Friday Recap August 22nd, 2025

My Comment

I have talked about my concern about infrastructure not keeping up with development. We all want to preserve the quality of life in Williamson County and the overcrowding of our roads is certainly an indication that we are not doing that as well as we might. With all of the growth over the last 35 years we are seeing the price for our success. Franklin alone has grown from 20,000 to 90,000 since 1990. The county is currently at somewhere between 285,000 to 300,000 and is expected to grow to over 500,000 by 2040. All of the growth issues we are experiencing today were laid out in a report written in 2020 called Williamson 2040. The concern over our growth issues is not new.

Trying to get a road widened or finished is a 10 to 20 year project and yet, we keep adding more homes and businesses. For example, the Columbia Avenue widening project was approved in 2015 and, at this point, is not expected, if ever, to start until 2028. The completion of Mack Hatcher isn't even on the drawing board.

It is not that the various planning commissions in the county are unaware of the conundrum we are in. There are limits to what can be done. For example, if a developer wants to develop a parcel of land, either the county or a municipality has to let them go through the process that I outlined last week. We can't just say no. Property owners have rights, but so does the community as a whole.

One proposed development of interest is the Owens Valley project in College Grove. I would encourage you, whether you live in College Grove or elsewhere to attend this meeting to hear what residents have to say about this project. This has to do with historical preservation.

Ultimately, we the people of Williamson County are, and should be, the decision makers as to how we handle the continued crowding of Williamson County.

Right now, we have four BOMA seats up for election. Two are unchallenged and two have challengers. I encourage you to do your homework, check these people out; they all have websites and you can contact them and ask them personally where they stand on our growth issues. Regardless of who gets elected, we need to stay involved by attending and speaking at BOMA meetings, Planning commission meetings, and County Commission meetings. This is our county, we live here, we have a voice.

Ward 1 Incumbent Bev Burger is running unopposed.

Ward 2 Incumbent Matt Brown is being challenged by Erinn Watkins and BK Muvvala

Ward 3 Incumbent Jason Potts is running unopposed.

Ward 4 Incumbent Patrick Baggett is being challenged by Rodney Taylor.

For an enlightening history of the county, this is a good read.

Sheriff's report for July

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The AI program I use is pretty accurate, but it does make mistakes from time to time and I don't always catch them. I provide agendas and videos/audios when I have them available and recommend that you watch the video and follow along with the summary to get the most accurate report.

One of the limitations of AI is that if a participant's name is not called out, then they are listed as participant 1, 2, etc. A limitation with audio, as opposed to video, is that one cannot always identify a person by voice alone. As imperfect as these AI summaries are, they still give a pretty good account of a meeting.

Williamson County School District

Monday August 18th

School Board Agenda Video

AI Summary

Overview

• Board approved $7 million in state-funded $2,000 teacher bonuses for full-time teachers who worked more than 120 days last year
• New safety measures implemented including driver's license scanning for non-fingerprinted visitors and 48-hour state-mandated threat notification requirements
• Cell phone policy implementation at high schools going well according to Dr. Webb, with students embracing hallway restrictions during the "honeymoon phase"
• Six students earned perfect ACT scores over the summer from various high schools
• Board approved budget amendments totaling $116,224.51 in carryover funds and policy updates for state law compliance

Public comments on key district issues

• Emily Eisenberger urged board to implement bell-to-bell K-12 cell phone ban using pouches or lockers, citing University of Chicago research showing phones reduce cognitive capacity even when turned off
• Brad Davis raised concerns about a fourth-grade student who threatened to kill classmates, saying current federal law limitations prevent adequate disciplinary action
• Cory Martin from One Wilco asked board to continue prioritizing educator diversity in hiring practices despite state law requiring removal of diversity language from personnel policy
• Beverly Purvis from Williamson County Education Association thanked board and offered WCEA partnership in implementing state policies

