief noted the town has seen EV‑related fires — including two golf‑cart battery fires confined to garages — and described the lithium provisions as intended primarily to regulate large‑scale or commercial storage rather than ordinary personal EV ownership. Staff said permits proposed in the draft targeted businesses that store bulk batteries, not individual EV owners; “For businesses. No, sir. I only deal with businesses,” the chief said in answer to a board question.

The board approved the ordinance’s first reading and gave staff direction to answer follow‑up questions before the second reading. Reeder and the chief were available for questions and to provide technical detail in the interim.

The first reading passed by voice vote; no final adoption was taken. Staff said that if the town later adopts the 2024 lithium language it will be done intentionally and with further clarification to avoid unintended impacts on residents who own electric vehicles.

The ordinance draft presented this evening also repeats a provision that would require certain outdoor fireworks displays to appear before the board even though those events are already covered under the town’s special events permit process. Staff said the repetition is intended to reduce the chance the requirement is overlooked.","The board approved first reading of ordinance 2025‑01 to adopt the 2021 International Fire Code and local amendments, clarifying hydrant standards, fire access roads and fire display permitting; lithium battery provisions from the 2024 code were discussed but are not being adopted at this meeting.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6230028,"Arlington holds first reading on new residential sprinkler requirements, adds distance triggers",1833,1596000,3429000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3443530-b3770ef277cf8cd69a69752565f3ae82&start=1596&end=3429","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3443530-b3770ef277cf8cd69a69752565f3ae82/thumbnail_1596000.jpg","/articles/6230028/Tennessee/Arlington-holds-first-reading-on-new-residential-sprinkler-requirements-adds-distance-triggers","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6230028-519acb884cd6b064d083ff89d58e26f4/orig.mp4?Expires=1775176121&Signature=LDCYJ~8YTr2EPh98wQRD5FmQDoNjr2CwOTSkdWnci-0G~6DlpVSz-iwUZe~qqCNqS3Azq46Hzdwv1fkhOSwiHqkArO3DLBhsa1~BU8g55w9t~6rNlM5gCq5Wh1uzLeuhKFLCqnMojUQzpdUw6G9pSIYFgFseI6flUuUb9X9~s1Gvascq-Ueh9gJ7~I4KQKcYqgzyoz1-wewUQl5uIWUml465y1JcoA5MQ7olFvX0ix7LBJu1pmK1gDf5cuSPypO~Ehk~QEpIM3g4GPZuJoKdldOUMm-g1qrUY9iatKKpoIOR6OxZy3UQgvKgYEgWmzYRHcJJGvjC9n82KXxgOd09aA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Board of Mayor and Aldermen on May 5 held a first reading of ordinance 2025‑02 to amend Title 7, section 7.205, adding triggers that would require automatic sprinklers in certain one‑ and two‑family dwellings.

The proposed ordinance retains the existing 5,000 square‑foot threshold for required sprinklers and would add two additional triggers: a home that exceeds 2,000 square feet and is more than 300 feet from a fire access road, and a home more than 700 feet from a hydrant capable of supplying required fire flow. Staff presented the measure as an update based on the town’s firefighting equipment and hose capacities.

Angela Reeder, a town staff member presenting the ordinance, said, “The proposal is to maintain the 5,000 minimum trigger for an automatic sprinkler system as we have had. But to add two additional triggers. One of them would be if a home exceeded 2,000 square feet, and was more than 300 feet distance away from a fire access road.” Chief (Fire Department) explained the operational basis for the thresholds: hose lengths and the ability of a single responding company to hand‑carry attack lines. The chief said the point of residential sprinklers is life safety: “The protection system for the residents is not to save the home. It’s to save the residents. Hands down. Period.”

Board members and staff discussed how the ordinance would apply to existing homes, how remodels trigger compliance and how gross living area is defined in the code. Staff said the town’s current ordinance requires renovations that exceed 50 percent (by the ordinance’s existing wording) to be brought up to code; staff agreed to confirm and email a clear definition of “renovation/remodel” and how it triggers sprinkler requirements. Reeder noted the code’s measurement is gross living area (not “heated” area) and that the draft clarifies that definition.

Several aldermen and members of the public asked about cost and equity. Staff gave a current industry estimate of roughly $1.50–$2 per square foot to install residential sprinklers (not including any upgraded supply lines or infrastructure work), and explained that running a larger supply line or installing a dry hydrant can be substantially more expensive. One board member said estimated supply work to reach very remote lots has in the past been “extraordinarily expensive.” Another member said the board needs more time to weigh development competitiveness and household cost impacts.

On procedural items, the board approved the first reading by voice vote and directed staff to provide the requested clarifications before the next hearing; no final adoption was made. Staff said they expect to return with additional information and that the item will not be rushed for June if substantive issues remain.

Clarifying details: the ordinance keeps the 5,000 sq ft baseline; adds two additional triggers — >2,000 sq ft plus >300 ft from a fire access road, and >700 ft from a hydrant; current remodel threshold referenced in code is 50% (to be confirmed); current residential sprinkler installation cost estimate provided by staff: roughly $1.50–$2.50 per sq ft (supply costs extra).

