Friday Recap November 6th 2026

My Comment

There has been more than enough commentary on Tuesday's election so I shan't add any lengthy commentary to the mix. As far as Tennessee in general and Williamson County in particular, we did pretty well in maintaining a GOP majority.

If you are interested in getting into the weeds, go here for precinct by precinct results and for just the county go here.

Highlights from this week

Monday, November 2nd

Budget Committee

Overview

• The committee recommended the $87 million Middle School Split Log intent to fund 4-1, with an amendment tying the money to education impact fees, and the appropriation still has to come back to the commission
• The $100,000 superintendent search transfer passed 3-2
• The self-insurance fund gets $1,205,000 from fund balance, which raises the per-employee allocation from $12,000 to $13,000
• All other transfers and resolutions on the agenda passed unanimously, including the Spring Hill and Murray County ambulance agreement and the Highway 96 fire station property purchase
• Participant 6 wants other revenue options, like the wheel tax, considered before a large property tax increase

Tuesday, November 3rd

Parks and Recreation Committee

Overview

• The Parks and Rec committee approved resolution 11-26-13, which amends the 2026-27 budget by $138,955.92 with revenue coming from donations
• Bill Petty was elected chair and Andy Mitchell vice chair, and the committee accepted last year's minutes

Leisa Niemotka, Chief of Staff's Weekly Report

Commissioners, A few updates ahead of Monday’s Commission meeting, along with progress on two major County construction projects and a special recognition of our veterans.

SPRING HILL EMS | NOVEMBER 9 COMMISSION MEETING

Monday’s agenda includes a resolution authorizing an interlocal agreement between Williamson County, the Williamson County Hospital District, the City of Spring Hill and Maury County to address funding for ambulance services on the Maury County side of Spring Hill. Approximately 40% of Spring Hill residents live in Maury County, yet that portion of the city accounted for 58.4% of EMS responses in 2025, totaling 2,152 calls. The average response time was 8 minutes, 30 seconds.

While Maury County is now working to bring the agreement through its committee and Commission review process, Williamson County is moving forward with its scheduled consideration on November 9. We have provided our neighbors with the information needed to evaluate the agreement and remain committed to a fair allocation of costs that protects the health and safety of Spring Hill residents, regardless of county boundaries.

ARRINGTON VILLAGE | NOVEMBER 9 PUBLIC HEARING

Monday’s meeting includes a public hearing on the proposed Arrington Village zoning district. I am reattaching last week’s Arrington Village Commission Briefing for convenient reference, including zoning maps, proposed standards and permitted uses, public concerns, and available Commission actions.

 COUNTY CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS | OCTOBER UPDATE

• Bethesda Recreation Center and Library: The project reports 23.5% of its budget in completed and stored work. Aquatics roofing is finished, library masonry is beginning, and utility work is nearing completion. The current project budget is $32.8 million.
• JJJ Campus: The project reports 11.1% of its budget in completed and stored work, with sitework advancing on the detention center, juvenile justice center, and supporting facilities. Structural steel lead times are creating potential schedule delays, and the project team is evaluating options. The current budget is $341.7 million.

VETERANS OF THE YEAR

Thursday evening was a special celebration of service, sacrifice, and the lasting contributions of veterans to Williamson County. Mayor Marshall joined the Williamson County African American Veterans Foundation to present four resolutions recognizing this year’s honorees:

• Dr. Ken Moore, U.S. Army – Veteran of the Year
• T. Seth Ford, U.S. Marine Corps – Veteran of the Year
• Old Glory Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution – Veteran Support Organization of the Year
• Robert J. Murdic Jr., U.S. Army Air Forces – Posthumous Legacy Veteran of the Year

The evening included an especially moving tribute to Robert J. Murdic Jr., a Tuskegee Airman who flew 20 combat missions during World War II and later helped establish American Legion Post 215, creating a place of belonging for Black veterans who had been excluded elsewhere. His remarkable story is a powerful reminder that service to country extends far beyond military duty. Former County Mayor Rogers Anderson, himself an Air Force veteran, delivered the keynote address. It was a memorable evening honoring the courage, service, and enduring legacy of Williamson County’s veterans.

