6,250 subscribers www.TML1.org Volume 72, Number 1 Jan. 18, 2021

Mumpower elected new TN Comptroller; Hargett, Lillard re-elected to another term Members of the Tennessee Senate and House have elected Jason Mumpower as Tennessee’s 35th Comptroller of the Treasury. The vote by acclamation was taken during a joint session of the 112th General Assembly on Jan. 13. Members also re-elected Da- vid Lillard as the state treasurer and Tre Hargett as secretary of state. Mumpower will be respon- sible for leading the Office of the Comptroller of the Treasury, which comprises 12 divisions Members of the 112th Tennessee General Assembly convened Jan. 12 to swear in lawmakers and and more than 560 employees, elect leadership positions in preparation of a new legislative session. Lt. Gov. Randy McNally was and ensuring the office fulfills its Jason Mumpower formally re-elected for a third term as Speaker of the Senate. Rep. Cameron Sexton was re-elected mission to make government work Comptroller of the Treasury to a second term as Speaker of the House. better. He joined the Comptroller’s Office in December 2010, serving as former Comptroller Justin P. Wilson’s deputy comptroller and 112th TN General Assembly convenes; chief of staff. Prior to his service with the McNally, Sexton re-elected Speakers Comptroller’s Office, Mumpower served in the Tennessee General The 112th Tennessee General During the two-day organi- his proposed budget and provides Assembly as the state represen- Assembly was gaveled into ses- zational session, appointments of information about his legislative tative for Sullivan and Johnson sion Tuesday, Jan. 12, to swear in legislative committee and sub- agenda, is scheduled for Feb. 8. counties. He was first elected to legislators and to formally elect committee chairmen, as well as Both speakers have released office at age 23. During his 14-year leadership positions. committee assignments were made. COVID-19 protocols, repeating tenure, he held the positions of Lt. Gov. Randy McNally was A special legislative session many of the same procedures set in House Majority Leader and House formally re-elected for a third term called by Gov. Bill Lee is scheduled place last session, but adding new Minority Leader. as Speaker of the Senate. Rep. to begin Jan. 19. The special session ones as well. Visitation to the state The 112th General Assembly Cameron Sexton was re-elected will focus on education with teacher Capitol and Cordell Hull Building also re-elected Tre Hargett as sec- to a second term as Speaker of the pay, student literacy, testing, and the will be restricted and by appoint- retary of state to his fourth four- Tre Hargett House. Both called for unity amidst difficulties caused by COVID-19 ment only. Annual Days on the Hill year term. Hargett was first elected Secretary of State the backdrop of national unrest, a among the issues to be addressed. by various organizations will not be in 2009 to serve as Tennessee’s global pandemic, and the Christmas The governor’s annual State of allowed to further limit the number 37th secretary of state. day bombing in Nashville. the State address, when he releases of individuals on Capitol grounds. Secretary Hargett is the chief executive officer of the Depart- ment of State with oversight of more than 300 employees. He also Cities could still benefit from opioid serves on 16 boards and commis- sions, on two of which he is the suit after new TN Supreme Court ruling presiding member. The services and oversight found in the Secre- BY KATE COIL tary of State’s office reach every TML Communications Specialist department and agency in state government. The Tennessee Supreme Court Hargett served in the Tennes- has ruled that opioid manufactur- see House of Representatives for ers can be sued under the state’s a decade representing District 97 2010 Drug Dealer Liability Act, (Bartlett and Memphis) and was David Lillard allowing a suit originally filed by twice elected Republican Leader State Treasurer seven district attorneys general on by his colleagues. behalf of children born addicted to David Lillard was re-elected Treasury Department to provide opioids and local governments to to his seventh, two-year term as Tennesseans with financial tools move forward. state treasurer. needed to lead a better quality of The state supreme court ruling In his official capacity, Trea- life. directly addresses a lawsuit filed surer Lillard oversees the Tennes- Treasurer Lillard has ex- jointly by Knox County District see Treasury Department and its tensive professional experience Attorney Charme Allen, Anderson more than 270 employees. The in public and private corporate County DA Dave Clark, Eighth Treasury Department internally finance transactions, municipal District DA Jared Effler, Ninth manages more than $55 billion in finance, governmental budgeting District Attorney Russell John- state and local government funds. and related fields. son, and Tenth District Attorney Treasurer Lillard has cham- Both the comptroller and the Stephen Crump. The lawsuit was pioned issues of financial literacy treasurer serve two-year terms; brought on behalf of governments and strives to find new ways to whereas, the secretary of state in their districts and two children improve the financial lives of serves four-year terms. All are born addicted to opioids. The Tennesseans. Since first elected elected to their positions by a joint suit alleges opioid manufacturers in 2009, he has worked with the convention of the House and Senate. Purdue Pharma, Endo Pharmaceu-

Attorney J. Gerard Stranch IV speaks after the Tennessee Supreme Court announced its ruling over a suit brought against opioid man- ufacturers by several district attorneys general on behalf of two unnamed children born addicted to opioids and numerous county and municipal governments across the state. ticals, Teva Pharmaceuticals, and Mallinckrodt were fully aware that their products were being diverted to illegal uses and were marketed in a misleading manner. Mallinckrodt and Purdue Pharma have since filed for bank- ruptcy and were granted a stay of litigation, but the suit against the remaining companies remains active. Funds from Mallinckrodt and Purdue Pharma may still result from federal settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice. A unanimous opinion, au- Jared Effer thored by Justice Sharon G. Lee, Eighth District DA on behalf of the court found hat the look forward to presenting our case drug companies could not “invoke to a jury as soon as the COVID-19 The Tennessee Department of Health has updated the Tennessee COVID-19 Vaccination Plan and their status as otherwise lawful pandemic allows us to do so.” its phased approach for administering COVID-19 vaccines to Tennesseans. For more information, go companies to avoid civil liability” J. Gerard Stranch IV, a Nash- to : https://covid19.tn.gov/covid-19-vaccines/ for intentionally flooding “commu- ville-based lawyer who repre- nities in East Tennessee with highly sented the district attorneys at the addictive opioids they knew would state supreme court, said local State launches plan for vaccine roll out be sold in the illegal drug market.” governments still stand to benefit The Tennessee Department dividual risk and age-based phases. users to opt-in to receive updates Following the ruling, Eighth from the lawsuit, which covers of Health has released a plan and Phases will vary by county based and notifications about their vaccine District DA Jared Effler released a 47 counties and the municipalities schedule for how the vaccine will on vaccine supply. phase and provides risk-based and statement on the court’s findings. located within them. be distributed. A new digital tool is available age-based phase information at the “I am pleased that the Tennes- “The Tennessee Supreme Vaccines are now available in on the state website to help inform county level. see Supreme Court has affirmed Court affirmed our theory that all 95 counties. But because the Tennesseans when they will be Additional information about our long-held position that the the all the opioid manufacturers vaccine supply is limited, vaccines eligible to receive the COVID-19 the vaccines can be found at https:// Drug Dealer Liability Act applies are liable under the Drug Dealer will be prioritized based upon in- vaccine. The eligibility tool allows covid19.tn.gov/covid-19-vaccines/ to Big Pharma,” Effler said. “We See RULING on Page 4 www.TML1.org 2-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/JAN. 18, 2021

review with the U.S. Food and Cleveland cuts ribbon Drug Administration (FDA) for glabellar (frown) lines and is being evaluated in other aesthetics and on Taylor Spring Park therapeutic indications, including cervical dystonia and adult upper COLUMBIA growing facility in the company. limb spasticity. The city of Columbia is pleased to Headquartered in Rushville, Ind., announce it has received a clean au- Fraley and Schilling was founded in NASHVILLE dit with no findings or irregularities 1955. The company specializes in The city of Nashville will fund up to reported by Henderson, Hutchin- lightweight equipment for hauling $13.8 million in public infrastruc- son & McCullough for the fiscal heavy products such as tin for Bush ture cost facilitate the River North year ending June 30, 2020. During Beans and aluminum for Arconic. It development along the Cumber- the fiscal year, the city’s total was named one of Knoxville’s Top land River’s East Bank as part of a governmental revenues increased Workplaces in 2019. new agreement with developers. In by 12.1%, totaling $4.7 million. addition to the city’s contributions, Highlights from the yearly audit KNOXVILLE Monroe Infrastructure, LLC, will include, an increase in taxes in the Two independent financial rating contribute more than $7.1 million general fund by $1.3 million, a 5% services have reaffirmed the city in public infrastructure costs as property tax revenue that increased of Knoxville’s credit ratings, which well as 5.5 acres of development by 2.8%, totaling $12.3 million, remain at the highest level in the land for public roads and at least 4 and a local sales tax revenue that city’s history. S&P Global Ratings acres of land for public greenways increased 8.4%, totaling $10.3 has assessed the city of Knoxville’s and green spaces. The project will million. The city’s investment pro- debts and financial strengths and be located roughly between Cowan gram increased by 317%, earning again rated the city at the AA+ Court and Interstate 40. The agree- taxpayers an additional $406,342 level, its second-highest possible ment between the city and Monroe Cleveland officials have cut the ribbon on a new city park that honors in investment revenue. The city’s rating. Fitch has reviewed the city Infrastructure also establishes a both the birthplace of the city and Bradley County. Taylor Spring building permit revenue increased of Knoxville’s general obligation River North Business Improve- Park marks the property once owned by early settler Andrew Taylor 40.3% compared to 2019; and the bonds and again rated the city at ment District allowing River North that eventually became downtown Cleveland. The spring located city retired $4.8 million (10.1%) a AAA level, its highest possible property owners to voluntarily on Taylor’s property was what drew people to settle in the area and in debt in 2020, while maintaining rating. Despite financial concerns increase their property taxes on was recently uncovered as part of a joint project between the city, an AA+ bond rating from S&P amidst the pandemic, these strong certain parcels of land, allowing county, Allan Jones, and private donors. The park features a gar- reaffirmed Dec. 3, 2020. For 21 ratings reflect a city that’s - finan the city to recoup its $13.8 million den and a reconstructed springhouse modeled on one that would consecutive years, the city has cially healthy. The historically high expenditure on infrastructure over have originally been on the site near Andrew Taylor’s cabin on the been awarded the Government ratings will allow the city to pay less time. Additional future revenues 160-acres originally known as Taylor’s Place. After being chosen as Finance Officers Association’s money in interest for bonds in 2021 from the district would go into the county seat, the emerging city was renamed Cleveland. (GFOA) Excellence in Financial to finance one-time capital proj- the city’s general operating fund, Reporting Award in recognition of ects, such as completing the Public not earmarked for any particular outstanding financial reporting and Safety Complex in North Knoxville spending. Under the participation Eagleville accepts donation high accomplishments in the city’s and the Urban Wilderness Gateway agreement, city spending is capped stewardship of public resources. Park