Budget committee recommends $15 million for Rutherford County forensic center, sends measure to full commission

The Rutherford County Budget, Finance and Investment Committee voted 4-3 on March 6 to recommend that the full county commission fund construction of a forensic center at Weekly Lane and I Street, approving a financing plan that would tap restricted capital funds and portions of the county's unassigned fund balance.

The measure would authorize up to $15,000,000 for construction and site work and directs staff to forward the proposal to the full commission for final approval. Committee members who voted in favor said the center would reduce forensic case backlogs, shorten travel and turnaround time for county investigators, and could save the county hundreds of thousands annually compared with current out‑of‑county autopsy contracts.

Why it matters: Rutherford County currently sends autopsies and complex death investigations to out‑of‑county providers, primarily the Middle Tennessee Regional Forensic Center in Davidson County. Presenters and law‑enforcement leaders told commissioners that long waits, rising fees and limited storage capacity at regional providers have delayed investigations and increased overtime and transportation costs for sheriff's deputies and EMS personnel.

Eric Hennessy, chief of staff for the mayor's office, briefed the committee and introduced subject‑matter presenters. Denise Martin, death investigator instructor and supervisor for Rutherford County, said a Tennessee Department of Health feasibility study recommended adding at least one regional forensic center in…