EMPLOYEE HEALTHCARE | COST CONTAINMENT EFFORTS

As part of ongoing efforts to evaluate multiple strategies for managing rising healthcare costs, staff from the County and Schools met with Marathon Health to explore a dedicated primary care model. The approach could improve access to preventive care while potentially reducing long-term healthcare expenditures. This is one of several cost-containment strategies under consideration, with no decisions or financial commitments made.

BRENTWOOD ELECTED OFFICIALS’ DINNER

Mayor Marshall and Commissioners Drew Torres, Paul Webb, David O’Neil, Jeff Goodspeed, Nancy Bailey, and Tom Tunnicliffe attended a dinner hosted by the Brentwood Board of Commissioners. Brentwood sponsored this informative gathering to encourage communication among all elected officials representing the community.

WORKING GENIUS | MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23

The County Commission’s Working Genius session is scheduled for Monday, November 23, at 5:30 p.m., with Pat Lencioni and The Table Group. This is a unique professional development opportunity for Commissioners to experience an innovative approach to leadership and collaboration. Working Genius identifies six types of work, helping participants discover what energizes them, where they contribute most naturally and how different strengths can complement one another.

Our department directors recently participated and found the experience both insightful and enjoyable. Thanks to Pat’s generosity, Commissioners have this same opportunity at no cost. Bringing this experience to an elected legislative body offers an exciting opportunity to explore new ways of working together and set an example for collaborative leadership in local government. HR Director Clair Cochran will email each Commissioner a link to complete the brief assessment by Monday, November 16, allowing the facilitators to prepare for the session.

UPCOMING MEETINGS

Monday, November 9 | 6:00 p.m. – County Commission
Monday, November 16 – Human Resources Committee – Canceled
Tuesday, November 17 – Tax Study Committee – Canceled
Wednesday, November 18 | 5:30 p.m. – Law Enforcement and Public Safety Committee
Thursday, November 19 | 4:30 p.m. – Purchasing and Insurance Committee

Committee meetings are held when there is business to consider. Please watch for meeting confirmations or cancellation notices.

As Veterans Day approaches, heartfelt gratitude to all who have served our country and to the families who have supported them. Their service and sacrifice deserve our lasting appreciation.

As always, please reach out if I can be of assistance.

 All the best,

Leisa

Sign up and stay informed about the county here

The new administration is committed to transparency and timely communication. Look for continued improvements to our website as we move forward.

Dr. Robert Malone Friday Funnies

Meetings Next Week:

Monday, November 9th

County Commission Meeting will be held at 6:00pm in the auditorium of the County Building at 1320 W. Main, Franklin. Agenda Proposed Arrington Village Map Video starts at 6:00 pm and thereafter.

Tuesday, November 10th

City of Franklin BOMA meetings, go here

Thursday, November 12th

Williamson County School Board Work Session meeting at 6:00 pm in the Professional Development Center building is located at 1761 West Main Street, Franklin Agenda, Video starting at 6:00pm and thereafter.

County Planning Commission will meet at 5:30 p.m. in the Main Auditorium of the Williamson County Administrative Complex at 1320 W. Main Franklin. Agenda

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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 Board

No meetings this week

Williamson County Commission Meetings

Monday, November 2nd

Budget Committee Agenda, Video Committee members: Matt Williams (C) Guy Carden, Judy Herbert, Mayor Marshall, Andrew Mitchell.

AI Summary

Action Items

• [ ] Participant 4 - Bring the Middle School Split Log appropriation resolution to the commission in January
  The $87 million intent to fund (amended to come from education impact fees) passed 4-1. Money can't be appropriated until this comes back.
• [ ] Participant 4 - Ask legal whether Page Middle band room work can use education impact fees
  Commissioner Herbert argued it's growth-related, since enrollment has tripled. Statute bars use for renovation, so Phoebe offered to get legal's opinion.
• [ ] Participant 4 - Get Commissioner Herbert the education impact fee amount that must be spent within five years
  She asked how much of the roughly $100 million in the fund is subject to the five-year spend deadline. Phoebe didn't have the number with her.

