Sumner County commissioners press for transfer of $500,000 bequest for Brown House; trustees, Vanguard named in dispute

Residents and county commissioners pressed for action Monday over a $500,000 bequest left to Sumner County to restore the historic Brown House, saying the funds remain in a Vanguard trust account because trustees have not completed paperwork to transfer the money to the county.

Speakers at the General Operations Committee meeting described the Brown House as more than 200 years old and urged the county to use the bequest and any accrued interest to preserve the property. Mike McLeod, who said he lives near the property, said the estate also included “another $8,000,000 for the student technology,” and urged county leaders to move the $500,000 “before the house deteriorates further.” Jim Latimer, who described the house’s history, asked the county to share the results of any structural inspections.

The meeting record shows several speakers — including Rebecca Goddard — told commissioners they believe the mayor and trustees have delayed action. Goddard said, “the mayor is lying. And the mayor should be removed from his position because he is not being…