Committee approves revised courthouse event rules with east‑side stage exceptions

The committee reviewed and approved revisions to courthouse square usage rules that set the west side as the default stage location but allow applicants to request east‑side placement if they provide proof of City of Murfreesboro permission to reserve 10 outer‑circle spaces (two handicap) and meet application deadlines.

Eric Hennessy summarized the changes and explained the process: annual applications for event scheduling must be submitted by the first Friday in February; requests to place the stage on the east side will return to Property Management in February for approval; if approved, the mayor’s office will include the event in the annual schedule in March. Hennessy also reiterated that the application fee remains unchanged and failure to submit the fee will result in denial.

Commissioner Johnson voted no, saying he opposed any policy that could impede courthouse business and that designated parking is unlikely to solve access problems. The motion to approve passed on roll call with one no vote (Johnson) and the item will proceed to budget for financial review as discussed.