Friday Recap for March 28, 2025
There was a lot happening this week:
- The budget and education committees met for a joint session to look at the school budget for 25-26.
- The rules committee met to discuss improving communication from the commission to the public.
- The property committee met to look at the property budget for 25-26.
- The Sheriff's Department sent out their monthly report as well as progress reports for the new jail, juvenile center and special ops.
- BOMA met for their work session and board meeting.
Setting the Record Straight part III
I want to make a comment about the ongoing challenge by the Williamson County Conservatives (WCC) against the results of the March 4th convention for the Williamson County Republican Party (WCRP) leadership.
Right from the start, the WCC accused the current WCRP leadership of corruption, unethical behavior, backroom deals, Stalin-like tactics, and finally rigging the March 4th convention. Think about that. The WCC continues to make these accusations over and over ad nauseam without any proof.
They even accused me of, somehow, being involved in rigging the convention. This was sent out on Monday, March 17th, two days before the WCC had to submit their challenge to the March 4th convention. By the way, Hannah Tiblier was out of the country on March 4th.
What is most disturbing is that Brian Clifford is WCC's candidate for chairman of the WCRP. He is currently a Williamson County Commissioner, as am I.
After I saw the above email, I texted him to request a meeting so that we could talk about it. He didn't respond to me. A week or so later, I saw him at a Williamson County Committee meeting and politely asked if he could give me a few minutes to talk. He just brushed past me, claiming that he didn't have time to talk.
We are colleagues who sit together to deliberate on important issues for the county, and he is accusing me of malfeasance? Let that sink in as you think about where our Republican Party stands here in Williamson County and who we want to be running the WCRP.
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Williamson County School District
There were no meetings this week and none for next week. The Month of April looks like this:
- Policy committee will be on April 7th.
- Work Session will be on April 17th
- Full Board meeting will be on April 21st
The superintendent and his staff met with the combined Williamson County Budget and Education Committees. See that report below.
Williamson County Commission
This is budget season and every department of Williamson County government must present a budget for the fiscal year 2025-26 which starts on July 1st 2025.
On Monday , the joint Budget and Education Committees packet (scroll down to 6.b. on the agenda and click on 3-5-25 packet for vote to see the full budget) met at 4:30 pm to review the school district's budget.
AI summary:
Action Items
Jason GoldenProvide links to teacher pay charts/step plansSend links to the teacher pay charts/step plans to commissioners as requested during the budget discussion.Jason GoldenNotify commissioners about capital projectsInform commissioners about any capital projects beyond maintenance that will be included in the five-year capital plan.Jason GoldenProvide information on College Grove portablesGet information on how many portable classrooms were at College Grove Elementary before Arrington Elementary was built.
Overview
- School district presented a $565 million budget with a $12 million gap requiring county funding
- Enrollment projected to decrease by 0.44% from current year, resulting in reduction of 34.6 staff positions
- TISA state funding expected to decrease due to Williamson County's fiscal capacity increasing from 6.74% to projected 6.84%
- Budget includes 2% pay chart increase for teachers (resulting in approximately 4% total increase for most teachers) and $1.1 million for supplemental pay increases
- District plans to purchase Chromebooks for grades 3-5 with carts to keep devices at school rather than sending them home
Enrollment projections and trends
- District projects 0.44% decrease in student enrollment from current year
- Middle school population expected to increase slightly, elementary to decrease, high school to remain stable
- Third consecutive year with more high school seniors graduating than kindergartners entering
- Some elementary growth in certain areas of county with larger reductions in other areas
- Jason Golden highlighted that housing costs are affecting enrollment patterns, particularly at elementary level
Staffing reductions and position changes
- Net reduction of 34.6 full-time equivalent positions based on enrollment projections
- Reductions include 32.9 regular education teachers and 1.5 special education teachers
- Additions include librarians and assistant principals at Page Middle School and Nolensville Elementary based on staffing standards
- Rachel clarified no layoffs will occur as reductions will be managed through retirements and normal attrition
- District has over 100 instructional coach positions to support teacher development and improvement
Innovation Hub specialist position
- One new position requested for Innovation Hub specialist to prepare facility to open in fall 2026
- Innovation Hub will be located on north side of Franklin High School campus
