Chattanooga City Council Meeting Summary – June 23, 2026

The Chattanooga City Council met on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at 7:17 PM (UTC). The meeting included the final reading of the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 operations and capital budgets, approval of several resolutions and purchases, and public comments from Hamilton County 911 dispatchers seeking a pay raise. The council also discussed future agenda items, including a comprehensive safety action plan and a litter pickup agreement with Hamilton County courts.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes from the June 16, 2026 meeting were approved as published.
• The council discussed alternate versions of two resolutions: one corrected the name of the distillery operator (Dam Whiskey Corporation) and the other updated grant language for the Police Department’s victim services specialist.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Jamarcus Williams (Hamilton County 911 dispatcher, city resident, but not speaking on behalf of 911): Expressed that dispatchers are the true first responders and remain among the lowest paid in the region. He noted that over two-thirds of the nearly 580,000 calls each year come from Chattanooga. He stated that all agencies on the 911 board have agreed to fund a phased pay plan except the City of Chattanooga. He asked: “If public safety is truly a priority, why are the professionals who answer the call before anyone else still waiting for their turn?”
• Morgan Jatan (11-year dispatcher): Stated new dispatchers start at $19.27 per hour and that the city has not sent anyone to observe dispatch operations. She asked: “Is it that you have no funds or that you need to reevaluate how you would re-allocate the funds you do have? What is it that you deem more important than supporting the first responders?”
• Cheyenne Bedell (14-year dispatcher): Described the extensive training and the critical role dispatchers play. She urged the council to support the pay raise, noting the cost of losing experienced telecommunicators.
• Brittany Rice: Emphasized the need for client agency support for dispatcher mental health and well-being, and stated she could not work needed overtime during a personal crisis, leading to financial hardship.
• Jacqueline Lewis (East Ridge resident, wife of a dispatcher): Said her husband often works 60 hours a week due to critical staffing shortages. She noted the stress and lack of pay, and stated that if she were in his position, she would “turn in a resignation letter.”

Discussion Items

• 911 Dispatcher Pay Raise: Several council members (Vice Chairman Elliott, Councilman Clark, Councilwoman Noel, Councilwoman Hill) and the Chief of Police discussed the Hamilton County 911 pay plan. The Chief explained that the multi-year plan was presented in April and would commit the city to a significant increase (reportedly ~$1.8 million over five years). He stated he recommended a meeting between 911 executive directors and the city and county CFOs, but that meeting had not occurred. Councilman Clark noted that the city’s comparable analysis (with cities like Clarksville, Huntsville, Tallahassee, Knoxville) showed dispatcher trainees are 5.4% below the average of comps, while post-probation dispatchers are 1% above. Councilwoman Hill questioned the funding formula (the city pays ~50% of personnel costs, the county ~13%) and noted that all city residents also pay county taxes.
• Distillery Approval (Item 9F): The council discussed the name of a new distillery at 1437 Market Street. Onclarification from the applicant, the business is called “Dam Whiskey Corporation” (named after a hydro dam, not profanity). Councilwoman Hill asked for details, and the applicant confirmed they have operated since 2020.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) (Purchase Item #4): Councilman Clark asked about the difference between EAP (Compsych) and behavioral health counselors at the on-site clinic. Mandy clarified that EAP is for crisis support (legal, financial, mental health) while the clinic provides long-term care.
• Future Considerations (Items on July 7 agenda):
  • Adopt a comprehensive safety action plan (presentation set for July 7).
  • Litter pickup agreement with Hamilton County courts: Councilwoman Hill asked how this fits with the new 19 litter positions. The Deputy Chief of Staff said the program had been on hiatus since COVID and that coordination is still being evaluated.
  • Interlocal agreement with the Regional Planning Agency: Councilman Davis asked why the city must define the jurisdiction of the Hamilton County Planning Department. The response was that the agreement is needed to maintain Hamilton County’s payments into the MPO and to define financial responsibilities for services that will still be provided (federal fund passing, etc.).

Key Outcomes

• Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Operations Budget (Item 7A): Passed on final reading with 6 yeses and 1 present. (Roll call: Councilman Henderson – yes, Councilwoman Hill – yes, Councilwoman Burth – yes, Councilwoman All – yes, others not individually named; no votes recorded.)
• Capital Improvements Budget (Item 7B): Passed unanimously (7 yeses).
• Ordinance Amending Parks Code (Item 8A): Passed on first reading by voice vote (all in favor).
• Disc Golf Course Agreement (Item 9A): Approved with Chattanooga Flying Discs Club Inc. for one year, through June 30, 2027.
• American Rescue Plan Funds for Early Learning (Item 9B): Resolution adopted for $250,000 to James A. Henry operational costs.
• Beer Board Appointment (Item 9C): John Law confirmed to represent District 1 (term ending June 23, 2029).
• Professional Surveying Services (Item 9D): Blanket contract awarded to nine firms for up to $1 million annually for four years.
• Water Quality Monitoring Change Order (Item 9E): Approved for $334,849 additional (new total $919,849).
• Distillery Special Exception Permit (Item 9F): Adopted with 6 yeses and 1 no.
• OVC Grant Application (Item 9G): Resolution adopted for up to $500,000 for victim services specialist and training (three-year term).
• Purchases Approved: All six recommended by the administration:
  1. Composting services with New Terra Compost ($50,000/year, four years).
  2. Wastewater renewal with Solution Works ($370,000/year, 5.1% increase).
  3. Odor control fan freight increase ($83,050 total).
  4. EAP services with Compsych ($55,000/year, four years).
  5. Stop loss insurance with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee ($910,756/year).
  6. Consulting services for Mayor’s Office from PFM Group ($100,000 one-time).
• Sole Source Purchase: Noted for police leadership training.
• Next Meeting: No meeting June 30; next meeting is July 7, 2026.