Cheatham County approves $560,320 drainage project for Harpeth Middle School

Cheatham County commissioners approved a $560,320 drainage project for Harpeth Middle School on Oct. 18, authorizing $360,320 to be financed with a capital outlay note and $200,000 to come from the county’s existing Education Capital Projects Fund.

The Budget Committee presented the project; Director of Accounts Sandrine Batts said the funds authorized are “only to be used for the Harpeth Middle School Drainage Project.” Commissioner Ed Greer moved the measure and Commissioner Randy Liles seconded. The full body approved the resolution by roll call, 10 Yes, 1 No (Gary Binkley), with Commissioner David Anderson absent.

The resolution includes statutory findings and an authorization to issue interest‑bearing capital outlay notes under Tennessee Code Annotated Title 9, Chapter 21. It sets terms for the notes, including a maturity schedule not to exceed three years after issuance and an interest rate provision not to exceed 3.25 percent per annum. The notes are identified in the resolution as "Harpeth Middle School Drainage Project Capital Outlay Notes, Series 2021."

The school board record attached to the item shows a School Board vote of 6 Yes, 0 No. The resolution specifies that $360,320 of the project cost will be financed by note proceeds and that the $200,000 from the Education Capital Projects Fund is existing, restricted to this project.

Commissioners did not request an amendment to scale the project or change the funding split during the meeting. The county clerk’s record shows the measure was adopted and will be processed consistent with the statutory approval steps required for issuance of capital outlay notes.

The resolution directs the county to maintain a balanced budget while the notes are outstanding and requires Comptroller approval before any sale of the notes. The county did not set a construction start date during the meeting.