Commissioners refer Smyrna forensic-center development agreements back to committee after funding and process questions

County staff brought two development agreements related to a forensic center in Smyrna forward for immediate approval on June 23, saying the items were needed to keep the project moving. The agreements cover stormwater facilities, connections to Smyrna's water and sewer systems, and long-term maintenance responsibilities.

"This is a standard agreement that the county enters into from time to time with the different municipalities within the county," staff said while asking the commission to approve the stormwater-development agreement. Several commissioners said they had not seen the agreements before the meeting and pressed staff on cost, funding and whether permitting or construction oversight would require additional county expenditures.

County Mayor Joe Carr told the commission, "All any cost associated with, the agreement between Rutherford County and Smyrna are already included in the cost of the project. In fact, Mister Hennessy has negotiated with the town of Smyrna. We what we hope is an actual reduction in the cost to the county as a result of this agreement. So there is no additional cost as a result of this agreement." That assurance did not settle concerns about procedure: multiple commissioners questioned whether the items were being handled outside the usual committee process.

Commissioner Peay moved an amendment to send the development-agreement item through the committee process. The amendment carried 14-7, meaning the commission will return the stormwater-development agreement to Public Works committee (scheduled for July 16) and consider any committee recommendation at the full commission meeting set for July 17. A separate long-term maintenance agreement for stormwater facilities was referred to committee by voice vote to keep the two items on the same track.

County staff said the agreements were narrow in scope and pertained mainly to the town's oversight of stormwater design and inspection; the county remains responsible for maintenance after construction. Commissioners who pressed for committee review said the referral will allow the budget office and committee members to examine whether the agreements have any unanticipated cost or fiscal exposure.

The commission did not vote to approve the Smyrna agreements on June 23; both items will return to committee for further review before the commission acts.