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Commission rejects multi-rate fire-tax option, approves two-district levy and schedules meeting with fire chiefs
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Summary
After public concern and fire chief input, the Cheatham County commission rejected a multi-rate Fire Tax option and approved a two-district levy (Cheatham County 25.00; Harpeth Ridge 10.73). Commissioners asked for a meeting within 30 days with Emergency Services and all fire chiefs to discuss details.
Cheatham County commissioners debated the 2023-24 Fire Tax structure and voted to adopt a two- district approach rather than the multi-rate option voters and chiefs had discussed earlier.
The body first considered "Option 2," which would have set district-specific rates (Ashland City/Two Rivers 24.50; Pleasant View/Henrietta 21.50; Pegram City/Pegram Rural 32.00; Kingston Springs 24.00; Harpeth Ridge 10.73). That measure failed on a roll call 3 Yes, 9 No.
Following additional discussion the Budget Committee moved and the commission adopted "Option 1," making two fire districts with rates of 25.00 (Cheatham County) and 10.73 (Harpeth Ridge). The motion passed by roll-call vote 9 Yes, 3 No. Commissioners then approved a motion to hold a meeting within 30 days with Emergency Services, all Fire Chiefs, the County Mayor and County Attorney to review levy details and reestablish the Emergency Services Committee.
Public comment on the Fire Tax preceded the vote. Pleasant View Fire Chief PJ Duncan spoke in opposition to raising the Fire Tax and to consolidating districts. Kingston Springs Chief Eugene Ivey voiced support for the School Resource Officer grant but also said he opposed the Fire Tax proposal as presented and said he would have liked to be involved in the decision-making.
Outcome and next steps Commissioners voted to adopt the two-district levy (Resolution 15) and to hold a follow-up meeting with chiefs and emergency services (Resolution 16). The follow-up meeting is intended to discuss distribution, operational concerns and any consolidation issues before the levy goes into effect.
Speakers and sources Fire chiefs and residents addressed the commission during the public hearing; County Attorney Michael Bligh noted during earlier discussion that TVA matters fall outside county jurisdiction when the subject arose during public comment about a proposed TVA plant.
Limitations This article reports the positions and votes recorded in the minutes and the commission's stated plan for a follow-up meeting. It does not evaluate which levy structure is preferable or the operational decisions that will be made at the follow-up meeting.