Maury County Commission opposes proposed landfill buffer change, names roadway for longtime highway superintendent and fills commission vacancy

The Maury County Commission on Tuesday voted to oppose state legislation that would remove a two-mile landfill buffer around some Class II scenic rivers, approved a $1.09 million guaranteed-maximum price for a park restroom and shelter project, adopted multiple school budget amendments and approved the appointment of Nick Burkhalter to fill a vacant commission seat.

The commission passed a resolution opposing House Bill 095 and Senate Bill 725 — measures described at the meeting as attempts to eliminate a two-mile buffer that currently limits landfills near Class II scenic rivers. County staff and commissioners said the change could affect Mulluck Creek and other water segments; the commission’s resolution passed 19-0.

Why it matters: Commissioners and the mayor framed the resolution as protection for the Duck River and other designated scenic waterways in Maury County, a step they said would preserve water quality and local control while the county and allied groups monitor the bills at the statehouse.

Mayor Buck (staff distributed a legislative report during the meeting) reviewed several bills the county is tracking, including measures described at the meeting as SB 160 and House Bill 83 (ambulance cost-share discussion), SB 725 and SB 895 (landfill buffer language), and transfer-tax language (listed in the packet as House Bill 649 and related items). The mayor told commissioners the county estimated a transfer-tax share could yield about $3.4 million annually for Maury County if enacted.

“Most counties feel like there should be a cost share” for ambulance services, the mayor said while summarizing the legislative list distributed to commissioners.

The commission also approved a guaranteed-maximum price (GMP) not to exceed $1,087,637 with Hewlett Spencer LLC for…