Overview

• The committee recommended the $87 million Middle School Split Log intent to fund 4-1, with an amendment tying the money to education impact fees, and the appropriation still has to come back to the commission
• The $100,000 superintendent search transfer passed 3-2
• The self-insurance fund gets $1,205,000 from fund balance, which raises the per-employee allocation from $12,000 to $13,000
• All other transfers and resolutions on the agenda passed unanimously, including the Spring Hill and Murray County ambulance agreement and the Highway 96 fire station property purchase
• Commissioner Herbert wants other revenue options, like the wheel tax, considered before a large property tax increase

Budget transfers

• All five transfers passed unanimously
• The sheriff's department moved $10,000 from building maintenance to water for the special ops building, since the new facility is using more water than projected
• The library moved $80,000 of fund balance from furniture and fixtures to building improvements, because the Nolensville facility is on hold
• The circuit court clerk moved $9,674 from office equipment to operating lease payments, likely for copier leases
• The sheriff's department also moved $6,000 from in-service staff development to other charges for employee service awards

$87M middle school intent to fund

• The committee recommended the intent to fund 4-1, with Commissioner Herbert opposed
• An amendment from Commissioner Carden passed unanimously, adding "to come from education impact fees" to the header, the third whereas, and the be it resolved clause
• Commissioner Herbert wants rezoning instead since some schools are at only 50-60% capacity, and she wants impact fee money spent on the Page Middle band room
• The finance director said impact fees can't pay for renovations by statute, and she'll ask legal whether the band room counts
• The school district says Woodland, Mill Creek, and Sunset middle schools are projected at or over 100% in the next 2-4 years, and rezoning can't absorb Nolensville growth
• Commissioner Williams recommended approval but wants the school board to face closing elementary schools, noting Hunters Bend is at 44% capacity, and an appropriation resolution would come in January

Superintendent search funding

• The $100,000 transfer passed 3-2, with Participant 6 opposed
• Zeal is the search firm, with a proposal of $48,000, and the rest of the $100,000 covers travel
• The money comes from leftover salary in the superintendent line, since the interim is paid less and that position hasn't been backfilled
• If the transfer were denied, money in other contracted services would still be available for the board
• Commissioner Herbert thinks a search is unnecessary and prefers a homegrown candidate, naming Dr. Webb

E-Rate reimbursement

• The $1,577,665.62 capital fund amendment passed unanimously
• E-Rate is a national program that reimburses schools and libraries for internet service costs they already paid

Grants and donation appropriations

• All of these passed unanimously
• Archives got a new state library grant of $4,480 and a Tennessee State Museum grant of $20,330, both with no matching funds
• The library budget gained $19,248.25 in donations from the City of Franklin
• The DUI Recovery Court rolled over $66,220 of unspent opioid abatement grant money from last year's $294,752 award
• Opioid abatement grants to local nonprofits were approved on the task force's recommendation, with the pool brought up to about $1 million
• Parks and recreation accepted $138,955.92 in donations, and the sheriff's office accepted a $32,000 federal Homeland Security pass-through grant for DUI and distracted driving overtime

Self-insurance fund shortfall

• The committee approved $1,205,000 from fund balance, raising the per-full-time-employee allocation from $12,000 to $13,000
• Claims are up about 13%, in line with the national 12-14%, and the budget cuts of $500 per person in each of the last two years left the fund short
• The finance director may have to come back before year-end because open enrollment results aren't known yet
• The school system hasn't processed its matching request, so that comes in January as a separate resolution
• Commissioner Williams and Commissioner Herbert both criticized the earlier cuts

Mattress recycling contract

• The committee approved the Springback Mattresses Recycling agreement unanimously
• The price rises from $20 to $25 per mattress on January 2nd, and over 15,000 mattresses have been recycled
• Mattresses are collected at three sites, Nolensville, Grassland, and the landfill, with no plans to add more