in South Knoxville. The city’s at $13.8 million, with Monroe for city park scoreboards The city has also received a national bond ratings have climbed four Infrastructure LLC covering any award for the second consecutive grades since the 1990s. additional costs. year for Outstanding Achievement in Popular Annual Financial Re- LA VERGNE PULASKI porting (PAFR) from the GFOA. The city of La Vergne has launched Tenneplas will expand its oper- a new program designed to help ations in Pulaski, investing $3.5 FAYETTEVILLE keep local streams clean and million and creating 50 jobs in the Direct Coil will establish its first healthy. The “X-Stream Squad” next five years. The 37,500-square- U.S. manufacturing facility in Fay- will meet every month beginning foot expansion will add capacity for etteville, investing $144 million in February and spend time clean- warehousing and manufacturing and creating 75 jobs in the next five ing trash out of banks and streams at the company’s Pulaski facility years. This will be Direct Coil’s first throughout the city. Many of the and will include an additional $2.4 manufacturing facility outside of streams that flow through the city million investment of new man- its headquarters in Ontario, Can- ultimately flow into Percy Priest ufacturing equipment. Windsor ada. The company will renovate Lake, which is part of the Cumber- Mold started in 1972 and estab- an existing facility at 1810 Wilson land River. These waterways also lished Tenneplas in Pulaski in 2004 Parkway and plans to replicate are used by the city’s stormwater where it currently has more than its Canadian business model and services. Each event will be limited 130 employees. Headquartered processes in Fayetteville. Direct to six volunteers to ensure proper in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, the Coil supplies the North American social distancing can be main- Windsor Mold Group of companies market with innovative heating and tained. Volunteers will be provided provides world class products and cooling solutions. It specializes in with gloves, bags, and bottled water services for domestic and inter- industrial heating and cooling coils as part of the clean-up. national Customers in the tooling for a variety of heating ventilation and automotive plastic molding air conditioning and refrigeration MT JULIET industries. Tenneplas produces (HVACR) applications such as The city of Mt. Juliet has acquired exterior moldings, grille opening furnaces, air conditioning units, 57 acres of land for development reinforcements, wheel liners, cowl and other equipment involving air of the city’s newest public park. vents, and splash shields in Pulaski. Marsha Logue of Wilson Bank and Trust, left, presents Eagleville movement. The Tomlinson property located Mayor Chad Leeman with a check to replace the scoreboards at on Beckwith Road was purchased SPRINGFIELD ball fields at Eagleville City Park. The park features three baseball JACKSON for $975,000. The property is A nine-hole disc golf course will and softball fields. Funds for the project were donated by the bank. The city of Jackson has launched one of three sites the city has be coming to J. Travis Price Park a new app aimed at making city been considering since October in Springfield thanks to the dona- transportation services more ac- for the location of a new park to tion of $3,300 in equipment from a Greenbrier mayors join to cessible. The TransLoc app allows accommodate population growth. local disc golf organization. Discin users to see in real time when buses Local developer Beazer Homes Disciples Disc Golf Group donated celebrate unique connection operated by the Jackson Transit has already agreed to do several the equipment and said they hope to Authority will arrive. The city infrastructure improvements in the expand the course to a full 18 holes received a $35,000 grant from the same area as part of a development in the future. The organization re- AARP Community Challenge to agreement, which will help with cently held an event at the park that help citizens who rely on public planned growth in the area. attracted 60 to 70 people to test out transportation. City officials hope temporary goals set up at the park. the app will help residents have NASHVILLE The organization said volunteers more information to plan trips, Revance Therapeutics will relo- will help install the necessary especially in periods of inclement cate its headquarters from Silicon equipment at the park. weather. The app is part of service Valley’s Newark, Calif., to Nash- upgrades aimed at making public ville. As part of the relocation, SPRING HILL transportation more convenient and the biotechnology company will The Tennessee Department of efficient. invest more than $10 million and Transportation has awarded the create nearly 150 jobs in the next design-build contract for the inter- KNOXVILLE five years in addition to the com- change to be built at Interstate 65 Fraley and Schilling has announced pany’s more than 450 employees and Buckner Road in Spring Hill it will invest $2.4 million to ex- currently located in its California to Bell and Associates based in pand its operations in Knoxville, offices and throughout the U.S. The Nashville. Final project design and turning the facility into the largest new headquarters will include a necessarily right-of-way acquisi- owned by the trucking and logistics training and education center where tion, permit, approvals, and utility company. The 11,600-square-foot employees, healthcare providers, relocations are expected to be com- expansion will also create 100 jobs consumers and patients can learn plete by fall 2022. TDOT projects in Knoxville in the next five years, about the latest innovations in the construction could take a year and adding to the already 250 employed company’s aesthetics, therapeutics be finished as early as spring 2023 in the area by the company. The and financial technology (fintech) as schedules allow. The project was city’s location and proximity to products and services. Revance kickstarted by the city of Spring various interstates was one of the Therapeutics is a biotechnology Hill with a federal BUILD grant main reasons the facility was cho- company focused on innovative totaling $25 million in 2018. The Greenbrier, Tenn., Mayor Bonnette Dawson, left, met with Green- sen for the expansion. Officials said aesthetic and therapeutic offerings, interchange project will serve as brier, Ark., Mayor Sammy Joe Hartwick to celebrate the connection the Knoxville office is the fastest including its next-generation, a new gateway to Spring Hill and between the two cities at the Tennessee Greenbrier’s City Hall. The investigational neuromodulator includes the extension of Buckner communities have begun a sister city relationship and the mayors product, DaxibotulinumtoxinA for Road from Bucker Lane to Lewis- exchanged gifts from their respective cities. Mayor Dawson has been Injection. DaxibotulinumtoxinA burg Pike across Interstate 65 with invited to visit Arkansas in the fall and receive a city tour similar to TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY Tennessee Town & City (ISSN 00403415, for Injection is currently under a diverging diamond interchange. that provided to Mayor Hartwick and his wife Cheryl. USPS 539420) is published semi-monthly except in the months of June and December 19 times per year by Tennessee Municipal League, 226 Anne Dallas Dudley Blvd, Suite 710, Nashville TN 37219-1894. Subscription rates: $6 per year to mem- bers, $15 to nonmembers, $1 a copy. Periodicals Postage Paid at Nashville TN. POSTMASTER:Send address changes to Tennessee Town & City, 226 Anne Dallas Dudley Blvd, Suite 710, Nashville TN 37219-1894. Official publication of the Tennessee Municipal League. Publisher: Anthony Haynes ([email protected]); Editor: Carole Graves (cgraves@TML1. org; Phone: 615-255-6416. Advertising: Publisher reserves the right to reject any ad- vertising deemed unacceptable. Fax classi- fied ads toTT&C: Attention Carole Graves at 615-255-4752, or e-mail cgraves@ TML1.org. Fax advertising copy to TT&C: Attention Debbie Kluth at 615-255-4752, or e-mail to dkluth@ TML1.org. Opinions expressed by non League officials or staff do not necessarily reflect policies of TML. www.TML1.org 3-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/JAN. 18, 2021 Local anonymously pays off balances for Gallatin Electric customers By KATE COIL TML Communications Specialist

While many across Tennes- seans were waiting for visits from Santa Claus, “Ms. Claus” delivered a surprise to dozens of customers of the Gallatin Department of Electricity. A Gallatin business owner who wishes to remain anonymous along with members of her family donated more than $10,000 to pay off past due accounts with the elec- tric department. The donation will help approximately 120 residents pay off balances and restore service connections. The payment is the second such Christmas gift made by the anonymous donor, who provided more than $7,000 last year, bene- fiting 60 residents in the city. The anonymous donor said she A Gallatin business owner known as “Ms. Claus” donated more than $10,000 on Christmas Eve to pay off balances owed by approximately and her family wanted to help in a 120 customer balances at the city’s electric department. Gallatin Mayor Paige Brown said the donation “made her Christmas” and showed year when many have especially the city’s spirit of neighbors caring for each other amid trying times. been hit hard financially. According to Gallatin Mayor ly’s contribution will inspire others other,” Brown said. “However, a give them anywhere between four off due to inability to pay during Paige Brown, Ms. Claus said she to find a way to help someone. donation this large that impacts so to 10 months to pay off overdue the pandemic. was inspired by a news story that Mayor Brown said that this many unsuspecting folks is quite bills. National Energy Assistance she saw from another part of the donation “made her Christmas” extraordinary and definitely touch- For some customers, the do- Directors’ Association (NEADA) country and wanted to bring the because someone cared so much es your heart.” nation of $50 or $100 is enough Executive Director Mark Wolfe same joy to some residents of Gall- and was willing to help complete Gallatin Electricity Depart- to keep their service from being said Americans who have been un- atin. The donor said she hopes this strangers. ment General Manager Mark disconnected due to the financial der moratoria will collectively owe will give some people a chance to “Gallatin has a strong history Kimbell said the department only impact of the pandemic. somewhere between $35 and $40 move forward a little bit and focus of caring for neighbors and this recently ended its moratorium on While moratoria on utility million in back payments by March their efforts on other needs they year has really shown how sup- disconnections due to the pandem- payments have prevented cutoffs 2021 with some needing to pay as may have. She also hopes her fami- portive our residents are of each ic and is working with customers to for many, more than 35 million much as $2,000 – more than some Americans have had utilities cut pay for utilities in a single year. Public Entity Partners transitions into new leadership, adopts strategic plan

