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Tullahoma passes resolution backing charter amendment to guarantee minimum road funding
Summary
The Board unanimously passed a resolution asking for a charter amendment that would require no less than $1.5 million or 3.8% of annual budget appropriations be devoted to road maintenance; the change will require state legislative approval to amend the city charter.
TULLAHOMA, Tenn. — The Board of Mayor and Aldermen unanimously approved a resolution directing city staff to pursue a charter amendment that would lock a minimum annual appropriation for road maintenance into the city charter.
City Attorney-drafted Resolution No. 20-27 would direct that no less than $1,500,000 per year — or not less than 3.8% of annual appropriations — be dedicated to roads and streets. The resolution was presented as a way to ensure funds earmarked for road maintenance are not reallocated in future budgets. "The idea here is that … it's awful easy to say, 'we'll pave those roads next year,'" a board member said during debate, urging a more durable commitment.
Board members discussed the practical effect and timing. City staff explained the measure would require a charter amendment and then state legislative approval; the clerk noted that proposed charter changes are typically packaged and submitted when the legislature reconvenes. The board voted 5–0 in favor of the resolution.
Why it matters: The resolution signals a formal, board-level commitment to road maintenance and is intended to provide taxpayers assurance that funds approved now will not be easily diverted by future boards.
What’s next: The city will prepare a formal charter amendment to be filed with the state legislature in the next appropriate session; final charter changes require state action and cannot be accomplished by a municipal vote alone.
