Justin Belew

The board reviewed a proposed balanced budget for the upcoming fiscal year and received updates regarding upcoming concert events. A public hearing was held concerning a zoning ordinance amendment to re-zone specific property from residential to commercial, which was subsequently approved. Furthermore, the board adopted the Future Land Use Plan and Major Thoroughfare Plan, authorized renovations for the old West Highland Gym, and called for an election of council seats and the mayoral position. Appointments were confirmed for the Beer Board and the Tennessee Southern Railroad Authority Board, and a master services agreement for professional engineering consultancy was authorized.

The council accepted the January 2026 LUS financials and received updates regarding the ongoing budget process and infrastructure improvements on the baseball fields. Personnel changes within the Fire Department were noted, with the appointments of a new Battalion Chief and Captain. The council approved the first reading of an ordinance to amend the zoning classification of approximately 23 acres of property from Commercial to High-Density Residential. Additionally, a resolution was approved to provide appropriations to a list of non-profit organizations for the upcoming 2026-2027 fiscal year.

The council discussed various items including a presentation on a local blood drive and a display of artwork from local high school students. Financial statements were accepted, and reports were provided on the upcoming fiscal year budget and spring sports programs. The council approved multiple ordinances on second reading, including those regarding municipal auditorium reservation fees and the regulation of sober living homes. Additionally, a zoning amendment was approved on first reading, and the council authorized a resolution for a lease agreement addendum with the local Rotary Club and the purchase of a new truck chassis.

The meeting included an update on progress at the municipal airport, which was recently named Airport of the Year, as well as status reports regarding the budget process and the police department. Public hearings were held regarding a rezone ordinance and an annexation proposal near Tripp Road. The Board approved the second reading of an ordinance to rezone property from commercial to high-density residential and the first readings of ordinances regarding auditorium reservation fees and sober living home regulations. Additionally, several resolutions were passed, including the annexation of territory, the appointment of an accounting firm for an audit, the declaration of surplus property for various departments, a lease agreement for a school gymnasium, an economic impact plan for a hotel project, and the procurement of new laptops for the police department.

The Board of Mayor and Council of the City of Lawrenceburg convened to discuss and amend ordinances related to zoning, particularly concerning the Historic Zoning Overlay District. The amendments aim to strengthen regulations and standards for historic preservation, including defining historic districts and landmarks, establishing the Historic Zoning Commission, and outlining procedures for construction, alteration, demolition, and economic hardship considerations within the historic district.