Goodlettsville Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting - January 8, 2026

The Goodlettsville Board of Commissioners held its regular meeting on January 8, 2026, from 6:30 PM to approximately 7:26 PM at City Hall - Massie Chambers. The meeting began with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. All five commissioners were present: Mayor Rusty Tinnin, Vice Mayor Jennifer Duncan, and Commissioners Jimmy Anderson, Cisco Gilmore, and Jesse Walker. Key highlights included the swearing-in of a new Chief of Police and Deputy Chief of Police, the presentation of a clean Fiscal Year 2025 Audit, the recognition of firefighters for meritorious service, and the unanimous approval of several ordinances and resolutions.

Swearing-In Ceremonies & Recognitions

• Police Chief & Deputy Chief: City Manager Tim Ellis administered the Oath of Office to new Chief of Police Audra Cherry-Crawford. Chief Cherry-Crawford then administered the Oath to Deputy Chief Jason DeLoach. In her remarks, Chief Cherry-Crawford expressed deep gratitude to the Board of Commissioners, city leadership, her mentors (including former Chiefs Hutcherson and Goodwin), and the officers of the Goodlettsville Police Department, affirming her commitment to lead with integrity and loyalty.
• Meritorious Service Recognition: Fire Chief Ken Reeves recognized six firefighters—Lieutenant Michael Fuqua, Firefighter Brandon George, Firefighter Brandon Head, Firefighter Mitch Graves, Firefighter Joshua England, and Firefighter Xavier Harris—with letters of meritorious service for their response to a rollover accident on I-65 involving the rescue of 17 horses.

Fiscal Year 2025 Audit Presentation

Assistant City Manager Julie High introduced Bob Adams of Blankenship CPA, who presented the Fiscal Year 2025 Audit. Adams reported an unmodified opinion with no findings, highlighting the city's very strong financial health. The audit has been submitted for the GFOA Certificate of Achievement for Excellence for the 13th consecutive year. Key financial highlights included:

• A debt-to-property ratio of less than 1 percent (the state recommends less than 8 percent).
• A net position of approximately $53 million.
• A General Fund balance of $24 million (87 percent unrestricted).
• Positive changes in net income in the city's sewer fund. Adams noted future focus areas include maintaining revenue sources, cybersecurity, and new reporting standards.

Discussion Items

• Comprehensive Land Use Plan (Resolution 25-1305): This resolution acknowledged the Planning Commission's adoption of the Comprehensive Land Use Plan and confirmed all current zoning districts. Planning Director Addam McCormick detailed 10 vacant properties currently zoned High Density Residential. Of these, four have vested rights while six do not. Extensive discussion occurred among commissioners regarding the future potential of the six non-vested properties. Commissioner Cisco Gilmore made a motion to refer the six non-vested properties back to the Planning Commission for review. The motion to amend the resolution was approved 5-0, and the resolution was adopted as amended 5-0.
• Election Call (Ordinance 26-1132): An ordinance calling for the election of two city commission seats expiring in November 2026 was approved unanimously (5-0) on first reading.
• Emergency Traffic Signal Repair (Resolution 26-1309): Ratified and approved an emergency purchase order (currently up to $20,000) for the repair of traffic signals at South Main Street and Rivergate Parkway, damaged when a semi-trailer took out the entire intersection. Passed 5-0.
• Dollar General Agreement (Resolution 26-1310): Approved a resolution regarding an agreement between the city and Dollar General, Incorporated concerning the abandonment of right-of-way and property maintenance. Staff noted Dollar General recently closed on a purchase in the area. Passed 5-0.
• Mission Ridge ROW Abandonment (Ordinance 25-1130): Approved on second reading to abandon a portion of right-of-way known as Mission Ridge Drive. Passed 5-0.
• Surplus Property (Resolution 26-1311): Declared certain city property as surplus and called for its disposal by online auction. Passed 5-0.
• Teen Advisory Committee (Resolution 26-1312): Adopted the by-laws for the Goodlettsville Teen Advisory Committee. Commissioner Walker expressed excitement for the program and commented on the importance of a balanced representation from public, private, and homeschooled students. Passed 5-0.

Key Outcomes

• All votes taken during the meeting were unanimous (5-0).
• The approval of the December 11, 2025 regular meeting minutes.
• Resolution 25-1305 was adopted as amended; the six non-vested high-density residential properties will go before the Planning Commission for formal review and recommendation (scheduled for March).
• Formal establishment of the Goodlettsville Teen Advisory Committee, with administration by the Public Services Department.
• The meeting was adjourned at approximately 7:26 PM. Prior to adjournment, Vice Mayor Duncan asked the community to keep veteran Billy Lamberth in their prayers and celebrated her daughter making the Dean's List for five consecutive semesters at the University of Tennessee.