Jennifer Ward Moody

The Board of Commissioners meeting included the approval of a parade permit for Cheekwood's annual Classic Car Parade, the adoption of ordinances regarding the Building Code and budget amendments for winter storm recovery, and the authorization to engage with the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County regarding sales tax revenue recovery. Additionally, the Board approved video security system purchases, set a public hearing for an ordinance to reduce the number of Municipal Planning Commission members, increased purchasing authority for sewer system pumps, approved a contract extension for trash collection services, authorized turf and irrigation repairs following a winter storm, approved a paving contract change order, and reaffirmed the city's Occupational Safety, Health and Environmental Plan.

The proposed budget for the fiscal year 2025-2026 includes revenue projections that remain flat due to economic uncertainty and a reduction in investment earnings. The budget reflects no increase in property taxes. Expenditure categories include a proposed minimum 5% salary increase, a 5% increase in health insurance premiums, and a TCRS rate of 8.71%. Capital expenses are expected to increase due to the replacement of the server and staff computers, resurfacing the City Hall parking lot, and the use of ARPA funds for street sign enhancements and a signal upgrade project. Belle Meade Boulevard is due to be repaved, and the TDOT sidewalk project continues with the design phase.

City Commissioners approved a new, lower tax rate for the year's tax bills. The Belle Meade property tax rate will decrease from $0.50 to $0.3011, representing a 40% rate reduction. The tax rate is consistent with the adopted annual budget and is not expected to result in any cuts or changes to the quality of the city's services to residents. The city remains in excellent financial condition and has ended the last two budget years with additions to its fund balance due to higher-than-expected interest earnings on invested cash holdings and responsible spending decisions.

The Commissioners took action on several items, including amending Title 16 of the Belle Meade Municipal Code to add a new chapter governing improvements to Belle Meade Boulevard, approving a contract extension with Franklin Disposal for waste and recycling collections, and approving a bid award for the installation of a new shop door at the Public Works Shop. They also approved a proposal with LDA Engineering for a new work order management system for the city's sewer system, announced Mayoral appointments to the Municipal Planning Commission and confirmed appointments to the Board of Zoning Appeals. Furthermore, they ratified approval of a purchase of labor and materials for landscape services at the Caldwell Meadow, received a monthly report from the City Manager, and reviewed financial statements and investment schedules. The board also adopted ordinances regarding Sewer User Charges and the Tax Rate for fiscal year 2025-2026, and adopted the Annual Budget for fiscal year July 1, 2025 -- June 30, 2026. Additionally, they set Public Hearings for June 18, 2025, on the Annual Budget and Tax Rate for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2026.

The Belle Meade Commissioners are considering a proposed tax rate for the fiscal year 2025-2026 and will meet to discuss it. The city is hosting a workshop to gather resident input on the Harding Pike Sidewalk Project. Commissioners will vote on the tax rate for the next year's budget. The Planning Commission will review new pickleball regulations due to noise concerns, with a public comment period. The Board of Commissioners took action on several items, including presenting an Outstanding Service Award, accepting recommendations from the Belle Meade Boulevard Advisory Committee, approving contracts for street resurfacing and maintenance, and discussing the signal upgrade project at Harding Place and Belle Meade Boulevard.