The board did not vote to adopt the ordinance; members asked staff to circulate written clarifications on measurement, the remodel/renovation trigger, and sample cost estimates before the next reading.","The Board of Mayor and Aldermen held first reading May 5 on ordinance 2025‑02 to update automatic sprinkler requirements for one‑ and two‑family homes, keeping a 5,000‑square‑foot threshold and adding two distance‑based triggers tied to firefighting access and hydrant proximity.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6230009,"Resident urges stop sign and speed humps on Walker Street near downtown square",142,151000,293000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3443530-b3770ef277cf8cd69a69752565f3ae82&start=151&end=293","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3443530-b3770ef277cf8cd69a69752565f3ae82/thumbnail_151000.jpg","/articles/6230009/Tennessee/Resident-urges-stop-sign-and-speed-humps-on-Walker-Street-near-downtown-square","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6230009-062ce0aca43cdd92b076cd35673f0dff/orig.mp4?Expires=1775176121&Signature=Qg5bm7gs7Dt9QmCghhAlg0LbUxoQbPOJkrJY3WpwytH~geJ3Sf8m-5P5809NgsOoCFOC8eWMrJZz7w9Ym1iUymDXjBVZOSC3I3~1Tj~AgwSkRz1ky7OESE3IbEKBWesloThIXcdWgXAplVJyHkmNk58yANZd1ry61NufdIneX5Bu~rqQgy1tlEUcH-YE6uoHB6wBnHy1o6RL5SeFKo-yugJ5ziHwvVTO~URBAS6rqk-QGrBpauQIXYURW6PhVf18MTpSdT-IO8EtiIXJtsJKX~e80Zkyg9cfgUjj21OqID10wauRAbHOiZ1ScVnTj~HdbCoutYbL6dzIu1YFM7QjdQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","During the public comments period of the May 5 Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting, Eric Espie of 12027 Campbell Street asked the town to act on what he described as growing speeding and pedestrian‑safety concerns on Walker Street.

Espie said the area between Chester and Polk, near the downtown square and a recently expanded park and soccer complex, has a 20 mph speed limit but that “most everybody is 35 or higher.” He requested the board install a stop sign at Greenlee and Walker to convert the intersection to a four‑way stop and said speed humps or speed bumps should be installed on Walker between Greenlee and Chester to slow traffic when events are occurring and children are out of school. “We're gonna have kids out of school who are out and about more frequently during the day… I think there's a problem here that you have a chance to address,” Espie said.

The mayor thanked Espie and said staff would follow up if the issue is not addressed during the meeting’s agenda items. No formal motion or vote was taken on the public comment; staff said they would have the commenter’s contact information and follow up outside the meeting.

The comment was recorded during the meeting’s public‑comment period. Staff follow up was requested.","Resident Eric Espie told the board May 5 that traffic on Walker Street between Chester and Polk is frequently above the 20 mph posted limit and asked the town to install a four‑way stop at Greenlee and Walker and speed humps between Greenlee and Chester.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6230013,"Arlington updates sewer‑use monitoring frequency to align with state and federal minimums",90,3600000,3690000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3443530-b3770ef277cf8cd69a69752565f3ae82&start=3600&end=3690","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3443530-b3770ef277cf8cd69a69752565f3ae82/thumbnail_3600000.jpg","/articles/6230013/Tennessee/Arlington-updates-seweruse-monitoring-frequency-to-align-with-state-and-federal-minimums","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6230013-209a1d9f701d6c69b06ae9860c8378ad/orig.mp4?Expires=1775176121&Signature=igpUMXK3qpa7UrINXTPvbGsfmzwRTwWFXXYzxnknae6go1fRAtcsGQd~dZHxutYAVn4Zqsq-lwPi4JLugJ~NCd1WI6wM9vcuzQG0i~g7fNPZ7SSrcw~PtGyWzQ3U3XxQIpA67ycS9nn5HOJcesSAGaDFIF475jRvB8wIVJw3Bzct5BweQB9RaTamZKk-7HisqlD~JwfA6I-1CFRdD5Q6KKf5B-GvCfW20AnrOW8JJCZlPbfxP~q-ACkK2qP1DvktDz9VpRYJrVZx7MrojXimDuu01y8G1RLQfaJvRrxd6o9bDjgWQZQrVYQHhRagscEqlFAtL7TsIT~1YRr9OTQEwA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The board approved first reading of ordinance 2025‑03 on May 5 to amend the Town of Arlington Sewer Use Ordinance, clarifying what constitutes a monitoring event and reducing the minimum scheduled/unscheduled inspection frequency to once every 12 months for significant industrial users.

Mr. Perkins, a utilities staff member presenting the change, said the existing program required each industry to have at least one scheduled and one unscheduled monitoring visit per year but did not define a monitoring event. The proposed amendment would set the minimum frequency to once every 12 months “in accordance with minimum state and federal requirements,” Perkins said, while allowing additional sampling or inspections as needed.

The board voted to approve the first reading; staff said the change is primarily a language cleanup to align town practice with state and federal guidelines rather than a reduction in enforcement tools.

Staff recommended approval and will return the ordinance for second reading with any technical edits requested by the board.","The board gave first reading May 5 to amendments to the town’s Sewer Use Ordinance that standardize monitoring and inspection frequency for significant industrial users to once every 12 months, matching state and federal minimums.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Arlington delays budget adoption after assessor/comptroller discrepancy; board asks staff for work session and ambulance fee analysis

Arlington updates fire code language in first reading; lithium‑battery language pulled from 2024 code for later review

Arlington holds first reading on new residential sprinkler requirements, adds distance triggers

Resident urges stop sign and speed humps on Walker Street near downtown square

Arlington updates sewer‑use monitoring frequency to align with state and federal minimums