Shelbyville council approves grant applications, budget appropriation and several contracts

The Shelbyville City Council on Aug. 14 approved a series of routine and business motions including grant applications, a tax-discharge resolution, an annexation referral, a charter-change initiation, a $250,000 appropriation from the hotel-motel fund and several purchasing and contract renewals.

Among the actions approved by motion or roll call:

- Authorize application for a Downtown Improvement Grant to the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development. (Motion approved by roll call: Council members Billhouse, Yungi, Christie and Jarfos recorded “yes.”) The council discussion referenced a required local match and the community size for eligibility; the application amount discussed in the meeting was not specified in the ordinance text as read aloud.

- Approve a resolution directing the city treasurer to discharge uncollectible outstanding city property taxes that are 10 years old, citing Tennessee Code Annotated section 67-5-1806. (Resolution approved by roll call: Council members Charbonneau, Christie, Feldhouse and Ewing recorded “yes.”) During discussion the treasurer referenced a write-off amount (discussion noted about $15,563 for the item under consideration).

- Forward an annexation request for a 0.52-acre portion of tax map 50, parcel 39104131 (Hartshapel Road, owners Dr. Richard and Kristen Wilhelm) to the planning commission for study. (Motion approved by voice vote.)

- Begin the process to amend the city charter to replace the city manager’s seat on the Shelbyville Power, Water and Sewage Board with an additional city council member. (Motion approved by roll call: council recorded “yes.”)

- Approve an appropriation of $250,000 from the hotel-motel fund for Riverview District phase 2 improvements, including street work, stormwater drainage, curb ramps, removable bollards and pedestrian lighting. (Motion approved by roll call: Council members Christie, Charbonneau, Ealy and Bellhouse recorded “yes.”) Council discussion noted the appropriation is intended to ready the street for a planned entertainment zone ordinance to be presented in September.

- Approve formation of a benefits review committee to review employee benefits, with the council and staff to identify members and return names at a later meeting. (Motion approved by voice vote.) Council discussion noted calendar-year timing for any change to health plan providers.

- Approve a contract award for brush grinding and debris removal to Benchmark Companies LLC, choosing the meeting-recommended option (the transcript indicated the council selected “option 2” after staff recommendation). The chosen option’s rate and term were discussed in the meeting materials.

- Approve annual software renewals: Local Government Data Processing (finance software) at $43,060 and SHI International (Microsoft 365 government) at $37,340.75. (Motions approved by roll call.) Councilors noted these provide finance and email services across departments.

- Approve the purchase of a 2025 Ford Maverick through the Tennessee statewide contract 209-84711 from Lani Cobb Ford for $31,500 for building and codes departments (FY26 budgeted amount: $32,000). (Motion approved by roll call.)

- Approve the consent agenda, which included minutes, monthly reports and accounts payable for July. (Motion approved by roll call.)

The meeting also included other routine approvals and staff updates. For items approved by voice vote the record shows the motions passed; further roll-call records in the transcript list individual “yes” votes as noted above.