2020 was a transitional year for Public Entity Partners, with a new president and CEO, as well as the adoption of a new strategic plan that will lead the organization’s efforts Partnering for Success for the next three years. For more than 40 years, PE webinars continue Partners has provided liability, workers’ compensation, and prop- Are you ready for the next erty and crime coverage, along round of Partnering for Success with claims administration and risk webinars? Public Entity Partners management training and services, is launching new webinars as part to members throughout Tennessee. of the Partnering for Success series. Today, Public Entity Partners serves Beginning in February, webi- approximately 500 Tennessee en- nars covering topics related to safe- tities — nearly 90% of the state’s ty, risk management, and emerging municipalities. issues for local governments across Michael G. Fann Curtis Hayes In February 2020, Executive the state will be offered free of PE Partners President / CEO PE Partners Chairman Vice President Charles DeMore charge to all Public Entity Partners stepped into the role of president members. and CEO to allow PE Partners’ “The Board has worked hard tegic plan represent the cultural The first webinar will be hosted Mauricio Velasquez Board of Directors the opportunity over the past year to ensure that we core of our organization, and will via Zoom on Wednesday, Feb. 24 Diversity Training Group to find the right candidate to lead clearly communicate the priorities guide and define the programs and from 1:30-2:30 P.M. CST / 2:30- the organization into the future. In and expectations of Public Entity services Public Entity Partners 3:30 P.M. EST. Mauricio Velasquez August, after reviewing more than Partners’ membership to our lead- seeks to provide to members in the is an engaging presenter who speaks stations. Mauricio is a regularly 100 resumes and interviewing the ership team,” Hayes said. “We are coming years.” frequently on topics like respectful contributing author and speaker top candidates, the board selected pleased with the direction of the Along with the vision, mission workplaces, employee engagement for Workforce Diversity Network Michael G. Fann to serve as of strategic plan.” and values, the board approved five / trust, unconscious bias, and diver- and American Diversity Reporter president and CEO. PE Partners’ newly crafted priorities for the next several years: sity and inclusion. and has presented at national “There is no doubt that Mi- vision is to make a difference in organizational culture, stakeholder February’s webinar is titled conferences for the Public Risk chael Fann’s 35 years of expertise the lives of Tennessee public entity relations, change management, fi- “Being a Diversity and Inclusion Management Association and the with Public Entity Partners in loss employees and the citizens they nancial management, and high-val- Change Agent” and is a follow up International Public Management control, as well as his experience serve. The mission is to partner ue products and services. session to the “Diversity Today: Association for Human Resources. serving as vice president of Risk with Tennessee governmental “These priorities will help Being More Inclusive Tomorrow” The webinar will be live and Services, prepared him well for his entities in providing effective risk guide our continuing evaluation webinar that was hosted in August includes an opportunity for ques- role in helping the team carry out our management products and services of the programs and services we 2020. Mauricio Velasquez serves tions at the end of the presentations. mission of serving our members,” with a commitment to member best offer our members to ensure each fit as president of The Diversity Train- Other sessions currently said PE Partners Chairman Curtis interests. The overarching values within the framework developed by ing Group and is a diversity and scheduled include Elected Offi- Hayes. that serve as a foundation for the our Board of Directors,” Fann said. inclusion strategist, consultant and cials Liability, Managing Sewer In addition, following a months- organization are Service, Integrity, “The strategic plan will help ensure trainer. Backup and Overflow Claims, long planning process with the Stewardship, Inclusiveness, and that we are aligning our operations Velasquez provides training and Understanding the Basics of organization’s leadership team, Quality. with the priorities of our member- across the country and has trained Underwriting Liability. PE Partners’ Board of Directors “Making a difference in the ship. While this process will not be more than one million employees, For questions about this recently approved a 2021-2023 lives of Tennessee’s public entity completed overnight, we are highly managers, and executives during program please contact Heather Strategic Plan that includes revised employees and the citizens they committed to working together to his career. He has been a guest Hughes at Hhughes@pepartners. vision and mission statements and serve is an inspiring vision,” Fann carry out the components of the plan commentator on “Fox and Friends,” org or 800-624-9698. To register organizational values. said. “The components of the stra- as laid out by the board.” Hispanic Today, and dozens of radio please visit www.PEPartners.org. 4-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/JAN. 18, 2021 www.TML1.org Collierville, White Bluff tie elections decided Kyndra had bought the city manager of Waynesboro Three municipal election races the first time new Shelby County Brewer has so he could from 1995 until 2009. Lay holds that ended without a clear winner voting machines were used. been select- commute to a bachelor’s degree in civil en- on Nov. 3 have been decided Meanwhile, a tied election for ed as the his studies gineering from the University of The Collierville Board of an open seat on the White Bluff director of at Murray Memphis and a master’s of public Mayor and Alderman found itself City Council was decided by the the Knox- State Uni- administration from the Tennessee with two run-off races after no flip of a coin. ville Office versity. Af- State University. candidates in the town’s Position 3 The coin toss was held on Nov. of Special ter 12 years Alderman or Position 4 Alderman 24 at the Bibb-White Bluff Civic Events by as a patrol- Dale Lott, a Kyndra Brewer Chuck Elizondo seats managed to secure the 50% of Center, with Bryan Hill picking Mayor Indya man, Elizon- fire engineer the vote required on Nov. 3. heads and winning over fellow Kincannon. Brewer has been with do was promoted to corporal in with the city Incumbent Position 3 Alder- candidate Eric Mason. The White the city since 2005 when she was 1990 and to shift sergeant four of Franklin, man John Worley defeated chal- Bluff City Council then honored hired by then-Mayor Bill Haslam years after that. He was selected to is retiring af- lenger Harold Booker, both the top the coin toss at its Dec. 1 meeting to serve in the office. She has since head the department’s patrol divi- ter 16 years vote-getters in the Nov. 3. election, by officially appointing Hill to the served as the office’s deputy direc- sion in 2007 and was then selected with the de- while newcomer Missy Marshall council seat. tor. Brewer has played a major role as the next chief of police in 2010. partment. secured the Position 4 Alderman Hill and Mason agreed to the in city events such as the Christ- Lott spent Dale Lott seat, fending off William Boone. coin toss solution to avoid the city mastime Celebration of Lights and Former 17 years as The two run-off elections were also having to hold a run-off election. Festival on the Fourth. Special Tennessee an accountant before the events of Events Office Manager Elaine Speaker of 9/11 led him to apply for a volun- Frank will take over Brewer’s the House teer firefighting position with the previous role as deputy director. Beth Har- Nolensville Fire Department. A Cities can still benefit A graduate of Northern Arizona well has been veteran of the U.S. Army with a de- University, Brewer also serves as confirmed to gree from Florida State University, board secretary for the Southeast the board of Lott went back to school in 2003 from opioid lawsuit Festivals and Events Association. directors of to obtain his emergency medical RULING from Page 1 Beth Harwell tions,” a ruling by the Tennessee the Tennes- technician license and was hired Liability Act, but said the district Court of Appeals overturned it in Scott Butler see Valley Authority. Harwell by the Franklin Fire Department attorneys could not be the party September 2019. has been se- worked with TVA on several issues the following year. He has spent that brought the lawsuit,” Stranch Drug companies involved in lected as the during her time in the Legislature. most of his career at Franklin Fire said. “They would have to be the the suit appealed the Tennessee new deputy Harwell was first elected to the Ten- Department Station No. 3 serving attorneys in the lawsuit, because Court of Appeals ruling. This chief over nessee House in 1988 representing the Cool Springs community. that is the court’s interpretation prompted Tennessee Attorney the field Nashville, serving as Republican of the statute. Since the DAs have General Herbert Slatery’s office operations Minority Whip and Commerce Jim Lewis, been bringing the suit on behalf of to issue an amicus brief asking and special Committee Chair before being city commis- counties and cities, what we are the Tennessee Supreme Court to operations Scott Butler elected Speaker. She also served as sioner for doing is going through and substi- hold the companies liable under units of the chair of the Tennessee Republican the city of tuting the counties and cities in the the Drug Dealers Liability Act but Franklin Police Department. A Party. Harwell holds a bachelor’s Dayton and suit. We are going around getting asking that district attorneys them- lieutenant with the Franklin Police degree from Lipscomb University, retired state those counties and municipalities selves be prohibited from being Department, Butler was selected a master’s from Peabody College, trooper, died authorizing the case to continue plaintiffs in the suit themselves. for the role after previous candidate and a doctorate in social science ed- at the age of and a retention agreement, as we The attorney general was con- Kenneth Winslow withdrew his ucation from Vanderbilt University 77 on Jan. Jim Lewis have already done in some counties cerned district attorneys general candidacy for personal and family 1, 2021. A before this ruling came down as serving as plaintiffs in such cases reasons. Butler has 25 years of Jerone Holt longtime resident of Rhea County, a belt-and-suspenders approach. could jeopardize similar cases the experience in law enforcement, has been se- Lewis retired as a Tennessee state The case will then continue with attorney general’s office is bringing working with both the Franklin lected as the trooper after 30 years of service. no harm and no delay and more against opioid manufacturers. and Smithville Police Departments. new chief of He was first elected to serve on the importantly no loss of statute date.” The original East Tennessee He holds a bachelor’s degree in police for Dayton City Commission in April Stranch said municipalities suit has since expanded to include sociology from Tennessee Tech the town of 2015 and was re-elected to his seat could see significant results from similar suits filed in Middle and University and a master’s degree Burns. Holt in 2019. In addition to his service the suit if litigation against the Northeastern Tennessee for a total in criminal justice administration is a long- on the city commission, Lewis was companies is successful. of 47 of the state’s 95 counties from TSU/MTSU. He also holds time chief a member of the Tennessee High- “There could be millions of being represented by 14 district two associates degrees from Geor- deputy with Jerone Holt way Patrol Retired Officers Asso- dollars coming into the coffers to attorneys. gia Military College in general the Dickson ciation, the Dayton City School deal with the opioid crisis,” Stranch In 2019, Tennessee saw anoth- studies and criminal justice. County Sheriff’s Department, Board, and the Dayton Planning said. “We have lost a generation er record-breaking year in terms of having served more than a decade Commission. of people to opioids, and we don’t opioid overdose deaths with 2,089 Clarence in the role. He also served as the have the funding at the county or Tennesseans that year alone. The Carter has interim sheriff for the county in Tom Miller, the city level to deal with the prob- state’s rate of neonatal abstinence been ap- June until the November election. former may- lem. We have some folks we’ve syndrome (NAS) also increased to pointed Holt has also served with the Dick- or of the city talked to who said all they need is its highest ever in 2019 with 69% to serve as son Police Department, Fairview of Franklin, an ambulance so when someone of NAS cases seen in babies whose commis- Police Department and served for has died has an overdose they can transport mothers had been prescribed opi- sioner of the two years as a U.S. Marine at U.S. from com- them to the hospital. oids by a healthcare provider. Tennessee Weapons Station Earle in New plications Municipalities in the counties Stranch said that anyone who Department Jersey. following Clarence Carter listed in the lawsuits can best help has questions about the suit can of Human brain sur- Tom Miller the suit by fast-tracking resolu- reach out to him at gerards@ Services by Gov. Bill Lee. Before Wayne gery at the tions, Stranch said. bsjfirm.com or contact their local coming to work for the state, Car- Honeycutt, age of 77. Miller was mayor of the The suit’s journey to the Ten- district attorney. ter served director of the Office of fire chief for city between 2003 and 2007 and nessee Supreme Court began in To read the Tennessee Su- Family Assistance and acting di- the city of prior to that served on the city’s 2018 when a Campbell County preme Court’s opinions on the case rector of the Office of Community Jellico, died Board of Mayor and Aldermen as judge ruled the Drug Dealer Liabil- in full, visit