Cheatham County approves budget moves, school HVAC financing and county hazard plan in December meeting

The Cheatham County Legislative Body met in regular session Dec. 19 in Ashland City and approved a series of budget amendments, appointments and capital actions. Chairman Tim Williamson presided; County Mayor Kerry McCarver presented mayoral items and County Clerk Abby Short recorded the proceedings.

The commission approved multiple budget amendments across county funds. Director of Accounts Sandrine Batts and the Budget Committee presented transfers that moved money for the County Clerk’s office, South Cheatham Library, economic and community development, and a contract payment for the Sheriff’s Department. The body also approved transfers to the Other Capital Projects — Vehicles Fund and several school capital project transfers. Roll call votes on budget items were recorded as unanimous among attending commissioners (typical tally 11 Yes, 0 No, 1 Absent where noted).

On school‑related financing, commissioners approved a capital outlay note of up to $2,421,900 to fund Year 1 of an Ashland City Elementary School HVAC replacement; the note is to be amortized consistent with Tennessee’s capital outlay note provisions and paid from note proceeds / education debt service.

The commission also approved a package of ESSER‑fund‑related budget amendments to provide one‑time employee distributions and approved Central Cafeteria fund purchases of industrial ovens for several schools. Surplus and asset‑disposition motions were approved to allow sale or disposal of county vehicles and equipment, with proceeds routed to designated funds.

In other business, the commission voted to adopt the Cheatham County Hazard Mitigation Plan and authorized the county mayor to sign the implementing resolution. The plan—prepared jointly with the county’s four towns—must be adopted locally before FEMA issues final approval and remains effective for five years after adoption.

The body confirmed mayoral reappointments to the Planning Commission and the 911 Communications District Board of Directors, approved replacement of indoor dog kennels at Animal Control on Sams Creek (vote 10 Yes, 1 No, 1 Absent), and approved a consent calendar of notary appointments.

The meeting concluded with announcements of the January workshop (Jan. 17) and the next commission meeting (Jan. 23) and adjourned at 6:41 p.m.

Votes at a glance

- Zone change for property at 1247 Ridge Circle (Daulton Bess): Approved by roll call (11‑0, 1 absent). - County General Fund amendments (multiple lines including first year of Axon payment): Approved by roll call (11‑0, 1 absent). - Other Capital Projects — Vehicles Fund amendments (patrol car replacement): Approved by roll call (11‑0, 1 absent). - Central Cafeteria Fund industrial ovens purchase: Approved by roll call (11‑0, 1 absent). - ESSER employee distributions and related school fund amendments: Approved (recorded board and budget votes; one or more commissioners recorded as abstaining on board votes where noted). - Capital outlay note for ACES HVAC ($2,421,900 not to exceed): Approved by roll call (11‑0, 1 absent). - Surplus of specified vehicles and tanker for sale/disposal: Approved by roll call (11‑0, 1 absent). - Hazard Mitigation Plan adoption: Approved by roll call (11‑0, 1 absent). - Mayor’s signature on Axon contract: Approved by roll call (11‑0, 1 absent). - Animal Control indoor kennel replacement (not to exceed $73,000): Approved by roll call (10‑1, 1 absent).

What this means

Most actions were routine budget, personnel and capital decisions for county operations and schools. The approved capital outlay note is the largest single financing item and will be subject to the conditions and amortization described in the authorizing resolution under Tennessee Code Annotated Title 9, Chapter 21. The Hazard Mitigation Plan adoption allows the county to seek FEMA final approval and future mitigation grants. The commission authorized the mayor to sign a five‑year equipment and services contract with Axon for the sheriff’s office; the county’s packet shows the contract totals $275,226 over five years with scheduled annual payments and warranty/service provisions.

The meeting adjourned at 6:41 p.m.; the commission will convene a workshop on Jan. 17 and a regular meeting on Jan. 23.