Safety and security updates

• Golden implemented new driver's license scanning system for non-tier three volunteers entering schools past front office, providing visible stickers for identification
• State law now requires 48-hour notification to parents when threats or significant disturbances occur at schools, with quarterly reports to board members
• Golden clarified that emergency communication plans are already in place and that phones can complicate crisis response
• Michael Fletcher confirmed that students making threats typically remain in school but are removed from regular classrooms

Cell phone policy implementation

• High school hallway cell phone restrictions going "surprisingly well" according to Dr. Webb, with students embracing the policy
• Technology committee shifted focus from broad device review to specifically examining cell phone policies this fall
• Elementary students no longer required to take devices home, though parents can request exceptions through principals
• State law allows cell phone use only in emergencies, but "emergency" remains undefined

Student retention programs and academic support

• Only one fourth-grader retained last year out of over 3,000 students, down from three third-graders the previous year
• Summer school and tutoring programs showing positive results for students in the retention law cohort
• State continues funding supplemental tutoring programs that Golden recommends legislators maintain

Budget amendments and teacher bonuses

• Board approved $84,421.51 carryover from general purpose school fund reserves
• Board approved $31,803 transition grant carryover for federal student support services funding through September
• Board approved $7 million resolution for $2,000 state-funded teacher bonuses, including employer taxes, for teachers who worked more than 120 days last year
• Board approved outstanding purchase orders for school activity funds per Tennessee Internal School Funds Manual

Policy updates and state law compliance

• Board approved first reading of Policy 5.310 adding two paid spring break days for 10 and 11-month classified employees
• Consent agenda approved multiple policies including personnel goals, family leave, discrimination policies, and student records
• Board appointed Drayson Beasley and Donna Clements as sick bank trustees
• Golden confirmed district will continue expanding recruiting pools while hiring best candidates, despite state law removing diversity language from policy

Student and staff achievements

• Abigail Goddard from Ravenwood won national Incubator Edu pitch contest for drug-testing product "Spiky"—second consecutive year a Williamson County student won
• Claire Stegall from Nolensville named 2024-25 Gatorade Tennessee Girls Track and Field Player of the Year
• Six students earned perfect ACT scores: Wally Sidigar (Brentwood), Adidio Salvi (Independence), Empanadi Amayakali, Devin Liu, and Rejoice Agunde (all Ravenwood), and Cecilia Wooldridge (Summit)
• Becky Williams from Independence High School won Teacher Hero Award from Tennessee Arts Academy
• Ricky Rodriguez from Ravenwood named 2025 Tennessee Titans flag football coach of the year
• Communications department won Golden Achievement award from National School Public Relations Association for Golden Mentor program connecting senior citizens with early grade students

Williamson County Commission

Special Note: Since Williamson County does not record any meetings other than the commission, budget committee and planning commission meetings, I am recording all the meetings that I attend on my iPhone. We are in the process of reviewing a technology upgrade that will allow the county to record more meetings as well as include agendas, minutes and packets on our website. I will keep you up to date when progress is made

Wednesday August 20th

Law Enforcement and Public Safety  Resolutions Late Resolution Minutes Audio

Overview

• County approved $1,847,062.88 in total budget appropriations across multiple departments for fiscal year 2025-26
• Veterans Treatment Court received $440,481.31 from three separate funding sources including federal grants and reserves
• Recovery Court secured $220,901.75 from DUI fines, dedicated accounts, and state grants
• Thompson Station will pay $250,000 for law enforcement coverage—doubling from $125,000 last year
• Sheriff's Office accepted $5,000 donation from Jason Aldine for K-9 uniforms and received $196,781.34 in grant funding
• Emergency Management secured $373,652.57 for AI-powered school bus routing system

Victim assessment fee budget appropriation

• County approved $75,056.91 appropriation from victim assessment fees
• Participant 1 explained funds come from $45 fees paid by convicted criminals
• Money supports Bridges, Casa, Davis House and assists victims with court travel expenses
• Participant 1 abstained from the vote due to conflict of interest

Court system budget amendments

• County approved General Sessions budget amendment using rollover state grant proceeds from prior fiscal year
• Participant 2 confirmed this was standard rollover funding with no new appropriations needed