- Program will include diesel, electrical power generation, and aviation programming
- Partnerships established with MTSU, Columbia State, and businesses including Cat Diesel
- Facility funded through state grant money with no county funds used for construction
Instructional coaches explanation
- Jason Golden explained instructional coaches are teachers who teach other teachers and coordinate instructional improvements
- Coaches help with pedagogy and assist teachers in developing common assessments
- Support particularly valuable for new teachers and those transitioning through job-embedded licensure
- Commissioner Herbert questioned the large number (over 100) of coaching positions
- State recently created separate line item for coaches in chart of accounts
Revenue sources and projections
- Three largest revenue sources: property tax, sales tax, and TISA state funding
- Property tax revenue projected at $301.5 million
- Sales tax revenue projected at $120.8 million, a 3% increase from current year
- Total revenue projected at $553 million
- Local funding accounts for 62.64% of total revenue, state funding 36.75%
TISA funding and fiscal capacity impact
- TISA base funding per student increasing from $7,075 to $7,295
- Williamson County's fiscal capacity projected to increase from 6.74% to 6.84%
- Fiscal capacity increase expected to reduce state funding by approximately $2 million
- District receives about $4,300 per student from state while ESA vouchers provide $7,295 per student
- Senator Johnson secured approximately $4 million in letter grade bonus funding to partially offset fiscal capacity impact
Budget gap of $12 million
- Total budget request is $565 million with revenue of $553 million, creating $12,085,648 gap
- Gap includes funding for teacher experience step increases ($3.9 million) and 2% pay chart increase ($10 million)
- Commissioners calculated gap equals approximately 7 cents on property tax rate
- Jason Golden noted Williamson County taxpayers fund 62.64% of school budget locally while representing only 4% of state student population
Teacher compensation and pay structure
- Budget includes mandatory experience-based step increases costing $3.9 million
- Proposed 2% increase to entire pay chart costing $10 million
- Most teachers would receive approximately 4% total increase (step plus chart increase)
- Teacher pay chart stops at year 21 with larger increase at that level to encourage retention
- District currently ranks 27th in state for teacher pay despite ranking in 70s for per-pupil funding
Chromebook purchases and screen time considerations
- $6.1 million budgeted for Chromebooks for grades 3-5 and carts
- District decided not to replace K-2 Chromebooks based on limited usage (30-45 minutes daily)
- Carts will allow devices to remain at school rather than going home with students
- Decision aims to reduce passive screen time while still meeting state computer science standards
- Commissioner Smith questioned whether devices could be further reduced to save costs
Supplemental pay for academic, arts, and athletics
- $1.1 million increase for supplemental pay included in budget
- Supplements cover additional work outside contract for academic, arts, and athletic activities
- Community feedback indicated this was an area of concern
- Jason Golden noted dollar value is small but important for showing teachers they're valued
Cafeteria and extended school program budgets
- Cafeteria fund: $19.4 million revenue, $20.8 million expenses, covered by fund balance
- No meal price increases since 2018-2019 school year
- Extended School Program: $7.5 million revenue, $8 million expenses, covered by fund balance
- ESP plans to resume drop-in capability with caps to ensure adequate staffing
- Both funds are self-sufficient with no county funding required
Annual capital requests
- Annual capital budget presented for building maintenance and technology needs
- Covers essential maintenance for 51 school campuses
- Includes building improvements and technology like smart boards and printers
- Separate from five-year capital plan for major projects and expansions
On Tuesday, the Advisory Committee for the Williamson County Growth Plan met at 8:30 am. I have no more information.
On Tuesday, the Opioid Abatement Task Force met at 1:30 pm. I have no further information.
On Tuesday, the Rules Committee met at 4:30 pm. The first item on the agenda was to consider a resolution 5-25-1 that amends Rule 8.2 to require that the agenda for any meeting be published on our website no later than 48 hours before the meeting. There was a motion to discuss, but it failed to get a second and therefore, went no further. This will come up again at a full commission meeting and will be discussed and voted on then.
After that, there was a very productive discussion about how provide better communication to the public. Right now, we list meetings on the website, but other than the Commission meetings and the Planning Commission meetings, there are no agendas, resolutions, or packets available for the public to see. We only record the Commission meetings, the Planning Commission meetings and the Budget Committee meetings. We had the head of the IT department, the head of Williamson TV and the county Clerk in attendance. All three of them are willing and anxious to make improvements if we provide the tools they need.
