Gallatin council approves multiple ordinances on second readings, advances budget and development items

Gallatin City Council on May 6 approved several ordinances on second reading, advanced several first-reading funding measures and took administrative votes on outside applications.

The actions collectively included appropriations for state training supplements and capital projects, a municipal revenue ordinance to cover the 2025 tax year and the 2026 fiscal year (to return for a required third reading with a final tax rate inserted), an amendment to the city’s solid-waste code and a first reading of the city’s proposed FY2025–26 budget and pay structure. Council also deferred a set of TriStar Energy applications to the council’s next meeting and issued a certificate of compliance enabling a retail liquor application to proceed to the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission.

The council opened the meeting with roll call and routine business, then moved through a series of ordinance readings and votes. On second reading, the council unanimously approved an ordinance appropriating $189,600 received from the state of Tennessee for training supplements (Ordinance 02504-22). The council also advanced Ordinance 02504-23, the revenue ordinance that will be finalized on third reading once the city’s certified rate is inserted; members reiterated the budget is being developed on a revenue-neutral basis.

Also on second reading the council approved an ordinance amending Gallatin Municipal Code chapter 14 (solid waste collection services and fee) after extended discussion about the source of cost increases and the role of the regional resource authority. The council approved a separate appropriation of $100,000 from the general fund unassigned balance (Ordinance 02504-25) after councilmembers discussed cost impacts related to recent building-code changes; the ordinance passed on second reading unanimously. The council took first readings and advanced appropriations that included $500,000 for the Hale Avenue extension (Ordinance 02504-26) and $35,000 to repay West Easton Street (Ordinance 02504-27); both passed on first reading.

A proposed city budget ordinance for fiscal year 2025–26 (Ordinance 02505-29) was presented and discussed at length, including an extended presentation of a new pay structure and pay-study results. The council held its first reading and voted to advance the budget; an abstention was noted during the vote. Staff said the proposal includes a five-step grade structure with merit-based movement beyond step five, a baseline 3% budgeted pool and an added $1.00/hour element that department heads could apply in different ways. Councilmembers asked for additional detail on evaluation timing, safeguards for equitable distribution, and the mechanics of training-related incentives.

On other business the council voted to defer four TriStar Energy applications to the council’s next meeting so the applicant could provide an on-site representative. The council also approved a certificate of compliance allowing Michael Hen, doing business as Savannah Spirits LLC, to proceed to the Tennessee ABC board to obtain a retail liquor license for 2153–31 E. Highway; the record shows five votes in favor, one abstention and no votes against.

Councilmembers and members of the public used the non-agenda public comment period to raise concerns about transparency and the City Hall redevelopment discussion. Residents pressed for public meetings and clearer numbers related to any proposed redevelopment plans; the mayor and several councilmembers said more information is forthcoming and that developer meetings have begun in the preliminary phase.

Votes at a glance - Ordinance 02504-22 (appropriation, state training supplements, $189,600): approved on second reading; motion by Councilman Gervontz, second by Councilman Carter; passed unanimously. - Ordinance 02504-23 (municipal revenue ordinance for tax year 2025 / fiscal year 2026): approved on second reading; third reading to include final rate before adoption. - Ordinance 02504-24 (amend Gallatin Municipal Code ch. 14, solid waste collection services and fee): approved on second reading after extended discussion about resource authority fees and ordinance limits; motion by Councilman Jones, second by Councilman Fennell; passed unanimously. - Ordinance 02504-25 (appropriation $100,000 from general fund unassigned fund balance): approved on second reading; passed unanimously. - Ordinance 02504-26 (appropriation $500,000 for Hale Avenue extension): passed on first reading. - Ordinance 02504-27 (appropriation $35,000 to repay West Easton Street): passed on first reading. - Ordinance 02505-29 (annual budget for FY2025–26): passed on first reading and advanced; an abstention was noted during the vote. Staff will return for second reading with additional documentation and the updated pay plan. - TriStar Energy applications: deferred to next council meeting pending applicant representation (motion by Councilman Alexander; second by Councilman Givants). - Certificate of compliance for Savannah Spirits LLC (retail liquor application, 2153–31 E. Highway): approved; vote recorded as 5 in favor, 1 abstention, 0 against.

What’s next The revenue ordinance will return for a required third reading with the final tax rate inserted. The proposed budget will return for at least one more reading during which staff said updated pay-plan materials and any budget-line adjustments will be provided. The council scheduled the deferred TriStar items for the next regular meeting so the company may supply a representative. Public outreach and additional detail on a proposed City Hall redevelopment were raised as follow-up items by residents and councilmembers.

Speakers (selected) referenced in this roundup: Mayor Paige Brown; Vice Mayor Hayes; Councilman Gervontz; Councilman Carter; Councilman Jones; Councilman Fennell; Councilman Alexander; Staff member (presenter).