The Smyrna Town Council voted July 8 to authorize the mayor to execute the town's annual agreement with the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) for litter pickup, mowing and maintenance of state right‑of‑way inside town limits, and spent significant time discussing what that contract does—and does not—cover.

What the contract covers: Town staff explained TDOT determines the contract based on linear miles of state roadway within town limits. TDOT calculates the payment and the town accepts the contract for specified mowing and litter‑pickup cycles; the town is expected to meet the agreed level of service for sections of state right‑of‑way inside the municipal boundary.

Annexation and payment timing: Council members asked how annexations affect mowing obligations and pay. Staff said when the town annexes roadways into town limits the mowing responsibility begins immediately, but TDOT typically adjusts contract payments for the next contract year. "We cut it as needed," the public‑works representative said. "And typically, we're on about a two‑week cycle," he added, noting weather and manpower affect schedules. In practice the town often performs the work ahead of contract payments and TDOT reconciles adjustments in the following contract year.

Operational constraints and efficiency: Councilmembers raised several operational issues: the town relies on work‑release ("workhouse") crews for weed eating and right‑of‑way work, but sheriff's office safety requirements now require the inmates' support vehicle to stay on the same side of the road as workers, which makes median and dual‑side work less efficient. Staff said the town is using private contractors for some mowing and weed‑eating work to supplement in‑house crews and will continue to refine allocations between town crews and contractors.

Quality and service expectations: Some council members expressed concern about how heavily mowed or weed‑free certain visible medians and roundabouts appear to residents. Staff said they will continue to adjust contractor assignments and internal work plans; council asked for an update on a mowing/maintenance staffing and contractor plan at the August workshop so the council can consider whether to amend the budget for additional seasonal help.

Decision and next steps: The council approved the TDOT agreement by voice vote. Staff said they will continue to coordinate with TDOT on contract miles, communicate annexations for inclusion in future TDOT contract calculations and present a mowing/maintenance plan at the next workshop.

Ending: Council members thanked public‑works staff for managing an expanding workload and directed staff to return with a clearer map and plan for contractor responsibilities and internal staffing at the August workshop.