http://www.tncourts. Services with the U.S. Department Jan. 3, 2021, well as the city planning commis- ity Act “does not apply to manufac- gov/courts/supreme-court/opin- of Health and Human Services’ at the age sion. During his term of mayor, he turers who are legally producing ions/2020/12/17/jared-effler-et-al- Administration for Children and of 44 due to saw the acquisition of Harlinsdale and distributing opioid medica- v-purdue-pharma-lp-et-al Families. During his tenure, he complica- Farm and several sites relating to Wayne was responsible for administering tions from the city’s Civil War history. As Honeycutt seven federal programs including diabetes. a result of his leadership, he re- the Temporary Assistance for Honeycutt had served as the city’s ceived a presidential appointment served as urban planner for the Johnny Needy Families (TANF) Program. fire chief for about a year. Prior to the Advisory Council of Historic past six years. Samaniego has 25 Tate, battal- Carter has also served under the to that, he was a firefighter and Preservation by President George years of professional planning ex- ion chief for administration of President George dispatcher for the Jellico Fire De- W. Bush. A graduate of St. John’s perience. Her hiring comes on the the Athens W. Bush and three governors. He partment and a volunteer member Lutheran College, Miller was a heels of the reorganization of the Fire Depart- earned his bachelor’s degree at the of the Jellico Rescue Squad. He had commercial broker for Benchmark city’s previously separate planning ment, has Indiana University of Pennsylvania also served as chief of the South Commercial Reality. and codes departments into a single retired after in Indiana, Pa. Whitley Volunteer Fire Depart- department. Samaniego’s senior more than 27 ment. In addition to his career as John Rose planner position was known as the years of ser- Johnny Tate Tammy a firefighter, Honeycutt ran Gem has been planning and codes director until vice to the Dunn has City Wrestling. hired as the the reorganization. department. Tate officially joined been ap- new eco- the department in 1993 after having pointed as David Kel- nomic de- Travis Sol- served time as a volunteer firefight- the city attor- logg has velopment omon has er. Tate most recently served as ney for Oak been select- director for been named a lieutenant out of the city’s Fire Ridge fol- ed as the new the city of the new fire Station No. 2. He is a certified fire lowing the superinten- Kingsport. John Rose chief for the instruction I, fire officer I, and first retirement dent of Gall- Rose will city of Oak Tammy Dunn responder. of Kenneth atin Public support City Manager Chris Mc- Ridge. Sol- Krushenski. Dunn previously Utilities af- Cartt and work closely with city omon previ- Ricky Wat- served as the city’s senior staff ter the cur- David Kellogg Development Coordinator Eliza- ously served Travis Solomon son has been attorney. A native of Oak Ridge, rent super- beth Rowe to advance the city’s Oak Ridge selected as Dunn has served with the city’s intendent David Gregory retired economic development efforts. Fire Department (ORFD) Fire the new legal department for more than 20 on Jan. 15, 2021, after 40 years of Rose holds a bachelor’s degree in Marshal and has served as interim chief of po- years, starting when she was still service. Kellogg has been assistant organizational management from ire chief since former Chief Dar- lice for the in law school as a law clerk. She superintendent of GPU since 2006 Tusculum College – now Tuscu- ryl Kerley’s departure in August. Paris Police then served as an acting staff attor- and has been employed with GPU lum University – and has worked Solomon has served with the Department. Oak Ridge Fire Department since ney for six months before taking since 1990. He was selected amid with city government for 20 years. A native of Ricky Watson on the position full-time for two 33 candidates and two finalists for Most recently, he performed con- February 2016 as Fire Marshal. In Paris, Wat- years. While she primarily works the position. sulting work in development for that role, he oversaw many proce- son began his law enforcement on city contracts, Dunn has served the city. Prior to that, he served as dures including inspections, plans career as a jailer with the Henry in many capacities during her time Victor Lay, operations manager at Vic Davis review, fire investigations and County Sheriff’s Office in 1996. with the city. She serves as the city’s city admin- Construction and as director of op- public education activities. Prior He was promoted to patrol deputy Title VI Coordinator, represents the istrator for erations at Edinburgh Group who to coming to Oak Ridge, Solomon in 1998 and then graduated from city manager in personnel matters the city of worked in development in the area. was a deputy state fire marshal with the Tennessee Law Enforcement before the Personnel Advisory Spring Hill, the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Academy. Watson then began work Board, and provides legal advice has been Mary Sa- Office for more than 13 years. with the Paris Police Department as to all city departments with respect hired as the maniego He served as assistant supervisor a patrol officer in 1999. He became to policies and procedures, as well new town has been se- for the Eastern Region and was a K9 Handler in 2004 before join- as state, local and federal laws and manager for Victor Lay lected as the responsible for the University of ing the Metro Crime Unit in 2005. regulations. the town of new senior Tennessee Knoxville campus. Sol- In 2013, he was selected as the Nolensville. Lay will retire from planner for omon began his career at the New officer in charge of the Metro Unit Chuck Elizondo has retired as chief his position with Spring Hill and the Tulla- Market Fire Department, where and was promoted to lieutenant in of police from the Paris Police De- begin his tenure with Nolensville homa Com- many of his family also worked. 2015 then captain of operations in partment after 42 years of service. on Jan. 19, 2021. Lay has nearly munity De- Solomon holds a bachelor’s de- 2017. Watson has also served as Elizondo first put in his application 27 years of experience in city velopment Mary gree in fire science from Columbia Samaniego the Paris Police Department’s liai- to the Paris Police Department administration and has served as Department. Southern University and an associ- son with the Tennessee Highway in the hopes of getting a job that Spring Hill’s city administrator Samaniego comes to Tullahoma ate’s degree in fire protection from Safety Office since 2007. would help him pay for the car he since 2009. Prior to that, he was from Tampa, Fla., where she has Walters State Community College. www.TML1.org 5-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/JAN. 18, 2021 GNRC honors local government excellence The Greater Nashville Re- gional Council (GNRC) has A total of 1,135 people died on Huntingdon Industrial Park South. announced the recipients for its an- Tennessee roadways in 2020, 76 The Select Tennessee Certified nual Local Government Awards. more people than the previous Sites program has helped commu- “The work being done by the year. According to information nities prepare industrial sites for local communities and profession- from the Tennessee Highway private investment and job creation als working for citizens across Patrol, 189 pedestrians, cyclists, since 2012. The program sets rig- Middle Tennessee is inspiring,” and users of non-motorized ve- orous standards to give companies said Michael Skipper, executive hicles were among those killed, detailed and reliable information director for GNRC. “While we 32 more than recorded in 2019. during the site selection process. To typically honor our award re- THP officials expressed surprise learn more about the Select Tennes- cipients during GNRC’s Annual that the number of traffic fatalities see Certified Sites program, visit Meeting, we did not want our managed to increase despite less tnecd.com/sites/certified-sites/ inability to celebrate in person to vehicle traffic on roadways due to apply-now/. limit the recognition of those who the 2020 pandemic. have done great things during this Tennessee teachers, administra- trying year.” Better broadband access will tors, and educational profession- In its role as the region’s coun- come to rural areas of Tennessee als said they are working more cil of governments, GNRC facili- following a Federal Communica- hours due to the pandemic than tates cooperative policymaking to tions Commission auction aimed before, according to a new survey prioritize state and federal invest- at encouraging infrastructure conducted by the Tennessee Edu- ments into area social services and buildout. Bids totaling $149 cation Association (TEA). The sur- public infrastructure among elect- million were received by the FCC vey of more than 7,000 educators ed leaders and local practitioners expand the state’s rural access to found that 84% of teachers, 78% within the 13-county area. broadband as part of $9.2 billion of school administrators, and 67% Mayors and County Exec- Smyrna’s synthetic ballfield at Cedar Stone Community Park was being awarded to expand access of certified professionals have been utives across Middle Tennessee one of three municipal projects that took home awards for Excellence in 49 states through the Rural working more hours since the pan- guide the agency’s work and create in Recreation and Youth Engagement from the Greater Nashville Digital Opportunity Fund Phase I demic hit. The average Tennessee a public forum for Middle Tennes- Regional Council’s (GNRC) annual Local Government Awards. In auction. A total of 180 bidders won educator had to work an additional seans to shape regional decisions total, 21 different awards were given out to local governments in contracts to provide broadband to 235 hours in 2020’s fall semester that impact their quality of life. the 13-county region. 5.2 million locations nationwide to overcome pandemic disruptions This year 21 awards were pre- in the next 10 years. Winning bid- with 91% saying the shift to virtual sented among seven categories: Temple Theatre agement Agency COVID-19 ders must meet periodic buildout learning has given teachers new • Gallatin - Economic Develop- Response requirements that will require them assignments and responsibilities Milcrofton Utility - Water Qual- ment Planning to reach all assigned locations by that differ from training and pro- ity with Advanced Metering • Lebanon - Adaptive Reuse of Excellence in Land Use Initiatives the end of the sixth year. Providers fessional practice. The pandemic System the Historic Mitchell House; • Hendersonville - Zoning Ordi- are incentivized to buildout to all has also taken a psychological toll • Gallatin Public Utilities Ad- • Wilson County and the Wa- nance Update Initiative locations as fast as possible. A re- on educators with 84% reporting vanced Metering Infrastruc- tertown, Wilson, Mt. Juliet, • Sumner County - Zoning Res- cent survey from Broadband Now, negative emotional impact due ture and Lebanon Chambers of olution Update and Map an organization that tracks national concerns they may become infect- Commerce - COVID-19 Blue • Williamson County - William- access to reliable internet, found ed and classroom disruptions from Excellence in Aging Services and Ribbon Program son 2040 Comprehensive Plan nearly 8% of Tennessee house- the pandemic. Senior Activity Programs holds have no broadband access • Westmoreland - Downtown Excellence in Recreation and Excellence in Community En- with rural communities having the Holiday travel declined 28% on Adaptive Reuse for New Se- Youth Engagement gagement and Outreach least access. Tennessee roadways during the nior Citizens Center • Smyrna - Synthetic Ballfield at • Wilson County and Wilson 2020 holidays with only one-in- • Wilson County and Senior Cedar Stone Community Park County Joint Economic and The Tennessee Department of four Tennesseans saying they Ride Wilson - Older Adult • Lebanon - Scout Your Ride Community Development Economic and Community De- traveled during the period. The Transportation Program Youth Engagement Board - Tornado Response velopment has announced three information gathered by AAA • Maury County Schools and Partnership new locations have been certified found that 75% of Tennesseans said Excellence in Economic Devel- Columbia - Community First • Wilson County - Coordinated through the Select Tennessee they felt it was too risky to travel opment: Partnership Project M o n t - Tornado Response and Part- Certified Sites program, bringing in their personal vehicle while 60% • Smyrna - Depot District Can- gomery County - The Rotary nerships the total number of certified