The Nashville Community Review Board (CRB) on Jan. 19 asked Metro government to fully fund several previously authorized positions and to consider adding a new community engagement hire for fiscal 2027.

Jill, a staff member for the CRB, told the board the department is authorized for 16 full‑time positions but currently has 11 filled. She said the board will request funding to fully restore two underfunded positions and to add one new community engagement and outreach position, classified as an Administrative Service Officer 3. "If we get those funded, we can hire more compliance monitors," Jill said.

Jill outlined cost estimates for the staffing request: the department’s salary object code currently covers existing staff; the proposed package for three ASO‑4 positions (salary plus fringe) totals $317,001.99, and the new ASO‑3 outreach hire carries a base salary listed at $62,000 plus benefits. Jill cautioned that benefits are expected to rise and that the final figure may be higher than today's numbers.

Board members debated how large a request to submit. One member urged basing the ask on documented workload rather than comparative percentages of the police budget, arguing that "our best argument is our actual workload and what we need to do it in a timely fashion." Another member recommended preparing two proposals: (1) a narrowly focused request that funds the currently authorized FTEs and the most urgent hires, and (2) an expanded package similar to last year’s broader ask.

Jill noted the logistics and deadlines for Metro’s budget portal: submissions open Monday and close Feb. 6. She said staff will circulate a one‑page summary of the ask before the full board meeting so members can review and return questions before the Jan. 26 board vote.

The board also discussed an equipment request: staff asked that Metro re‑approve a cargo van rather than continuing to rent box trucks. Jill said the department will re‑submit the vehicle request to general services.

Next steps: staff will prepare two budget proposals and a clear one‑page summary for the board, circulate it before the full meeting on Jan. 26, and submit final materials to Metro by Feb. 6 if the board approves.