Juvenile Justice Center rooftop equipment

• The commission's overrule of the City of Franklin's denial passed unanimously
• The city requires rooftop mechanical equipment to be fully hidden from the road, and changing the design would cost the county over $1 million

Fire station property purchase

• The contract to buy 3727 New Highway 96 West passed unanimously, using funds allocated about two fiscal years ago
• The area is rated Class 10 for fire protection, and a station would let it be regraded and cut homeowners' insurance costs within a five-mile radius
• The property has a good house, where a garage would be built right away, plus extra land and outbuildings
• EMS could also base a supervisor there

Beasley Drive lease for learning center

• The 25-year lease of 300 Beasley Drive to the school district passed unanimously
• The site will house the alternative learning center and its expansion, funded by education impact funds already allocated
• The upstairs will become offices, with safety moving there from the EMA building and the rest undecided

Surplus items and in-kind donations

• All of these passed unanimously
• Property management asked to be put on the list for 2 surplus vehicles if they become available
• The sheriff's Harley-Davidson motorcycles are being declared surplus to trade in for BMW motorcycles
• Obsolete crime scene and accident investigation equipment is declared surplus for disposal, since no agency would take it
• The county accepted 2 chairs from Storehouse Number Nine, and furniture from Recap Properties' old Bank of America building for the sheriff's space in the historic courthouse
• Williamson Fire and Rescue donated 4 self-contained breathing apparatus units, worth about $47,000, so the county can service them

Sheriff helicopter engine rebuild

• The $189,000 appropriation passed unanimously, paid from the sheriff's equitable share (federal asset forfeiture) account at no added cost to taxpayers
• It's an engine rebuild on a surplus helicopter received free from Metro Police, and it adds 1,750 flight hours, roughly 7-8 years
• The sheriff said the Department of Justice regulates this money and confirmed the use is permissible
• A new website will track part hours so future engine costs can go in the regular budget

Spring Hill and Murray County ambulance agreement

• The interlocal agreement passed unanimously and also needs approval from Spring Hill and Murray County
• Murray County would pay Williamson County $750,000 for the rest of this fiscal year and $1.5 million the next, with an escalator after that
• Williamson Health continues providing EMS on the Murray County side of Spring Hill in the meantime

Public Records Commission per diem

• The increase to $100 passed unanimously
• It applies only to the 2 volunteer members not paid by the state or county, and the commission meets twice a year
• A new statute allows the raise, the first change since 1956, and the money is already in the archives budget

Raising revenue for next budget

• Commissioner Herbert wants options beyond property taxes considered, like raising the wheel tax and adjusting fees for rec and building services
• Commissioner Williams agrees and expects to explore every option, but thinks the schools and the state will have to help too

Tuesday, November 3rd

Parks and Recreation Committee Agenda, Video Committee members: Bill Petty (C), Andrew Mitchell (VC), Nancy Bailey, Brian Clifford, Jeff Goodspeed, Andrew Mitchell, Paul Webb. Commissioner Clifford was absent.

AI Summary

Overview

• The Parks and Rec committee approved resolution 11-26-13, which amends the 2026-27 budget by $138,955.92 with revenue coming from donations
• Bill Petty was elected chair and Andy Mitchell vice chair, and the committee accepted last year's minutes

Officer elections and minutes

• Bill Petty was elected chair after a nomination and second, with Petty himself voting nay
• Andy Mitchell was nominated for vice chair and elected by voice vote
• The committee accepted the minutes rather than approving them, since members weren't at those meetings
• No citizens signed up to speak

Budget resolution 11-26-13

• The resolution amends the 2026-27 Parks and Recreation budget by $138,955.92, with revenue coming from donations, and passed with no one opposed
• It is a standard resolution covering the rec associations, including part-time officials and scorekeepers the department bills back to the associations
• Player fees of $10 to $20 per player go back into park maintenance such as fence repairs, trash cans, picnic tables, and bleachers, and one association's storage building is paid up front and reimbursed
• Other items cover turf care including rye grass on all soccer fields with another round in mid-November, softballs for girls softball, and donations of $1,000 each from the Worshicks and the Franks to the performing arts center