sites said they felt it was too unsafe to opy Project Field of Dreams - Civitan Park • Wilson County - New Wilson across the state to 65. The three new risk traveling via flight. An estimat- • Clarksville and Montgomery Expansion County Flag sites include the Columbia Tennes- ed 34 million Americans canceled County Economic Develop- see Rail Site, the Stewart-Houston 2020 holiday travel plans amid the ment - Rebranding Initiative Excellence in Protective Services To read a full summary , please vis- Industrial Park in Erin, and the pandemic. • Portland - Adaptive Reuse of • Sumner County - Sumner it www.gnrc.org/DocumentCen- County Emergency Medical ter/View/1769/2020-LGA-Reci- December state revenue collections Services and Emergency Man- peints_Summaries_Final. exceed budgeted estimates by $156 M TN State Parks have $1.84 B Tennessee Department of the budgeted estimate. The general Business tax revenues were $3 economic impact in 2020 Finance and Administration Com- fund recorded revenues exceeding million more than the December missioner Butch Eley announced budgeted estimates by $158.4 mil- estimate and $10.1 million more Tennessee State Parks had an should be proud of the way the that state revenue collections for lion, and the four other funds that than estimates on a year-to-date economic impact of $1.84 billion in parks responded to public demand. December were $156.4 million share in state tax revenues were $2 basis. Tennessee in 2020 and welcomed The last year has been trying for higher than the budgeted estimate million less than estimates. Income tax revenues were $1.7 34.7 million visits, according to Tennesseans, but we are confident and were 7.84% more than De- Sales tax revenues were $28.4 million less than the December a report done for the Tennessee the reliance on our state parks cember 2019. million more than the estimate for estimate. For five months revenues Department of Environment and throughout this period bodes well “Total tax revenues for De- December. The December growth are $700,00 more than estimated. Conservation. for the coming year and beyond.” cember exhibited remarkable rate was 6.56%. For five months, Mixed drink, or liquor-by-the- The report notes that local area In total, the report found $1.7 growth compared to last year and revenues are $435.4 million higher drink, taxes were $1.8 million less spending by visitors has a substan- billion in economic impact from were boosted by gains from both than estimated, and the growth rate than the December estimate, and on tial impact on local economies. operations and visitor spend- sales and corporate tax receipts,” is 4.96 percent. a year-to-date basis, revenues are The parks reached historic highs in ing; $126.7 million from capital Eley said. “The state’s sales tax, Franchise and excise taxes 37.46% lower than last year. camping, recording four of the top projects; and $11.4 million from representing November taxable combined were $120.5 million All other taxes for December 10 months ever, and set a pace for facilities and land management sales and the early holiday shop- more than the December budgeted recorded a net decrease of $1.9 future success with $184 million maintenance projects. ping season, continues to signify estimate. Year-to-date revenues are million compared to estimates. in investments in capital projects strong consumer activity during more than estimates in the amount Year-to-date revenues for five throughout the year. Those projects The report found: the ongoing pandemic. Corporate of $259.7 million, or 3.34% above months were $732.8 million more alone are expected to result in over • 14,514 total jobs supported by taxes, or franchise and excise the same time period last year. than the budgeted estimate. The $400 million in economic impact to parks activity taxes, while volatile on a monthly Gasoline and motor fuel rev- general fund recorded $715.5 in the state. • $110.3 million in state taxes re- basis, also demonstrated notable enues decreased by 6.72 percent revenues more than estimates, and The figures show that Ten- flected in parks activity, which growth over this same time last compared to last December and the four other funds recorded $17.3 nessee State Parks are not only a is more than double what the year with nearly 87% of the growth were $3.9 million less than the bud- million more than estimates. Year- great way for Tennesseans to get state general fund contributes coming from increased quarterly geted estimate of $99.2 million. to-date growth for the first five outdoors but are a significant driver to state parks estimated tax payments. All other For five months revenues are $12.5 months is 3.38%. of a healthy Tennessee economy as • $22.1 million in local county revenues, combined, posted mar- million less than estimates. The budgeted revenue esti- well. taxes generated from parks ginal gains compared to recorded Motor vehicle registration mates for 2020-2021 are based on “Our state parks are a great activity revenues of one year ago. revenues were $1.9 million more the State Funding Board’s consen- source of pride for Tennesseans, and “Next month’s January reve- than the December estimate and on sus recommendation of Nov. 26, they have proven more important The report was conducted by nue report will fully capture con- a year-to-date basis they are $10.3 2019, and adopted by the second than ever during this challenging Impact DataSource, an economic sumer spending for the Christmas million more than estimates. session of the 111th General As- year,” Gov. Bill Lee said. “These consulting firm based in Austin, 2020 holiday season and while Tobacco tax revenues were sembly in June 2020. important Tennessee treasures pro- Texas, the same firm used by the revenue collections continue to $5.9 million more than the bud- Also incorporated in the esti- vide substantial economic activity state’s Department of Economic look promising, we will persist geted estimate of $17.2 million. mates are any changes in revenue in communities across our state, and Community Development. in monitoring our revenues and For five months revenues are $10.8 enacted during the 2020 session of and we are grateful for the way they It also relied on visitor spending expenditures throughout the re- million more than estimated. the General Assembly. continue to prosper.” data collected by the University mainder of this fiscal year.” Privilege tax revenues were These estimates are available “This study details extraordi- of Tennessee Human Dimensions On an accrual basis, Decem- $6 million more than the budgeted on the state’s website at https:// nary accomplishments by our state Research Lab. The report assesses ber is the fifth month in the 2020- estimate of $26.3 million. Year- www.tn.gov/content/tn/finance/fa/ parks,” TDEC Commissioner David the impact of the state’s operating 2021 fiscal year. to-date revenues for five months fa-budget-information/fa-budget- Salyers said. “It is a testament to expenditures, maintenance and cap- Total revenues in December are $34.9 million more than the rev.html. the hard work and dedication of ital expenditures, and parks visitors’ were $156.4 million more than budgeted estimate. our parks staff, and Tennesseans spending. Two-day grant management training delivered live and online via Zoom January 27-28, 2021 grant managers, grant writers and Grant Writing USA , 888.290.6237. 8:30 - 3:30 CT administrators from city, county Payment is not required at the time Tennessee Department of and state agencies, nonprofits, of registration. Economic and Community De- K-12, colleges and universities are Continually updated and per- velopment: Center for Economic encouraged to attend. fected, this class has been delivered Research in Tennessee, Grant A special tuition rate of $565 more than 500 times to over 10,000 Writing USA and other regional is being offered by using the code. professionals. hosts will present a two-day grant “Friends” to receive a $30 discount Click here for complete de- management workshop live and off full price at registration. Tuition tails and registration, https://web. online, Jan. 27-28, 2021. includes downloadable class ma- cvent.com/event/ca504008-b445- Dates for this live event not terials in PDF format. Groups of 5 4b56-94aa-64d40972334c/summa- good for you? No problem - reg- or more receive a $50 discount per ry?utm_campaign=east-manage- ister and enjoy on-demand replay person. Discounts for Grant Writ- ment-zoom-january-2021&utm_ anytime through Feb. 27, 2021. ing USA alumni are also available. medium=email&utm_content=t- Beginning and experienced Please call for details, Janet Darling ml1&utm_source=janet. : 6-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/JAN. 18, 2021 www.TML1.org

CITY ENGINEER quests for information regarding risk submitted online at:www.springhilltn. JACKSON. The city of Jackson has management issues; determining if any org/Jobs.aspx. Questions to staylor@ an opening for a city engineer. Qual- follow-up visits or correspondence are springhilltn.org. EOE. ifications include: a bachelor’s degree appropriate; working with related PEP Advertising: $9.25 per column inch. No complete pre-employment testing as from an accredited college in the area departments seeking claims or under- POLICE OFFICER charge to TML members. Send ad- deemed necessary for position. Valid of construction architectural systems, writing information; seeking guidance SHELBYVILLE. The city of Shel- vertising to: Carole Graves: cgraves@ TN driver license required. Detailed civil engineering, or a related field; from related departments and/or legal byville Police Department is now TML1.org. job description and requirements are P.E. or eligible for P.E. licensing from regarding unique issues encountered hiring Tennessee POST Certified Police available online. Applications must be the state of Tennessee; and at least five in the field; developing and presenting Officers. Starting pay based on years of ACCOUNTANT, SENIOR filed electronically and are available years of experience or equivalent as training programs; handling confidential experience. Successful Applicants will HENDERSONVILLE. This position online at the city’s website, www. an architect, engineer, inspector, con- member information, claims data, and be required to pass a background check, is responsible for assisting with the mtjuliet-tn.gov. Open until filled. The tractor, superintendent of construction financial information; participating physical, psychological, and drug/alco- day-to-day operations of the Finance city of Mt. Juliet reserves the right to or any combination of these (at least in special projects; and other duties hol test prior to final consideration for Department. This position is under stop accepting applications at any time. 2 years’ experience as supervisor/ as assigned. Qualifications include: a the position. Applicants must be mini- the general supervision of the finance For questions, regarding the electronic manager in city/county government). bachelor’s degree in business or pub- mum age of 21 years old. Applications director and assistant director and is re- application process, please call (615) Specific job duties include: must be lic administration, risk management, and a copy of the job description will sponsible for the direct supervision over 754-2552. EOE/Drug-free Workplace. able to exercise sound judgment and safety or a related field, or equivalent be accepted until position is filled and the Accounts Payable Division and, in make independent decisions regarding experience; ARM-P is a plus; experience may be returned to City Hall Admin- the absence of the director and assistant CITY ENGINEER engineering activities; assist in project working in general risk management istration Office, 201 N. Spring Street director, assists by serving as depart- HENDERSONVILLE. This position management for the construction of or local governmental administration Shelbyville, TN 37160. Applications ment manager. Bachelor’s degree in directs the operations of Engineering the municipal public works projects; or safety; proficiency in use of Micro- and job descriptions can be picked up accounting or related field including Division of the city of Hendersonville oversee assigned projects to ensure soft Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint; at City Hall or download from the city or supplemented by a minimum of 12 Public Works Department. Bachelor’s contractor compliance with time and ability to work independently; strong website: www.shelbyvilletn.org. EOE/ semester hours in accounting. CPA or degree in civil engineering or closely budget parameters for the project; re- interpersonal skills and ability to work Drug Free Workplace. CMFO preferred. At least two years of related field. Must have a minimum of 8 view all contracts for projects covering