Collegedale Commission approves first readings of 2025–26 budget and interim tax ordinance, OKs pump station contract and equipment purchases

The Collegedale City Commission on May 19 approved first readings of the city—udget for fiscal year 2025 nd an interim general revenue ordinance and unanimously approved a package of contracts, equipment purchases and a legal settlement.

Commissioners voted to advance the annual budget ordinance (Ordinance No. 1158) and an interim general revenue ordinance (Ordinance No. 1159) after a public hearing on the budget that drew no public comment. City staff told commissioners the interim revenue ordinance is being adopted while the city awaits a certified property tax rate from the Hamilton County assessor.

The budget matter drew brief discussion about how enterprise fund balances are presented. Commissioner Johnson noted that assigned fund-balance figures for enterprise funds such as sewer and airport reflect asset values (land, buildings), not cash on hand. Finance staff confirmed the general fund balance is cash and that line-item formats follow the state comptroller's requirements.

The commission also approved a mediated settlement in litigation involving alleged design defects at Little Debbie Park. The city attorney told the commission that the settlement resolves the most significant potential expense (repairs to stone wraps around columns) and that the construction company will address that work; the city attorney said he would review the final settlement agreement before signatures. The motion to approve the settlement was passed unanimously.

On capital work, the commission accepted the engineer nd staff recommendation to award the College Hill pump station modernization contract to J. Bridal Construction Inc., including base bid plus alternate 1, in the amount of $3,247,734. Staff said part of the project will be grant-funded and part will be financed by a future bond request.

Other approvals included purchase of a Department of Public Works F-150 pickup for $47,387, authorization to buy a replacement side mower (procured off a state contract) at just over $60,000 to avoid a 9+ month wait, and approval of an amendment to a police department recruitment and retention grant extending eligibility dates and the contract term through 2029. The commission also accepted the April finance report, which staff said shows the city about 83% through the fiscal year with 77% of revenues received (about 90% if an approximately $2.5 million planned drawing from fund balance is excluded) and expenditures at 88%.

Votes at a glance

- Ordinance No. 1158 (annual budget FY2025-26), first reading/public hearing: approved. Roll call: Commissioner Baker (yes), Commissioner House (yes), Commissioner Johnson (yes), Vice Mayor Sadler (yes), Mayor Lloyd (yes).

- Ordinance No. 1159 (interim general revenue ordinance pending certified county rate, TCA section 67-5-1701 referenced): approved. Roll call: Baker (yes), House (yes), Johnson (yes), Sadler (yes), Lloyd (yes).

- Settlement with Barge Design Solutions and related parties regarding Little Debbie Park design defects (approve settlement subject to city attorneyreview of final agreement): approved. Roll call: Baker (yes), House (yes), Johnson (yes), Sadler (yes), Lloyd (yes).

- Contract award: College Hill pump station modernization to J. Bridal Construction Inc., base bid + alternate 1, $3,247,734: approved. Roll call: Baker (yes), House (yes), Johnson (yes), Sadler (yes), Lloyd (yes).

- DPW vehicle purchase: F-150 for $47,387: approved. Roll call: Baker (yes), House (yes), Johnson (yes), Sadler (yes), Lloyd (yes).

- DPW equipment purchase: replacement side mower (state contract), approximately $60,000: approved. Roll call: Baker (yes), House (yes), Johnson (yes), Sadler (yes), Lloyd (yes).

- Police department: amendment to recruitment and retention grant (date and effective-date changes extending to 2029): approved. Roll call: Baker (yes), House (yes), Johnson (yes), Sadler (yes), Lloyd (yes).

- April Finance Report (acceptance): approved. Roll call: Baker (yes), House (yes), Johnson (yes), Sadler (yes), Lloyd (yes).

Why it matters

Advancing the budget and adopting an interim revenue ordinance let city staff keep fiscal operations on track while the county finalizes taxable values and the certified property tax rate. The pump station award commits the city to a multi-million-dollar capital project that staff said will rely on a mix of grants and bond financing. The settlement ends litigation exposure associated with Little Debbie Park, according to the city attorney's presentation.

Commissioners also raised operational issues for future discussion at an upcoming workshop, including large-trash and electronics collection policy, employee storm-safety procedures, and possible citywide events. Several commissioners thanked staff for outreach and noted upcoming community events and public-works observances.

The commission adjourned after the unanimous votes. No member cast a negative or abstaining vote on any item reported here.