We are currently using a company called Civics Plus which is the same company that the City of Franklin uses. We are not taking full advantage of what they have to offer. If we upgrade our plan, at a minimal cost increase, we can have the same features that the City of Franklin has which would include agendas, resolutions, minutes, and information packets for everyone to see on our website.
The recording of all meetings is another issue that needs to be explored and we are actively looking at what it would take to make that happen. I will keep you informed as I learn more. I will say, I was very encouraged by this meeting and I think we are on the right track.
On Wednesday, the Property Committee met at 5:30 pm We went over the there budget and approved both the operational budget and the Capital Improvement budget.
On Wednesday and Thursday, there were public work shops for Williamson County Green Ways Plan. Flyer explanation. I was unable to attend either meeting, so I have no further information.
The Sheriff's Department sent out the following:
The monthly report shows all of the activity of the Sheriff's department for the month.
The JJJ report is an update on progress being made for the new jail, juvenile center and special operations building.
The special ops file is too large because of multiple pictures so, I can't download it here, but the bottom line is that it is projected to be complete by September 17th, 2025 at a cost of $12,831,779.
A vibration study was just completed to see whether or not the blasting from the nearby quarry is causing damage to the current structures or could cause damage to future structures in the immediate area. The summary of the report reads:
The measured PPVs were far below reference values for damage to cladding and structural components. Thus, ground-borne vibrations due to blasting are not expected to damage brick walls, masonry walls, steel framing, and other structural components in the existing buildings and new buildings.
In summary, vibrations due to blasting in the quarries are not expected to cause damage to the buildings in this project or the existing buildings on the site.
To learn more about the Sheriff's Department in general and the Special Ops in particular go here
Next Week:
On Tuesday, the Budget committee will be meeting at 4:30 pm in the Williamson County Administrative Complex Executive Conference Room 1320 West Main Street.
On Tuesday, the Parks and Recreation Committee will be meeting at 5:30 pm in the Williamson County Administrative Complex Executive Conference Room 1320 West Main Street.
On Wednesday the Highway Commission, agenda, will be at 8:30 a.m. in the Main Auditorium of the Williamson County Administrative Complex 1320 West Main Street.
On Thursday, the Public Health Committee is meeting at 5:30 pm in the Williamson County Administrative Complex Executive Conference Room 1320 West Main Street. I have no further information.
These are all public meetings and anyone can attend.
Board of Mayor and Aldermen
There were 10 meetings to report on last week. To see all 10 and their agendas, go here.
The Work Session was held on Tuesday. agenda, video
AI Summary:
Action Items
LisaContinue developing Franklin Rodeo 75th anniversary sculpture planContinue developing the plan for the Franklin Rodeo 75th anniversary sculpture at Jim Warren Park and bring back a more fully developed concept to the board.
Eric Stuckey Explore employee housing opportunityDedicate staff time to explore the employee housing opportunity offered by Dorinda Carlisle Smith, including surveying city employees to gauge interest and developing a proof of concept.
Adam Mosher Prepare draft Safety Action PlanPrepare the draft Safety Action Plan for submission by April 7th, with the plan to be on the agenda for adoption on April 22nd.
Eric Connor Continue developing fiscal impact workbook Continue developing the draft fiscal impact workbook for annexation requests, create cost of service estimations for existing neighborhoods, and complete the workbook for recently approved developments.