Veterans Treatment Court funding

• County approved $20,000 from Veterans Treatment Court Reserve for annual operations
• Approved $117,527 from New Hampshire Department of Agriculture grant for second year of three-year program
• Approved $302,934.31 from federal SAMHSA grant rollover funds for five-year program
• SAMHSA grant funds multiple personnel positions and participant treatment with no county matching requirements
• Participant 2 confirmed carryover funds will be used in coming years alongside new annual budget

Recovery Court appropriations

• County approved $41,996.27 from DUI fines for treatment purposes
• Approved $30,596.48 from dedicated court costs account for general treatment resources
• Approved $148,309 from state opioid grant for year two of three-year program
• Approved $238,819.71 rollover from federal SAMHSA grant for quarter four of federal fiscal year ending September 29th
• Approved $133,805.77 from foundation account containing donations and golf tournament proceeds

Emergency services interlocal agreements

• County authorized interlocal agreement with Thompson Station and Emergency Communications District for dispatch services
• Participant 1 explained fees calculated per dispatch seat based on jurisdiction coverage
• Similar agreements exist with Franklin, Fairview, and Millville
• County authorized Franklin interlocal for dual response coverage of small I-65 and 840 interchange area
• Franklin initiated the agreement after noticing they could reach certain crashes faster than county
• Agreement includes no payment—separate from existing paid agreements with other municipalities

Thompson Station service agreements

• County authorized wastewater treatment system memorandum for new Burwood Emergency Services Station
• Station located at Station Road West and Carins Creek Pike will serve as fire station, sheriff's deputy office, EMS base, and backup 911 center
• County will own septic system while Thompson Station maintains it
• County authorized law enforcement coverage agreement with $250,000 annual fee—doubling from $125,000 last year
• Participant 2 noted $250,000 covers approximately one officer's cost but county cannot dedicate exclusive coverage
• Participant 2 meeting with Thompson Station mayor Monday to discuss their plans for creating police department

Sheriff's office budget and donations

• County accepted $5,000 donation from Jason Aldine for K-9 division uniforms including bulletproof equipment
• Approved $83,333.34 from state grant for hiring and retention bonuses with no matching funds required
• Approved $73,448 rollover from federal criminal investigations grant
• Accepted 2007 Honda Accord donation from 21st Judicial District Drug Task Force for undercover operations
• Approved $40,000 state grant for law enforcement training and professional development
• County authorized school resource officer memorandums with Franklin Special School District and Williamson County Board of Education

Grant funding rollovers

• Juvenile Services approved $192,000 from Department of Children's Services prevention grant funding three intensive probation officers since 2014
• Emergency Management approved $373,652.57 state grant rollover for AI school bus routing system spanning two fiscal years
• Sheriff's Office approved $53,006 federal grant rollover for topaz signature devices shared with Franklin
• County authorized $10,000 annual reimbursement agreement with Metro Nashville for Internet Crimes Against Children equipment and training

Equipment transfers and surplus

• County approved $22,568 budget transfer from Juvenile Services to Sheriff's Office for expanded medical services
• Transfer covers additional nursing services including medication administration and health assessments
• Sheriff's Office authorized surplus tactical equipment conveyance to Hickman County including expired vests and gear accumulated over 20 years
• County accepted pole camera donation from Franklin requiring system upgrades to meet current cellular standards
• Participant 2 noted new pole cameras cost approximately $20,000

Thursday August 21st

Special Commission Meeting to approve committee assignments Agenda Video

AI Summary

1. Opening

• Meeting called to order in absence of a gavel, using Diane's coffee cup as a substitute.
• Invocation and pledge were led by the chair. Invocation included prayers for guidance, protection for soldiers and first responders. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all present.

2. Attendance

• Total present: 19 Commissioners
• Absent: 5 Commissioners (Aiello, Hayes, Lawrence, Richards, Mary Smith) with prior notifications of absence explained.

3. Citizen Communications

• No citizen communications or public comments were registered or presented at this meeting.