harmoniously with others; excellent experience in professional accounting. years of increasingly responsible expe- streets or bridges; work closely with oral and written communication skills; SENIOR FINANCE ANALYST Previous governmental accounting and rience in civil engineering, and 5 years the planning department in reviewing strong analytical skills; knowledge of BARTLETT. The city of Bartlett is supervisory experience desired. Strong supervisory experience or an equivalent subdivision plats and zoning requests; Tennessee Governmental Tort Liability currently accepting applications for a proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite combination of education, experience, prepare estimates for project costs to Act, Tennessee Workers’ Compensation Senior Finance Analyst in the finance programs. Ability to be bonded. Annual and training. Possession of or ability to correct drainage problems; follow-up on Law, and/or federal laws pertaining to department. The purpose of the position Salary: $63,289 or DOQ To apply go readily obtain a valid driver’s license complaints regarding drainage and street civil rights; ability to travel up to 80% is to perform general ledger and fiscal to www.hvilletn.org and visit the ‘Job issued by the state of Tennessee for the flooding; prepare and submit budget for of the time, with some overnight travel; work for the city’s financial and account- Openings’ page and read through the type of vehicle or equipment operated. the engineer department and control and valid Tennessee driver’s license ing management system. Work involves information. Open until the position is Certification as a Professional Engineer. the expenditures; evaluate the work of with a non-adverse driving history and preparing journal entries, balancing cash filled. EOE. Entry level salary: $83,768 annually subordinates and departmental working reliable vehicle. Interested parties can and reconciling accounts, maintaining or DOQ. Interested candidates must conditions; formulate and prescribe mail resumes to 562 Franklin Road, automated files using the city’s com- ASSISTANT TO CITY submit a completed job application, work methods, policies, and procedures; Suite 200 Franklin TN Attn: Celeste puterized accounting system. Requires ADMINISTRATOR resume, and a cover letter highlighting maintain regular contact with consult- Taylor or email [email protected] a bachelor’s degree with major course GREENEVILLE. The town of Green- your career experience as it relates to ing engineering, construction project work in accounting, finance, business or eville is seeking an assistant to the city this position and explaining why you engineers, county, state, and federal PLANNING & BUILDING CODES a related field; supplemented by three administrator. This position is a diverse, are interested in this job. Information agencies, professional and technical INSPECTOR. years of previous experience and/or multi-functional operations position in can be found of the ‘Job Openings’ page groups and the general public regard- FAYETTEVILLE. The City of Fay- training involving basis accounting, support of the city administrator. The on the city of Hendersonville Human ing engineering activities and services. etteville is accepting applications for bookkeeping, and reporting using gener- person in this position will be highly en- Resources website or picked up at the Generous benefits package. Hourly rate the position of Planning & Building ally accepted governmental accounting gaged with other departments, the Board Personnel office at Hendersonville City $44.98; EOE/M/F/V/D. Minorities are Codes Inspector. The position will be principles. An equivalent combination of Mayor and Aldermen, and members Hall. Open until filled. EOE. encouraged to apply. Apply online at a full-time, FLSA non-exempt position of education, training, and experience of the community on special projects, www.jackstontn.gov or contact: City of with City paid and Employee elected which provides the requisite knowledge, grant programs, ad hoc requirements, CITY ENGINEER. Jackson Human Resources Department, benefit options. Application and job skills, and abilities for this job will be and other duties designated by the city SPRING HILL. The city of Spring 127 E. Main Street, Suite 303, Jackson, description may be picked up at the considered. Advanced proficiency in administrator. The main duties of the Hill is seeking to hire a city engineer. TN, 38301, Phone: (731)-425-8252. City of Fayetteville Municipal Building, Microsoft Excel is required. CPA or position will focus on grant adminis- This is a skilled, full time exempt po- 110 Elk Ave S. Fayetteville, TN 37334 CGFM certificate is required. Must be tration, developing and overseeing the sition under the direct supervision of LOSS CONTROL CONSULTANT or online at www.fayettevilletn.com. able to pass a work related physical and town’s fundraising foundation, and the infrastructure director or the city FRANKLIN. Public Entity Partners is Applications will be accepted until the drug screen. The work of this position overseeing the implementation of the administrator. This employee performs seeking applications from a loss control position is filled. EOE. is primarily sedentary. Salary DOE with town’s ADA program. A successful administrative/technical functions to consultant. Under the direction of the excellent benefits package. To apply candidate will be a self-motivated ensure that infrastructure proposed vice president of risk services, the loss PLANNING DIRECTOR. for this position, you must submit an multi-tasker who possesses strong through development plans meets city control consultant serves as the loss SPRING HILL. The city seeks a skilled, original city of Bartlett application. communication skills both verbal and regulations and to provide general en- control resource in the east Tennessee full time planning director under the di- Applications are available online at written, Microsoft Office experience, a gineering support to the public works region, providing loss control surveys rect supervision of the city administrator. www.cityofbartlett.org. Position open strict attention to detail, and is a team department, and other departments. for municipalities, utilities, schools, (S)he will perform technical planning until filled. player. He or she will have a four year Duties and responsibilities include housing authorities, and other public work involving the research, review, college degree in business, economics, providing technical expertise in areas agencies that have workers’ compen- analysis and coordination of annexation, WASTEWATER PLANT political science, public administra- of construction problems, floodplain sation and/or liability coverage with zoning text and map amendments, subdi- MANAGER tion, or like field. A master’s degree and drainage issues; overseeing new PEP. This position identifies safety visions and planned developments, site LEBANON. The city of Lebanon, pop- is preferred. A minimum of five years development work; reviewing sewer and liability exposures and provides plans and community-based planning. ulation 33,000, is accepting applications of experience in local government is and water system capacity in conjunc- recommendations and training designed This employee may develop, update for a degreed, experienced wastewater preferred, but applicable experience at tion with the system managers; setting to reduce these exposures, while inform- and distribute population statistics and plant manager. This position reports to other government levels or in the private bond amounts to ensure city protection ing the member and the underwriting demographic information, and assist the Public Services Commissioner and sector/non-profit administration will be from developers’ defaults; performing department of unmanaged risks. This with Census-related matters; presents oversees a staff of 15. The manager considered. A dependable record of site inspections and estimating project position will work an East Tennessee findings and recommendations to plans, directs and reviews the work integrity and credibility while providing costs; project management; and pro- office. Job qualifications include: -con staff, planning commission, Board of operating and maintenance plant critical services to an organization is a viding information to the public. This ducting site surveys and evaluations of Mayor and Aldermen, Board of personnel. Responsibilities include must. Salary DOE, including excellent employee also supervises and directs by reviewing policies, surveying facil- Zoning Appeals, various committees inspection, developing plans, estab- benefit and retirement packages. Appli- the work of the associate engineer and ities, observing work crews and work and commissions, and the public. He lishing procedures and supervising the cations can be obtained from the town’s utility inspectors. Bachelor’s degree processes; discussing loss trends and or she will supervise the work of the service and repairs of equipment. Also website www.greenevilletn.gov, and in civil engineering or related field observations with department heads associate planner and planning assis- responsible for department budgets can be submitted via email to hrstaff@ required, with five to seven years of and administration; identifying risks, tant. This position requires a bachelor’s and reports. This position will be re- greenevilletn.gov, or mailed to HR Di- experience as a professional engineer internal and external threats, and rec- degree from an accredited college or sponsible for complying with all state and federal requirements such TDEC, rector, 200 N. College St. Greeneville, knowledgeable in general construction, ommending risk controls; reviewing university with major coursework in EPA and OSHA regulations. Bachelor’s TN 37745. Open until filled. EOE. water and sewer system construction, the member’s loss history and under- urban planning or closely related field. degree from an accredited college or A master’s degree in planning or relat- stormwater drainage, roadway con- writing file in preparation for site visit, university with major coursework in bi- BUILDING INSPECTORS (2) struction, estimating, and development reviewing claim detail, loss trends, ed field preferred. Membership in the ology, chemistry, engineering or related MT. JULIET. The city of Mt. Juliet plans review; or any equivalent com- develops loss ratios and frequency American Institute of Certified Planners field is required. Grade IV Wastewater is seeking candidates for two building bination of education, training, and rates; reporting survey findings in the or ability to obtain certification within Operator’s Certification is required or inspectors. The two full-time positions experience which provides the requisite risk control summary, communicating one year preferred. Five to seven year obtain within 12 months from hire. Plus require experience with certifications knowledge, skills, and abilities for this with underwriting, other key loss control of increasingly responsible experience a minimum of 5 years experience in a from International Code Council (ICC) job. Valid Tennessee license as a profes- team members, the insured party, and/ in urban or community planning re- supervisory role within a similarly sized for residential and commercial building. sional engineer required. Applications/ or the agent; drafting letters of recom- quired, preferably in urbanized county Wastewater Treatment Plant is required. Pay range/ $18.25 top out in 3 years resumes submitted online at: www. mendations to members and risk control or municipal government. Generally, Must have a valid Tennessee driver’s $26.35. Excellent benefits and pension. springhilltn.org/Jobs.aspx. Questions to summaries to underwriting regarding three of experience must be in a super- license and clear motor vehicle records. Selected candidates will be required to [email protected]. EOE. members; responding to external re- visory capacity. Applications/resumes Apply online: www.lebanontn.org

No loan is too large or too small

The City of Milan recently closed on a $1.5 million fixed rate loan with the The City of McKenzie has used the TMBF programs since 1987. McKenzie Tennessee Municipal Bond Fund (TMBF) issued to finance electric system recently closed on three refunding issues in order to lower the rate of inter- improvements. Seated L to R: Jason Griggs, Superintendent of Public Utilities; est on the debt. The General Obligation Refunding Bond is in the amount of Milan Mayor B.W. Beasley; and Autumn Stewart, City Recorder. Standing is $2,648,995 and was placed with a local bank in McKenzie. From L to R Jennifer Tommy Green, TMBF Marketing Representative. Waldrup, City Recorder; McKenzie Mayor Jill Holland; and Tommy Green, TMBF Marketing Representative.

