Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Brentwood public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
9 issues with critical priority
Regional Transportation Planning and I-65 Corridor Studies
Commissioner Rick Lundgren pushed hard on whether Brentwood should keep approving neighborhoods while planned road projects (Wilson Pike, Old Smyrna Road, an I-65 interchange) go unbuilt. Staff countered that the city deliberately doesn't widen roads to five lanes, that state roads need TDOT action, and that the 2040 plan and a traffic demand model are in the works. No resolution was reached — Lundgren plans to raise it Monday.
New Fire Station 3 Land Acquisition on Moore's Lane
The city finalized its purchase of land from the Mooreland Estates HOA for a new fire station. Commissioners said the location is ideal and the sale proceeds will help the neighborhood association maintain its roads.
Residential Green Space and Stormwater Requirements
The city is updating zoning and stormwater codes to ensure that larger homes built on existing lots do not overwhelm neighborhood drainage or eliminate absorbent green space.
Fiscal Year 2027 Budget and Property Tax Rate
The city is keeping the property tax rate steady at 19 cents per $100 of assessed value, marking 36 consecutive years without an effective tax rate increase.
Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget Amendment and Disaster Recovery
The city amended its current budget to account for unexpected costs from Ice Storm Fern and capital project transfers.
Teardown-and-Rebuild Infill Drainage Regulations
Older neighborhoods experiencing teardowns and large rebuilds, such as Meadow Lake, have seen increased stormwater runoff and flooding. City staff previewed new infill regulations that will require stormwater mitigation like rain gardens and French drains.
General Fund Revenue Trends and Sales Tax Baseline Reset
Staff briefed the commission on a recent dip in local sales tax revenues caused by state implementation of online destination-based sales tax rules. Officials noted the dip is a one-time baseline reset rather than an economic downturn, but long-term revenue growth will require careful monitoring against rising operational costs.
Post-Ice Storm Debris Removal and Infrastructure Updates
City staff reported wrapping up storm cleanup after collecting over 323,000 cubic yards of debris from Winter Storm Fern. Road milling and paving operations are also underway on Gordon Petty Drive and Knox Valley Road.
Police Department Retention and Compensation
Brentwood is losing experienced police officers to neighboring agencies like Franklin and Williamson County due to better pay and take-home vehicle packages. To combat this, the commission agreed to raise vehicle allowances and shift differentials.