4. Elections and Appointments

The commission proceeded with committee appointments in blocks, using voice votes for approval:

A. Committees Assigned by the County Mayor

• Budget Committee:
  • Chair: Chas Morton
  • Members: Guy Cardin, Betsy Hester, Paul Webb, County Mayor Rogers Anderson
  • Approved unanimously by voice vote.
• Purchasing and Insurance Committee:
  • Members: Sean Aiello, Megan Guffee, Greg Lawrence, Steve Smith, County Mayor Rogers Anderson
  • Approved unanimously by voice vote.

B. County Commission Committees

• Noted adjustment: Bill Petty will serve only on Human Resources, Megan Guffee on Parks and Recreation, Matt Williams on Steering Committee after a decision was reached.
• Human Resources Committee:
  • Members: Judy Herbert, Jennifer Mason, Greg Sanford, Tom Tunnicliffe, Bill Petty, Brian Beathard (Chair)
  • Approved unanimously.
• Parks and Recreation Committee:
  • Members: Lisa Hayes, Greg Lawrence, Mary Smith, Drew Torres, Megan Guffee, Sean Aiello
  • Approved unanimously.
• Rules Committee:
  • Members: Ricky Jones, Guy Cardin, David O’Neill, Barb Sturgeon, Chas Morton, Brian Clifford
  • Approved unanimously.
• Steering Committee:
  • Members: Betsy Hester, Pete Stresser, Paul Webb, Chris Richards, Matt Williams, Steve Smith
  • Approved unanimously.

5. Clarifications and Additional Comments

• Clarification requested by Commissioner Mason regarding the effective date for new committee assignments and participation in upcoming meetings. This was left pending the Steering Committee's further guidance.
• Commissioner Hester congratulated Commissioner Ricky Jones for 50 years of service. Commissioner Jones expressed appreciation humorously referencing his 51st year.

6. Adjournment

• No additional business was conducted due to the special call meeting restrictions.
• Meeting adjourned with thanks to attendees for their participation.

Sheriff's report for July

Board of Mayor and Aldermen

For everything this week, go here of particular interest, check out the proposal for Harpeth Village here

Tuesday August 26th

The Preservation Plan Steering Committee Meets at 1:00 pm at Eastern Flank Event Facility 1368 Eastern Flank Circle Franklin Agenda. The agenda is a 121 page report on historic Franklin and is a very interesting read

BOMA Works Session meets at 4:00 pm at the Williamson County Auditorium
1320 West Main Street, Franklin. Agenda Video starts at 5:00 pm and thereafter.

BOMA Board Meeting meets at 7:00pm at the Williamson County Auditorium
1320 West Main Street, Franklin. Agenda Video starts at 7:00pm and thereafter.

For everything else next week, go here

Election Commission

No meetings this week or next week

If not me, who?

If not now, when?

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Heb. 11:1)

“We work hard with our own hands. When we are vilified, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; when we are slandered, we answer gently.” (1^st Corinthians 4:12-13)

Blessings,

Bill

pettyandassociates@gmail.com

Community resources

If you like Friday Recap, check out these other grassroots conservative projects!

• Williamson County Citizens Provides free tools and information to help grassroots conservatives exercise their citizenship here in Williamson County.
• Tennessee Voters for Election Integrity is helping restore confidence in Tennessee Elections.
• TruthWire Local news and commentary.
• Williamson County Republican Party is one of the most active parties in the state and captures the conservative heart of Tennessee.
• Mom's For Liberty Williamson County is dedicated to fighting for the American family by unifying, educating and empowering parents to defend their parental rights at all levels of government.
• Tennessee Stands produces video media, podcasts, and live events, and provides social commentary on relevant issues in our state.
• M4LU is a new site developed by the national Mom's for Liberty but generated right here in Williamson County. The mission of M4LU is to to inform, equip, and empower parents with knowledge, understanding and practical tools.
• WCSB Substack. This site reports on the Williamson County School Board meetings. It provides accurate summaries of all WCSB meetings.

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