See us for your special projects needs. (615) 255-1561 www.TML1.org 7-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/JAN. 18, 2021

Tennessee Municipal League 2020-2021 Offi cers and Directors PRESIDENT Mike Werner UT Boyd Center population projections: Mayor, Gatlinburg VICE PRESIDENTS Ken Moore gains in Middle Tennessee, more seniors Mayor, Franklin Bobby King One in fi ve Tennesseans Mayor, Henderson will be 65 or older by 2040 and Ron Williams the state’s population is esti- Mayor, Farragut mated to grow by more than DIRECTORS 1 million people during that Andy Berke Mayor, Chattanooga same period, according to the Paige Brown, 2018–2070 population projec- Mayor, Gallatin tions released last month by Randy Childs the Boyd Center for Business Councilman, Kingston (District 2) and Economic Research in Vance Coleman the University of Tennessee, Mayor, Medina John Cooper Knoxville’s Haslam College Mayor, Metro Nashville of Business. W.T. Daniels About half of that growth Mayor, Greeneville will be in Middle Tennessee. Mike French Boyd Center Associate Profes- Alderman, Somerville (District 7) sor Matthew Harris, author of Doris Hensley the projections, predicts that Mayor, Erwin Blake Lay Tennessee’s population will Mayor, Lawrenceburg (District 6) climb 0.7 percent annually Terry Jones from its current estimate of Mayor, Millington (District 8) 6.77 million in 2018 to 7.84 Indya Kincannon million in 2040. By 2070 that Mayor, Knoxville number is expected to reach Katie Lamb Mayor, Collegedale (District 3) 9.35 million, with a slightly Christa Martin lower projected annual growth Vice Mayor, Columbia rate of 0.45 percent. ence decreases. Carter and Sullivan urban and rural communities will be be even more pronounced.” Keith McDonald “We expect population Counties in northeast Tennessee are challenged to address the growing After analysis of the population Mayor, Bartlett to grow more slowly over the the only urban counties expected to demand for senior services. This projections, Kuhn created an inter- Wade Morrell coming decades than it has see slight decreases—of 0.46 percent isn’t unique to Tennessee; it is active county-level dashboard of President-CEO, TN Municipal Bond Fund recently,” Harris said. “Falling Lonnie Norman and 0.01 percent, respectively—by becoming more of an issue across the data. (A mobile version can be Mayor, Manchester birth rates and the fact that a 2040. the nation and around the world.” found here, https://myutk.maps.arc- Todd Smith very large cohort—the baby The number of people ages 65 An aging population also means gis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index. City Manager, Greeneville (District 1) boomers—are aging both and older is likely to increase by a decrease in the percentage of html#/3cd94b7aa9d04707a361cea- Jim Strickland contribute to the decrease in 1.9 percent annually, or 2.67 times working-age adults ages 20 to 64, c5a2e1ecd Mayor, Memphis population growth.” faster than the state’s growth rate. which is expected to fall from 58.9 Other fi ndings from the population Mary Ann Tremblay Tim Kuhn, director of the The senior population will rise 46.7 percent in 2018 to 54.9 percent by projections: Vice Mayor, Three Way Tennessee State Data Center, PAST PRESIDENTS percent by 2040, making one in fi ve 2040. • Rutherford County is on the Jill Holland (2019) Mayor, McKenzie analyzed the data and projects Tennesseans at least 65 years old. “Particularly in rural counties, move. Currently the state’s Wallace Cartwright (2018) Mayor, Shelbyville that more than half of the Factors such as declining death rates we may be somewhat concerned fi fth-largest county, it’s project- Bo Perkinson (2017) Vice Mayor, Athens growth by 2040 will be in Mid- and more retirement-aged people about the ratio of working-age ed to surpass Hamilton County John Holden (2016) Mayor, Dyersburg dle Tennessee, with David- moving to Tennessee are driving the adults to retirees,” Harris said. “That for fourth-largest in 2026 and Curtis Hayes (2015) Mayor, Livingston son, Williamson, Rutherford, aging population. has implications for local tax bases Knox County for third-largest Dale Kelley (2013) Mayor, Huntingdon Wilson, and Sumner Counties “The benefi t of longer life expec- and the types of services that the by 2050. Kay Senter (2011) Morristown Vice Mayor expected to gain more than a Sam Tharpe (2010) Commissioner, Paris tancy and the overall attractiveness population needs. To the extent that • The state’s white non-Hispanic Tommy Pedigo (2009) Councilman, Morristown half million residents. Across of Tennessee to retirees will also caring for older relatives decreases population will decrease from the state, 66 counties will see present challenges as this age group engagement in the workforce, ef- 73.7 percent in 2018 to 66.6 AFFILIATE DIRECTORS population increases and 27 grows,” Kuhn said. “In areas such fects of this demographic shift on percent by 2040 and 55.1 per- Tracy Baker, Sevierville (TCMA) rural counties will experi- as housing and transportation, both actual labor force participation may cent by 2070. This decline will TML AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS occur in all Tennessee counties. (Ex-Offi cio Directors) TN Assn. of Air Carrier Airports • The Hispanic population is TN Building Offi cials Assn. projected to almost double from TN Assn. of Chiefs of Police 5.6 percent to 10.2 percent by TN Assn. Municipal Clerks & Recorders 2040, bringing it to roughly TN Government Finance Offi cers Assn. 800,000. though experts say younger works TN Fire Chiefs Assn. The U.S. population grew homes Americans are seeking • With 1.32 million residents, the may continue to choose urban areas TN Fire Safety Inspectors at its lowest pace between as millions of Americans moved black non-Hispanic population TN Assn. of Floodplain Management so long as discounted rents can be 2019 and 2020 in more than during 2020, many moved to the will remain the second largest TN Assn. Housing & Redevel. Auth. Southern states in- maintained. a century with population West and South. racial group in 2040. However, TN Municipal Attorneys Assn. cluding Tennessee, Arkansas, North growth on track to be the the state’s Hispanic population TN Municipal Judges Conference Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama TN Chapter, American Public Works lowest in the 2010s of any The U.S. shattered fi nancial re- is projected to become the , and Florida along with Oregon, Ar- TN Recreation and Parks Assn. decade in American history cords for disaster recovery costs second-largest racial group according to newly released izona, Idaho, Wyoming and South TN Chapter, American Planning in 2020 with 22 storms that caused by 2063 with 1.47 million TN Personnel Management Assn. data from the U.S. Census Dakota saw some of the biggest net at least $1 billion in damage each. residents. TN Assn. of Public Purchasing Bureau. The U.S. population gains in populations with Vermont Hurricane Laura proved the most TN Section, Institute of Transport only grew by 0.35% between and Delaware also reporting an in- expensive storm of 2020 with a cate- * The study uses birth and death TN Public Transportation Assoc. July 2019 and July 2020, fl ux of new residents. Meanwhile, gory 4 storm that created $19 billion Assoc. Independent & Municipal Schools records provided by the Tennessee the lowest annual growth states including California, North in damage and killed 42 people. TN Renewable Energy & Economic Department of Health’s Offi ce of rate since 1900. When the Dakota, Kansas, Illinois, Ohio, New Altogether, the U.S. incurred $95 Development Council Vital Statistics and migration data 2020 Census numbers are York, New Jersey, Connecticut, billion worth of disaster damage and TN Urban Forestry Council from US Census Bureau. TN Stormwater Assn announced, the U.S. is poised Maryland, and Massachusetts saw saw the deaths of 261 people from to see the lowest growth of the largest decreases in population. wildfi res, tornados, hurricanes, and TML SPONSORS any decade since the first Americans wanting more space also other storms. The previous record 5 STAR SPONSOR census was conducted in saw an increase in sales of suburban for most expensive disasters was Voya Financial Advisors 4 STAR SPONSOR 1790. While the growth rate and rural homes as well as luxury set in 2017 and 2011, both of which Blue Cross Blue Shield reported between 2019 and housing in cities. Buyers are also incurred $16 billion in damage from 3 STAR SPONSOR 2020 could refl ect some stag- looking for homes with spaces for severe storms in total. Weather First Horizon Bank nation due to the COVID-19 remote offi ces and remote learning offi cials also reported that 2020 2 STAR SPONSOR pandemic, offi cials said the as well as home gyms. Residences was the fi fth hottest year on record Alexander, Thompson, Arnold, CRA’s low numbers refl ect recent that can accommodate multiple gen- with all fi ve of the hottest years on March 15-16, 2021 Alliance Water Resources Bank of America trends of fewer births, more erations of a family with guesthouses record having occurred since 2012. TML Legislative Conference Bank of New York Mellon, Co. deaths, and uneven immigra- or suites are also selling better, with Additionally, 2020 saw the largest Virtual Event Entegrity tion, partially due to recent many Americans taking elderly rel- wildfi re damage ever reported in Waste Management Inc. of Tennessee federal restrictions. atives out of nursing home facilities the U.S. with a record 10.3 million July 31 - Aug 3, 2021 1 STAR SPONSOR due to risk factors. Major urban areas acres burning. The previous record TML Annual Conference Charter Communications The pandemic has changed are seeing the greatest population was 10.1 million acres set in 2015. Chattanooga Employee Benefi t Specialists, Inc. where and the types of losses as a result of the pandemic J.R. Wauford & Co. Consulting Engineers Local Govt. Corporation Mattern & Craig, Inc. NORESCO Pavement Restorations, Inc. Republic Services Smith Seckman Reid Tennessee 811 Trane Commercial Systems & Services TLM Associates, Inc. Waste Connections of Tennessee Inc. Waste Industries USA, Inc. TML SPONSORED PROGRAMS Public Entity Partners Tennessee Health Works Tennessee Municipal Bond Fund TML PARTNERED PROGRAMS American Fidelity GovCard GovDeals Omni Partners Peachtree Recovery Services, Inc. Reach Alert TN Drug Card VC3 TML STAFF Anthony Haynes, Executive Director Chad Jenkins, Deputy Director Mark Barrett, Legislative Research Analyst Kate Coil, Communications Specialist Jackie Gupton, Administrative Assistant Carole Graves, Communications Director & Editor, Tennessee Town & City Sylvia Harris, Conference Planning Director John Holloway, Government Relations Debbie Kluth, Marketing Director / Member Services Kevin Krushenski, Legislative Research Analyst Denise Paige, Government Relations 8-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/JAN. 18, 2021 www.TML1.org Haynes details goals, hopes for Municipal League’s future

