Montgomery County commissioners approve zoning changes, amend sheriff budget and adopt retirement resolutions

Mayor Westgold presided over the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners meeting on April 13, where commissioners approved two zoning cases, amended and passed a sheriff's office budget resolution, and adopted retirement-related resolutions.

The most consequential action came after Resolution 26-4-3 (an amendment to sheriff and jail budgets for fiscal 2026) was pulled from the consent agenda for separate consideration. Commissioner Gannon moved an amendment to replace language that had referenced an $850,000 transfer and to reframe the budget transfer wording; Commissioner Shelton seconded. "As you know, last week, we had a little typo in there," Commissioner Gannon said when offering the change. The amendment passed 18–1; the amended resolution then passed 18–1.

Also on the agenda, commissioners voted 19–0 to approve CZ2-2026 (applicants Knoxby Thomas III and Shirley Thomas), rezoning a parcel from AGC-5 to M-1. Commissioner Fry, whose district contains the property, said the site is consistent with surrounding industrial uses and urged approval. The board likewise approved CZ3-2026 (applicant Arthur Clark) by 19–0 after Commissioner Burkholder reported no opposition from neighbors.

The meeting included routine business: the board approved a consent agenda covering a series of resolutions, including school budget amendments, grant-authorizing language tied to the Tennessee Highway Safety Office, a land donation under Tennessee Code Annotated procedures, and a consultant selection policy for federally funded transportation projects; the consent agenda passed 19–0.

Commissioners also approved Resolution 26-4-4, described in the record as establishing a mandatory retirement age requirement pursuant to TCA §8-36-205 and authorizing related supplemental bridge benefits and retirement provisions for certain Group 1 members; the measure passed 19–0. A subsequent, related item (Resolution 26-4-5) referencing the legacy plan passed by the same margin.

Earlier in the meeting the board presented a proclamation recognizing April as National Donate Life Month. County Clerk Theresa Cottrell introduced a guest, Jonathan, who said he received a heart transplant in November 2018 and urged residents to consider registering as organ donors. "Being here the last 8 years ... donation to me means everything," Jonathan said.

Two members of the public spoke during the hearing. Larry Hayes, who gave his address as Old Highway 48 South, told commissioners he felt his rights had been violated and urged the board to "get better." AC Lopez invited the public to a Children's Day toy giveaway and celebration at the Armory on Fort Campbell Boulevard.

The meeting concluded after filing routine reports (building codes, county updates, revenue and expenses, trustees report) and several community announcements; the board adjourned with formal closure from meeting staff.

Votes at a glance: - CZ2-2026 (Knoxby/Thomas): approved 19–0. - CZ3-2026 (Arthur Clark): approved 19–0. - Consent agenda (multiple resolutions including 26-4-1, 26-4-2, 26-4-6, 26-4-7, 26-4-8, 26-4-9): approved 19–0. - Resolution 26-4-3 (sheriff/jail budget): amendment passed 18–1; amended resolution passed 18–1. (Amendment moved by Commissioner Gannon; seconded by Commissioner Shelton.) - Resolution 26-4-4 (mandatory retirement provisions, TCA §8-36-205): approved 19–0. - Resolution 26-4-5 (legacy plan item): approved 19–0.

Next steps: commissioners took no further legislative action at this meeting on the contested budget line beyond the amendment; several proclamations and community events were announced and photos were offered following the meeting.