Cheatham County approves COVID-19 workplace measures, contracts and budget tweaks; tables alcohol-sale referendum

Cheatham County commissioners met by Zoom on April 20, 2020, approving a set of mayoral contracts, COVID‑19 workplace directives and several budget amendments while tabling a countywide referendum on on‑premises alcohol sales until the public can be present at a meeting.

The county approved a package of items presented by County Mayor Kerry McCarver that included mayoral signatures on contracts with Nashville Machine Elevator and Securus Technologies (a memorandum of understanding to enable video visitation at the county jail), a Peru Renewal contract for inmate medical insurance, a five‑year agreement with the Bi‑County Solid Waste Board, and a Mobley Lawncare bid for county property maintenance. Commissioners also approved withdrawing Cheatham County’s participation in the State of Tennessee 401(k) and 457 deferred compensation plans, an accounting-office work‑from‑home order in accordance with State Executive Order No. 16, and employee pay arrangements tied to the COVID‑19 emergency. The package was approved by roll-call vote, 12 Yes, 0 No.

At the meeting Mayor McCarver announced the appointment of B.J. Hudspeth as the county’s new Emergency Medical Service director.

Budget committee recommendations received approval across several funds. Director of Accounts Sandrine Batts presented General Fund amendments including: Jail $401.20; South Cheatham Library $588.00 and $75.00; County Mayor/Executive $7,600.00; Rabies and Animal Control $20,398.39; and Ambulance/EMS employee benefits $101,582.00. The Drug Control Fund amendment added $2,750.00 for drug enforcement (funded by contributions and gifts). Commissioners approved Highway/Public Works Fund amendments (Other Charges $2,269.37; Capital Outlay $10,000.00; Operation & Maintenance/Employee Benefits $18,949.13, funded by General Purpose School Fund reimbursement and fund balance) and an Other Capital Projects–Jail Fund amendment (Other General Administration $12,309.19, funded from budgeted funds). All budget motions passed by roll‑call vote as recorded in the minutes.

County Attorney Michael Bligh introduced a resolution to place a countywide question on the November ballot permitting the sale of alcoholic beverages on the premises, to include the Town of Pegram. After discussion the original motion and second were rescinded; Commissioner Gary Binkley then moved, and Commissioner Tim Williamson seconded, to table the resolution until the general public can be present at a commission meeting. That motion to table passed 8 Yes, 4 No. The minutes record individual roll‑call votes for that action.

Separately, commissioners approved appointments to the Board of Equalization—Gene Hannah, Brenda Montgomery and Dale Brinkley—and confirmed a slate of notary public applicants as part of the consent calendar; both motions passed unanimously. The meeting closed at 7:21 P.M. after announcements urging residents to buy local and reminders about social distancing.

Votes at a glance: the agenda approval, the mayor’s package of contracts and COVID‑19 workplace measures, multiple budget amendments, the Board of Equalization appointments, and the consent calendar of notary appointments all passed by recorded roll‑call votes; the alcohol‑sales ballot resolution was tabled 8–4.

The commission did not take final action on the alcohol‑sales referendum; members said they wanted the general public to be able to attend in person before moving forward. No further public‑comment record appears in the minutes.