BY KATE COIL TML Communications Specialist

As a new year begins, Anthony Haynes, the new Tennessee Municipal League exec- utive director, is looking forward to setting new goals and attaining new achievements for the organization. A native of Trenton, Haynes earned his bachelor’s degree in agriculture at the University of Tennessee Martin and then a master’s degree in public administration from Memphis State University. He also attended the Institute of Executive Man- agement (IEM) at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education. He began his career in public service in Washington, D.C., holding numerous roles Anthony Haynes including director of government relations TML Executive Director for the National Association of Conserva- tion Districts; as a congressional liaison for Right: During his tenure at UT, Anthony two Secretaries of Agriculture; as deputy Haynes addresses a Weststar Leadership administrator of the USDA Rural Utilities Class at the Old Supreme Court Chambers Service, formerly the Rural Electrification at the state Capitol. Administration; and as deputy governor of the Rural Telephone Bank. During his time at USDA, he received the department’s highest award – “The Silver Plow Award” – for his work as a member of the Secretary’s Civil Rights Task Force. He returned to his home state in 2002 to serve as executive director of the Ten- nessee Emergency Communications Board. During his tenure, the board was voted “Best State or Regional Program” by the E-911 Institute in Washington, D.C., and led Tennessee to be one of the first states in the nation to complete wireless E-911 coverage statewide. Haynes then went to work for the Uni- versity of Tennessee where he served as director of state relations and associate vice president at UT, as well as vice president for government relations and advocacy before coming to TML.

TT&C: You’ve had an impressive career in government relations. What first in- terested you in government and public service? Anthony Haynes: I’ve always had an inter- est and a calling in the public’s business. I grew up in a household where my father was a federal government employee – he worked for the USDA Soil Conservation Service – and my mother worked for our rural electric Haynes, far right, discusses agriculture in Tennessee and the University of Tennessee’s Institute of Agriculture with Tennessee co-op, a non-profit utility. State House Majority Leader William Lamberth, left, and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue, center. A longtime advo- Just knowing the importance of their cate of farms and farmers, Haynes worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture for several years in Washington, D.C., before work, as well as seeing them help the older returning back home to Tennessee. people in our community, it really shaped my view of the world. It helped confirm that public service and serving the community was honorable work. “When actions taken by either the state or federal TT&C: How have your various roles with USDA, the Tennessee Emergency Com- government make it hard munications Board, and the University on local governments to of Tennessee helped prepare you for your role with TML? plan, manage or lead, AH: I can’t think of a job I’ve had since graduating from college that didn’t have the ultimate impact is on some aspect that directly impacted munici- their ability to grow jobs, palities. I think of the issues I worked on at those jobs: water quality, rural development, improve community qual- public power, emergency communications, ity of life and plan for the broadband, and bridging the digital divide. In my last job at UT – as with any land future.” grant university – we worked with towns, cities, and the state to improve the lives and — Anthony Haynes, economic prosperity of its citizens. I think TML Executive Director all those experiences helped prepare me – to understand the issues and see all sides. Through my work at the state E-911 process of developing a new strategic plan board and UT, I traveled all across the state and membership/stakeholder survey. I’ve and learned so much about what is going on asked UT-MTAS for their assistance as the in different communities. I am a firm believ- staff and board engage our partners, mem- er that this state has an enormous amount bership and key stakeholders in these two of untapped potential in terms of economic initiatives. opportunity and growth. To realize it, it is just a matter of pulling together the right TT&C: Long-term, what do you hope people and facilitating their work. What is TML as an organization will accomplish good for one town or city, is good for all or will be recognized for? Tennessee. We really have to start looking at AH: Four things. One, an even greater uni- the world that way. The more we do to help fied voice and unified movement. We, as each other, the more we do to help ourselves. municipal leaders, have to stick together. Haynes, left, speaks with Tennessee Lt. Gov. Randy McNally, right, at the University We have to stand together as one. When of Tennessee’s Howard Baker Center for Public Policy. In his more than 15 years TT&C: Certainly, you have had a long we do that, we will not only be a respected of service to the University of Tennessee, Haynes has forged bonds with numerous and successful tenure with the University voice, but we will get the outcomes that all lawmakers. of Tennessee. Why did you want to pursue of us want for our towns and cities. this opportunity with TML? Second, enjoy even greater respect and on the job I have seen in abundance. We need to grow jobs, improve community quality of AH: It was a tug. I had a wonderful of job credibility. We want when TML is men- others to see that as well. life and plan for the future. at a university I loved — almost as much tioned that there is nothing but complete We can help our towns and cities by as my wife and family. I have always had respect for it. And when we speak, our TT&C: What are you most looking for- working to secure positive outcomes at the an incredible passion for work at the inter- recommendations are taken. That takes ward to when it comes to working with state and federal level. We have a number of section of government, politics, and public work, a lot of engagement, and also being TML’s membership? years of collective experience and expertise advocacy, especially on a grand scale. TML very conscious of the responsibility we all AH: For me, it is collaborating with local among the TML staff, board and grassroots presented a leadership opportunity that have to protect and promote the brand of leaders in making great things happen for leaders. Bringing all these people together directly benefits everyone that lives in the TML, what it stands for, and the people it our communities, and ultimately our state. and effectively engaging with state and state of Tennessee. That had great appeal. represents. When we get through the pandemic, I am federal government leaders, will result in Third, communications and visibility. eager to meet with our membership in their more positive results and overcoming our TT&C: What are some of your short- Communications are critically important communities because that is where great potential challenges. term goals and objectives for TML? not only among our membership but how things happen and the work gets done. AH: I think right now it’s important that I we move the organization and our interests TT&C: How would you describe your re- continue to assess the real strengths, capaci- forward. We need to constantly be seen and TT&C: What do you think are the biggest lationship with members of the Tennessee ty and opportunities of our organization and heard on issues that our communities and issues facing municipalities today? How General Assembly? its members. I believe the full leadership state struggle with. do we tackle those issues? AH: I have been very fortunate to enjoy the potential of our organization and how it can Last but not least is value. We want AH: Many of the greatest issues we face are relationships I’ve had with legislators and move Tennessee forward has largely gone every member of TML, every municipal tied to managing today’s economic and po- officials over the last 15 years. I’ve been untapped. We need to change that. That employee, and even the people of the state litical uncertainty and resulting risks. Local fortunate to enjoy their trust and benefited starts with the current legislative session of Tennessee to recognize the value TML leaders are very creative and capable. They from being able to work with them on key and helping lead our communities through brings to the table. They may not know what can manage through just about anything or issues of the state. A lot of members of the the pandemic. all we do, but they need to have a positive any situation. But when actions taken by General Assembly and state government I also want TML to meet, if not exceed association when they hear TML because either the state or federal government make over the years have become like extended the expectations of all members and stake- they know we are adding value to the state. it hard on local governments to plan, manage family. That dynamic motivates me even holders. To that end, we will soon start the That value is something in the first 45 days or lead, the ultimate impact is on their ability more to be a good partner.