Portland Board of Mayor and Aldermen Meeting - January 5, 2026

The Board of Mayor and Aldermen of Portland, Tennessee, held its first regular meeting of 2026 on January 5, 2026, at 5:00 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting included public comment, committee reports, and significant discussions on natural gas expansion and a federal EPA consent order for wastewater overflows. Key decisions were made to initiate early action projects for sewer repairs and to gauge resident interest in natural gas extension.

Consent Calendar

• The consent calendar was approved unanimously, including ordinance second readings for the 2025 sidewalk contract and an agreement with Unified Disposal Partners for roll-off dumpster services, as well as minutes and department reports.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Stephen Gerda, a resident of Coker Ford Road, spoke in favor of extending natural gas service to Rapids Road, Coker Ford Road, and Oak Drive. He stated that his heat pump is ineffective below 35°F and that propane is too expensive. He submitted a petition with 39 signatures from neighbors supporting the project. He expressed strong support for natural gas as a reliable heating source.

Discussion Items

• Mayor’s Report: Mayor Mike Callis reported positive state budget projections (2% growth for 2026), an audit extension due to federal delays, and traffic data showing 871,000 vehicle counts in one month from seven Flock camera locations, arguing this supports the upcoming sales tax referendum on May 5. He also noted a traffic signal is now possible at Jackson Road and State Route 52, with further study required. Storm damage at the airport was reported, and the new “Starting a Business” webpage was highlighted.
• Finance – Budget Amendment (Ordinance 26-01): Finance Director Rachel presented a budget amendment covering animal control conversions, America 250 expenses, road software, traffic engineer, golf equipment, park sidewalks and concession stand, planning professional services, police technology (including body cams), drug fund for a K9, impact fees for a police car and tactical training, park impact fees for projectors, and a sanitation water line. The ordinance was approved on first reading.
• Legislative – Resolution 26-02 (White House Utility District MOU): The council approved a non-binding memorandum of understanding with the White House Utility District regarding the city’s waterworks system, contingent upon passage of House Bill 1453 by the Tennessee General Assembly (added by amendment). Discussion centered on addressing sewer debt and interest rate risks.
• Parks & Recreation – Loan for Park Improvements: Alderman Brian Woodall proposed a $4 million loan for 20 years to fund soccer field lighting, paving, restroom renovations, and other park upgrades. After discussion, the council voted to defer the item to the February meeting to allow Parks Director Jamie to gather more precise cost estimates for the restroom renovation.
• Police/Public Works – Speed Cushions: The cost for speed cushions was reported: approximately $1,500–$2,000 per cushion, with three cushions on Strawberry Street estimated at under $5,000 total. No action was taken.
• Utility Infrastructure – Natural Gas Expansion: Alderman Charles Cole led a discussion on extending natural gas to Rapids Road, Coker Ford Road, and Oak Drive. The project is estimated at nearly 3.5 miles of pipe costing around $1 million. Council agreed to send letters to residents asking for a $150 non-refundable deposit to confirm serious interest; if at least 15 deposits are received, the project will proceed. The motion passed.
• Utility Infrastructure – EPA Consent Order: Alderman Cole presented the requirements of an EPA Administrative Order of Consent to eliminate sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs). The city is requesting a five-year compliance timeline. An early action plan was outlined, including a 2026 Point Repair Project ($2.65M), CCTV inspections, and flow monitoring ($100K). After extensive debate about costs and rate impacts, the council voted to:
  • Authorize $100,000 for flow monitoring by Utility Technologies (immediately).
  • Proceed with the 2026 Point Repair Project using available funds (approximately $3M) in combination with CCTV work by Pipe Check ($125K and $150K) and Utility Technologies flow monitoring.
  • Issue an RFQ for engineering services for the DeMay Street project to ensure competitive pricing.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar: Approved.
• Ordinance 26-01 (Budget Amendment): Approved on first reading.
• Resolution 26-01 (America 250): Approved.
• Resolution 26-02 (MOU with White House Utility District): Approved as amended.
• Parks Loan: Deferred to February 2026 meeting.
• Natural Gas Extension: Council authorized staff to send interest letters with $150 deposit requirement to residents.
• EPA Consent Order Early Actions: Approved $100,000 for flow monitoring; approved use of approximately $3M for 2026 Point Repair Project and CCTV work; approved RFQ for DeMay Street engineering.