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Cheatham County commissioners direct attorney to sue Hope Center Ministries after public opposition and executive session
Summary
After public forum objections from residents and a confidential executive session, Cheatham County commissioners voted 7‑3 to ask the county attorney to pursue legal action against Hope Center Ministries over alleged incompliance at its sober‑living facility.
Chairman Tim Williamson opened the meeting’s public forum with at least two residents raising concerns about a proposed sober‑living operator. Ashlie Farmer and Carmen Irizarry‑Zellmann, both identified as residents of the 4th District, told commissioners they opposed Hope Center Ministries operating a sober‑living facility in the county and asked county officials for updates on enforcement and next steps.
County Attorney Michael Bligh told the Legislative Body that the matter required confidentiality and the commission recessed into an executive session at 7:33 p.m. Regular session resumed at 8:17 p.m., and the body considered motions about next steps. A motion to authorize the county attorney to continue settlement negotiations with the Hope Center until the December meeting failed on a 5‑5 roll call. A subsequent motion, made by Commissioner Walter Weakley and seconded by Commissioner James Hedgepath, directed County Attorney Michael Bligh to pursue a lawsuit alleging incompliance by Hope Center Ministries regarding its sober‑living facility; that motion passed by roll call vote 7 Yes, 3 No, 1 Absent.
The record shows public comment urging action preceded the executive session and that the commission’s direction to the county attorney constitutes formal board direction to commence litigation. The vote tally was recorded in the minutes; Commissioners David Anderson, Diana Pike Lovell and Mike Breedlove voted “No.”
What’s next: the county attorney will represent the county in any enforcement or litigation steps. Commissioners and staff said further details remain confidential; the Legislative Body scheduled the next regular meeting for December at which members expect additional updates if permitted by confidentiality rules.
No formal allegation text, complaint filing, or court document appears in the public minutes; the commission’s motion authorizes pursuit of legal remedies but the minutes do not specify exact legal theories or the relief sought.
