City Council

January 9, 2019 The City Council of the City of Murfreesboro, Rutherford County, Tennessee, met in regular session in the Council Chambers at City Hall at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, January 9, 2019, with Mayor Shane McFarland present and presiding and with the following Council Members present and in attendance, to wit: Madelyn Scales Harris Rick LaLance Ronnie Martin Bill Shacklett Eddie Smotherman Kirt Wade The following representatives of the City were also present: Craig Tindall, City Manager Adam Tucker, City Attorney Melissa Wright, City Recorder/ Finance Director Gary Whitaker, Assistant City Manager Darren Gore, Assistant City Manager Utility Enterprise Erin Tucker, Budget Director Greg McKnight, Director Project Development Angela Jackson, Executive Director Community Services The Budget Director gave a PowerPoint presentation to Council regarding a mid-year budget review for FY 2019. Council and staff discussed status of specific revenues, expenses and long-range plans for various services. Council expressed thanks for bringing this to them before budget discussions began. The City Manager presented a PowerPoint presentation regarding the City of Murfreesboro Hotel/Motel Occupancy Tax. The recommendation to Council is to double the tax rate, from 2.5% to 5%, as Rutherford County did in 2016. Additionally, the Rutherford County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau allocation would drop to 15% of the 5%, making them whole from the current 30% of the 2.5%. The new allocation for the Stones River Trail Maintenance would drop to 5% of the 5%, currently 10% of 2.5%. The 80% of 5% allocated to the General Fund, formerly 60% of 2.5%, would be used to promote tourism and secure economic development projects that enhance business relocation and employment opportunities. Discussion of timing for the new rate to begin, how the funds would be utilized and the need for goals and follow-up a part of the general discussion. An ordinance will be presented at the next meeting for Council consideration. Randy Caldwell, Ragan Smith, presented a study of impact fee data in the neighboring municipalities around Middle Tennessee. Impact fees reviewed included roads, schools, parks & recreation and public safety. After answering questions from Council, Mr. Caldwell indicated proposals for impact fees the City might consider implementing would be presented at a future meeting.  January 9, 2019 Page 2 The City Manager shared with Council that the February workshop would include discussion on the City’s defined benefit pension plan. Also, he recommended that the Council have a guided retreat for discussion of the FY 2020 budget and planning activities. It was decided to have the February Council workshop meeting at the Police Headquarters community room. There being no further business, Mayor McFarland adjourned this meeting at 1:15 p.m. SHANE MCFARLAND - MAYOR ATTEST: MELISSA B. WRIGHT - CITY RECORDER