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Commission approves $15 million for county forensic center; debate over PBA oversight delays assignment
Summary
Rutherford County commissioners authorized $15 million for a new forensic center in Smyrna, citing local capacity and timeliness. The vote (17–3) followed an extended presentation by public safety officials; a separate proposal to assign construction oversight to the Public Building Authority (PBA) drew extended debate and was later not approved.
The Rutherford County Commission on March 13 authorized $15,000,000 to design, construct and furnish a county forensic center in Smyrna, funding the project from a mix of dedicated development tax proceeds, committed funds and unassigned general‑fund balance.
The funding resolution lists $671,390.31 from the general fund development tax, $4,750,000 from committed general‑fund dollars and $9,578,609.69 from unassigned fund balance to reach the $15 million total. Supporters said the county needs in‑county forensic capability to reduce turnaround times, improve investigator access to pathologists, and better serve families.
“Having a forensic center here would give those investigators the time to be there on‑site,” one investigator said in the presentation, arguing that travel to Davidson…
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