Overview
- City introduced new AI assistant "Frankie" to provide 24/7 web chat support for citizens on the city website
- Board reviewed proposal for Franklin Rodeo 75th anniversary sculpture at Jim Warren Park, the historical home of the rodeo from the 1970s until early 2000s
- Dorinda Carlisle Smith offered 6 acres of land to develop 20 housing units for City of Franklin employees
- Safe Streets plan proposed 20% reduction in serious crash rate by 2040, from current rate of 1.9 to 1.5 crashes per million vehicle miles traveled
- Water rates will increase by 6% and sewer rates by 5.7% for 2026 and 2027, with sewer increasing 4.3% in 2028
- Board discussed funding options for Franktown Open Hearts' $790,000 stormwater improvement needs using CDBG funds, county facilities tax, or general fund
Introduction of AI assistant Frankie
- Melissa Ryerson introduced "Frankie," a 24/7 AI-powered web chat assistant created with Canva and CityBot
- Frankie appears on every city webpage to answer questions about city services and information
- AI assistant can direct users to specific pages like pothole reporting and "Who's My Alderman" interactive map
- System provides phone numbers when unable to answer questions after multiple attempts
Franklin Rodeo 75th anniversary sculpture location
- Lisa presented proposal to place rodeo sculpture at Jim Warren Park, the historical home of the rodeo from 1970s until early 2000s
- Site includes 1.4 acres visible from Highway 96 and Boyd Mill Avenue
- Location already has the historical marker for the Franklin Rodeo that started in 1950
- Proposal includes creating a "park within the park" with pedestrian access, landscaping, and space for flags
- Franklin Noon Rotary representatives confirmed they support the historical location and will collaborate on the project
- City can deliver elements of the park through existing staff or contracts for sidewalks and lighting
Employee housing opportunity on Carlisle property
- Dorinda Carlisle Smith offered approximately 6 acres of her family's land to develop deed-restricted housing for City of Franklin employees
- Property could accommodate up to 20 housing units (10 townhomes and 10 duplexes) with one-car garages and 40 parallel parking spaces
- Less than 20% of city employees currently live in Franklin, primarily due to housing affordability
- Project would require rezoning to planned district with planning commission recommendation and three BOMA readings
- Board directed staff to survey employee interest and explore development partnerships
- Next steps include gauging employee interest, exploring partnerships, and defining the process for homeownership and resale
Safe Streets and Roads for All safety action plan
- Kevin Tilbury from Kimley-Horn presented the safety action plan funded by federal grant
- Franklin had 1,700 crashes on city streets in 2023, with 16 resulting in fatalities or serious injuries
- Plan identified high-injury network of about 30 corridors with top five priority areas
- Community engagement included 800 survey responses and input from multiple stakeholder groups
- Board will consider adopting a goal of 20% reduction in serious crash rate by 2040, from current rate of 1.9 to 1.5 crashes per million vehicle miles traveled
- Plan adoption scheduled for April 22nd, enabling city to apply for implementation funding
Fiscal impact analysis for annexation requests
- Staff presented preliminary work on fiscal impact analysis tool for annexation requests
- Tool would analyze revenues (property taxes, business taxes, shared state taxes, franchise fees) and costs (infrastructure, services) of annexation
- Analysis would be incorporated into formal annexation and plan of services process after initial approval
- Development Services Advisory Commission expressed interest in having tool available earlier in process
- Board directed staff to continue developing the draft fiscal impact workbook and create cost estimates for existing neighborhoods as baseline
Water and sewer rate increases
- Fernando presented final water and sewer rate plan for 2026-2028 with reevaluation after three years
- Sewer rates will increase 5.7% in 2026 and 2027, then 4.3% in 2028
- Water rates will increase 6% each year for three years
- Irrigation customers will see 12% increases due to currently paying less than 50% of their cost of service
- Rate increases needed to cover Harper Valley costs (expected to grow 5%) and ensure positive fund balance
Funding options for Franktown Open Hearts stormwater improvements
- Franktown Open Hearts needs approximately $790,000 for stormwater improvements for their new $9 million facility
- Three funding options identified: Community Development Block Grant funds ($258,000 currently available), county adequate facilities tax ($2.78 million available), or general fund
- Franktown must break ground by October 2025 per their lease agreement with Williamson County
- Franktown currently serves 170 children with after-school programs but could serve more with dedicated facility
- Board discussed spreading funding over multiple years to manage budget impact
The Board Meeting was held on Tuesday, agenda, video
AI Summary:
Overview
- Board approved rezoning of 86.52 acres at 1800 Galleria Boulevard from Regional Commerce to Plan PD with 6.94 dwelling units per acre
