Board approves annexation, school budget increase, rezoning first reading and other measures in unanimous votes

The Board of Mayor and Aldermen voted unanimously on a slate of ordinances and resolutions at its regular meeting. Major items approved included the adoption of a plan of service for an annexation, an amendment to incorporate a $284,415 state academic-achievement award into the Board of Education’s FY2025 budget, first reading approval to rezone a parcel at 381 Flower Town Road, rescission of the city’s prior authorization to participate in the State of Tennessee 401(k) plan, adoption of the FY2026 budget calendar, and authorization of temporary emergency shelter agreements with the American Red Cross.

Ordinance 1643: extend Board of Education terms — passed on second and final reading The board passed Ordinance No. 16 43 on second and final reading (vote 7-0). The ordinance extends the terms of office of current members of the Board of Education to align their terms with even-year elections and avoid special elections this summer for two seats. Alderman Byrd moved the motion and Alderman McGee seconded; the motion carried 7-0.

Ordinance 1642: rezoning at 381 Flower Town Road — passed on first reading The board approved on first reading an ordinance (No. 16 42) to amend the zoning map to rezone a parcel at 381 Flower Town Road from General Commercial (C2) to Neighborhood Commercial (C3) to allow residential uses consistent with nearby development. The planning commission had previously approved the rezoning with a positive recommendation. Alderman Gee moved the motion and Alderman Glick seconded; the first reading passed 7-0.

Resolution 20-17: plan of service and annexation steps for Short Springs Road parcel — approved The board adopted Resolution 20-17, which approves the city’s plan of service for the voluntary annexation of a parcel along Short Springs Road (Coffee County Tax Map 109, parcel 49.06). Planning staff said the parcel is within the city’s urban growth boundary and consistent with the future land use map; the planning commission had approved the plan in November. The board voted 7-0 to adopt the plan of service; staff said a subsequent ordinance and additional actions will follow to complete annexation.

Resolution 20-19: amend FY2025 operating budget to incorporate state award — approved The board approved an amendment to the City of Tullahoma FY2025 operating budget to add $284,415 in state-awarded funds to the Board of Education’s budget for academic achievement (vote 7-0). Staff said the award came from the state and requires incorporation into the city budget; no local match was required.

Rescind participation in Tennessee 401(k) plan — approved On a staff recommendation and following legal and administrative review, the board voted 7-0 to rescind Resolution 20-14, which had authorized the city to participate in the State of Tennessee 401(k) defined contribution plan. Staff explained new federal and administrative requirements in 2024 made administering the plan burdensome for the city given its payroll system and the limited number of employees who would benefit; the city retains an existing 457 plan.

Budget adoption calendar — approved The board approved the City of Tullahoma FY2026 budget adoption calendar as presented (vote 7-0). Staff said the calendar schedules department study sessions and public review steps necessary to begin the FY2026 budget process.

Emergency shelter facility agreements with American Red Cross — approved The board authorized the mayor to execute temporary emergency shelter facility use agreements with the American Red Cross for two city facilities; board members voted 7-0. Staff said the agreements formalize longstanding arrangements to make facilities available to the Red Cross during emergencies; the Red Cross would operate the shelters and city staff would provide facility support.

Other actions The board approved the consent agenda, accepted employee recognitions and routine public works updates, and approved beer board minutes 7-0. Several aldermen also reported attendance at recent community events and urged participation in a citywide recycling roundup scheduled for Saturday, March 1 (event details posted on the City of Tullahoma Facebook page).