Nolensville adopts fiscal 2025–26 budget, sets town tax rate at $0.34 after heated public comment

The Nolensville Board of Commissioners adopted Ordinance 25-21 on June 5, 2025, approving the town's fiscal 2025-26 budget and setting the municipal property tax rate at $0.34 per $100 of assessed value.

The vote followed a lengthy public hearing and an hour of discussion at the regularly scheduled meeting. The board first amended the draft (which had previously been discussed at higher rates) to set the tax rate at $0.34 and to delay hiring a public works position. That amendment passed by voice vote, three in favor and two opposed. A separate amendment extending the fire station debt-service transition from seven to ten years passed 4-1. After amendments, the main ordinance passed on second reading by unanimous vote.

The public hearing drew more than two dozen speakers, many focused on the proposed tax increases the board had been considering. Several residents urged caution about large, rapid increases; others said higher taxes were necessary to fund police, fire and roads. James Clark (921 Oldham Drive) urged the board to hold off on large increases and cited pedestrian safety at Sunset and Owensville Road: "I've almost been hit twice... I've seen several kids almost get hit." Terry Adams (1214 Creekside) said he supported raising the rate if a portion were placed "in a road fund" tied legislatively to specific road projects. Caitlin Lucek (5048 Fallingwater Road) asked staff to refine revenue projections, noting sales tax receipts and upcoming retail openings could affect the town's revenue picture. Several speakers, including Leila Folk and Rob Burrell, argued for or against different levels of increase based on long-term affordability and preservation of low local taxes.

Board members framed the $0.34 rate as a compromise that fully funds the operating increases the town identified for public safety while leaving room to study capital funding options for a police headquarters and roadway projects next year. Commissioner Gill introduced and supported the 34-cent amendment, saying it would "fully fund our police department. It fully funds our fire department" for the coming year while allowing the board to design and cost the police headquarters before asking voters for any dedicated capital levy.

Town Manager Victor (last name on file with the town) and department chiefs briefed commissioners during the meeting. Chief Lupo (fire chief) explained the town currently has six SAFER grant-funded firefighters whose federal funding expires this year; staff said the town will apply for a new SAFER grant to offset added firefighter hires but that federal award timing could lag into the next fiscal year, meaning hires might need to occur before grant awards arrive. Town attorney Charles reported on pending litigation that affects projected costs, including an impact-fee lawsuit and an appeal related to a traffic signal dispute.

Commission discussion also addressed capital projects and long-running infrastructure items. Several commissioners said they want to pursue design work for a police headquarters in the coming year so the town will have firm cost estimates before proposing any dedicated capital tax. Commissioners also discussed Rocky Fork Road, Kidd Road and Clovercroft improvements and noted significant right-of-way and design work is already underway on some projects.

The board approved the budget with the 34-cent amendment and the debt-service transition change. Commissioners emphasized the vote was for the upcoming fiscal year only and said they expect to revisit capital funding approaches (including potential short-term, dedicated levies tied to specific projects) after receiving updated revenue data and design estimates.

Votes and formal motions from the meeting are summarized in the related "Votes at a glance" article published alongside this report.