Thursday, November 5th

Public Health Committee Agenda, Video Committee members: Ricky Jones (C), Nancy Bailey (VC Jennifer Mason, Jody Todd, Paul Webb, , Marie Fellhauer, Drell Floyd

AI Summary

Action Items

• [ ] Sarah Bullock - Find out if the 1% late fee is monthly or annual and if the county can terminate if the hospital is sold
  Answers needed before Monday night's (Nov 9) meeting. Section 10.5 interest could be 1% per month (12% a year) or 1% a year, and Paul won't support 1% annual. Also check whether the county can exit the Murray County ambulance agreement if the hospital sale to Ascension goes through during the term.

Overview

• The committee elected Ricky Jones chair and Nancy Bailey vice chair, and approved both resolutions unanimously
• The opioid settlement funding resolution (No. 112612) passed, with about $1 million available against about $1.7 million in requests
• The Murray County ambulance interlocal agreement passed, but Paul wants answers before Monday night on whether the late-payment interest is 1% per month or per year and on termination if the hospital sale to Ascension goes through
• Section 10.3 will likely draw questions on Monday night, so Sarah will check it

Chair, vice chair, and minutes

• Ricky Jones was elected chair, nominated by Participant 3 and seconded by Participant 1
• Nancy Bailey was elected vice chair unanimously, after Paul Webb declined a nomination
• The minutes from April 2nd, 2026 were approved with no corrections

Opioid settlement funding resolution

• Resolution 112612 authorizes the Mayor to execute agreements for opioid remediation and abatement services, funded from opioid abatement funds, and passed unanimously
• The task force received about $1.7 million in requests but had only $1 million to give, so some requests were funded in part and some not at all
• NTSU's Office of Public Health helped review applications based on how each project would affect the county
• Applicants will be contacted after the commission votes, and NTSU's representative is open to giving feedback to anyone who wants it

Murray County ambulance agreement terms

• The agreement covers emergency ambulance service among the Hospital District, Williamson Health, Spring Hill, and Murray County, and passed unanimously
• It follows the $1.5 million withheld from the hospital contribution last budget cycle, while service to the Murray County side of Spring Hill continued for six months without that funding
• Murray County would pay $750,000 for January 1 through June 30, 2027, then $1.5 million for July 1, 2027 through June 30, 2028
• The agreement starts January 1 and runs 18 months, and both sides still have to approve it, with Murray County's process still underway

3% fee escalator and notice clause

• Section 10.3 raises the fee by up to 3% each year, but the increase only takes effect if the county notifies Murray County by May 1st
• Participant 5 and Participant 1 worry the county could lose about $45,000 a year if it misses the notice, and Sarah said contract tracking and the mayor's office follow-up are the safeguards
• The mayor is technically responsible for the notice, though council or the mayor's office often sends it
• Extensions in line with the contract don't need to come back to the committee, but renegotiating material terms would

Late payment interest rate

• Section 10.5 charges interest on payments more than 30 days late, which Sarah reads as 1% per month, and she called 1% standard for an interlocal between governmental entities
• Paul reads it as 12% annually and wouldn't support a 1% annual rate, but is fine with 12% since it gives Murray County an incentive to pay on time
• It's unresolved whether the rate is 1% or 12% annually, and Sarah will look into it before Monday night

Hospital sale and termination risk

• Paul's concerned the county could be stuck in the agreement if the hospital sale to Ascension closes, since nothing assures Ascension would keep the ambulance service as is
• Sarah believes the agreement lets the county terminate in that case but couldn't find the clause, and section 11.2 is a standard termination clause
• Section 11.3 bars assignment to other parties without written permission, but it's unclear whether that covers a sale
• Sarah will look into the termination question before Monday night

Franklin Board of Mayor and Alderman

For all go here.

Election Commission

No meetings this past week or next

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)

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves" (Philippians 2:3)

Blessings,

Bill

pettyandassociates@gmail.com

Community resources

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

• Grassroots Citizens of Williamson County 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.

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