MHRC approves Nov./Dec. minutes; finance report shows misapplied allocations, 60th anniversary and MLK events planned

The Metro Human Relations Commission unanimously approved the November and December sets of minutes and then took up a financial report that staff said contains misapplied allocations that Metro Finance is correcting.

Approving the minutes clears routine business so the commission can focus on substantive items. The financial update flagged line‑item variance errors that staff said resulted from prior allocations being applied to incorrect budget lines; staff said they are working with Metro Finance to “true up” the budget so reports make sense while continuing hiring and reclassifications approved in the budget.

Executive Director Ed Tucker gave the financial update and told commissioners: “What you have right now is not correct. Our budget from the previous allocation was misapplied to our budget, and we are still in the process of trying to true up the budget so it would make sense to us.” He said payments and invoice processing are continuing and that staff are addressing any immediate payment issues individually.

Committee and event updates: - Bylaws and rules: The commission delayed voting on amended bylaws and rules because Metro Legal is still reviewing proposed changes; staff said the quorum issue raised by Commissioner Daniel Yun would require an ordinance to amend the Metro Code and that commissioners should submit comments promptly for legal review. - Executive committee: Continued Title VI work and a scheduled executive committee meeting within two weeks to address bylaws and rules. - 60th anniversary event: Staff said a luncheon is planned for Feb. 10 at the Music City Center with keynote speaker Sunu Shandy and asked commissioners to serve as table hosts (hosts recruit nine guests). Staff requested table‑host commitments by Feb. 3 and said registration is free and open to the public. - MLK Day weekend: Staff reported a slate of community events, including a women-of-faith panel (virtual), a banner day for MLK weekend, a sold‑out Thursday gala, a labor and human-rights breakfast on Friday, and a youth symposium on Saturday at MLK Magnet High School with volunteer needs. The Monday march and convocation will start on Jefferson Street, marching to the TSU Gentry Center; the youth rally begins at 8 a.m., march at 9 a.m.

Public‑policy and operational notes: Commissioners asked whether the misapplied budget would affect monthly payments; Tucker said it would not and staff are continuing to process invoices. Commissioners also asked whether delays in Metro Arts leadership — including the reported resignation of an interim Metro Arts executive director noted later in the meeting — could affect the conciliation agreement; MHRC staff said it should not delay the agreement’s implementation.

The meeting concluded after announcements and a motion to adjourn passed without opposition.