- Approved revised development plan for Cool Springs Galleria PUD including 600 multi-family units, 84,555 square feet of new retail/restaurant space, and a 120-room hotel
- Approved $750,000 settlement with Battleground Academy plus minor paving work to be performed by the city
- Groundbreaking events scheduled for Pearl Lean M. Bransford complex on March 28, 2025 at 11:30 AM and Carter House Visitor Center on March 29, 2025 at 11:00 AM
- Appointed Meital Nisim to the Franklin Public Arts Commission
Franklin Tomorrow Community Awards recognition
- Eric Stuckey received a presidential award for his contributions to the community
- Matt and Julie Brown received recognition for their volunteer work in the community
- David Conston, a firefighter with 4-5 years of service, received an award in the emerging leader category
- Conston developed summer camp program, internship program, and integrated fire sciences into Williamson County Schools' technical education program
Upcoming groundbreaking events
- Pearl Lean M. Bransford complex groundbreaking scheduled for March 28, 2025 at 11:30 AM along Carothers Road
- The complex will include large play fields, LAG's all-inclusive playground, passive park area, Robinson Lake, and hiking trails
- Carter House Visitor Center groundbreaking scheduled for March 29, 2025 at 11:00 AM along Columbia Avenue
- The Carter House project is a State of Tennessee investment with significant contribution from late State Representative Charles Sargent
Rezoning property at 1800 Galleria Boulevard
- Board approved rezoning 86.52 acres from Regional Commerce to Plan PD with 6.94 dwelling units per acre
- Property located west of Interstate 65, south of Baker's Bridge Avenue
- Rezoning includes entitlements for 1,659,584 non-residential square feet and 120 hotel rooms
- Staff and Planning Commission recommended approval as consistent with Envision Franklin recommendations for regional commerce design concept
Cool Springs Galleria PUD development plan
- Approved revised development plan for 86.52 acres at Cool Springs Galleria Mall
- Plan includes 84,555 square feet of new restaurant and retail space
- Includes 600 multi-family residential units and a 120-room hotel
- Buildings range from one to eight stories in height
- Ground floors will include retail and amenity spaces with residential units on upper floors
- Staff recommended approval with conditions, noting the plan meets minimum requirements but could improve on exceptional design elements
Traffic concerns at Mallory Lane
- Alderman Brown identified Mallory Lane as one of the top five projects in the Safe Streets recommendations
- Paul (city staff) confirmed roundabouts would outperform typical intersections but would be extremely expensive to retrofit
- Current traffic mitigation includes double left turns, double right turns, triple through lanes, and adaptive signal system
- Alderman Caesar suggested studying roundabout options despite cost concerns due to safety benefits
- Alderman Berger suggested phasing in roundabouts over time as development continues
Public-private partnership for road improvements
- Board approved Contract 2024-0253 with Cool Springs Expansion Land LLC for public-private partnership
- Partnership will deliver improvements to Mallory Lane, Cool Springs Boulevard, and I-65 ramp
- Board also approved Contract 2024-0383 with CBL Properties for parkland impact fee and construction agreement
- Approved Contract 2025-0035 with Rummel, Klepper and Call LLP for final design of Liberty Park and Mallory Lane intersection improvements at a cost of $579,500
Appointment to Franklin Public Arts Commission
- Mayor nominated Mateel Nassim to the Franklin Public Arts Commission
- Mayor reviewed over 20 applications and interviewed 5-6 candidates before making selection
- Nassim graduated with honors with bachelor's and master's degrees from Tel Aviv University
- Nassim has lived in Franklin for 12-15 years, has a son at Page High School
- Previously served as a university lecturer and art curator for a college
- Board unanimously approved the appointment
Settlement with Battleground Academy
- Board unanimously approved settlement in the case of City of Franklin versus Battleground Academy
- Settlement amount of $750,000 plus minor paving work to be performed by the city
- City Administrator or designee authorized to negotiate and finalize paving work details
Next Week:
Go here for all meetings scheduled for next week.
Williamson County Election Commission
There were no meetings this week.
Next Week:
The Election Commission is meeting on Thursday, agenda at 4:00 pm at 405 Downs Blvd., Franklin.
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.” (1st Corinthians 4:12-13)
Blessings,
Bill
Community resources
If you like Friday Recap, check out these other grassroots conservative projects!
- Williamson County Citizens is a volunteer network of local voters that elect grassroots conservatives to public office.
- TruthWire News covers a broad spectrum of political and governmental issues, from the actions of your local school board and county commissioners to the machinations of city councils and state government officials.
- Tennessee Voters for Election Integrity is helping restore confidence in Tennessee Elections.
- 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.
Help educate citizens of Williamson County
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