Portland, TN Board of Mayor and Aldermen Meeting Summary for April 20, 2026

The Board of Mayor and Aldermen of Portland, Tennessee, convened on April 20, 2026, at 5:00 PM in the City Hall Council Chambers, presided over by Mayor Mike Callis. The meeting covered a presentation on an upcoming sales tax referendum, updates to public comment rules, a denied gas line extension, and a discussion on liability for a wastewater treatment plant change order.

Consent Calendar

• The agenda was approved with amendments, including removing a duplicate ordinance and adding Resolution 26-34 for the drought management group.
• The consent calendar passed unanimously, including Developer's Agreements for water mains (Fleming Road, Highway 259), a vehicle impoundment fee schedule update (Ordinance 26-14), an airport authority appointment (Resolution 26-31), and prior meeting minutes.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public signed up to speak during the public comment period. No public hearings were conducted.

Discussion Items

• Mayor's Tax Referendum Presentation: Mayor Callis presented a detailed comparison regarding the Portland Investment Act on the May 5th ballot. He stated the half-penny sales tax increase would generate revenue equivalent to a 21.5-cent property tax increase. He illustrated that a homeowner with a $350,000 home would pay $188 more under a property tax hike, while to equal that via the sales tax, a resident would need to spend over $37,000 annually in city purchases ($700/week). He emphasized that Portland's daytime population of 45,346 is 3.2 times its resident population, arguing the sales tax allows non-residents using city services to contribute. He expressed full support for the referendum.
• Fire Department - Ordinance 26-17 (OSHA Plan): First reading of an updated Occupational Safety and Health Program Plan. The board passed an amendment to repeal and replace the prior ordinance. Passed as amended.
• Fire Department - BRIC Grant Discussion: Chief McDowell discussed applying for a FEMA Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant (75% federal, 25% local match) for a potential third fire station combined with a backup dispatch and satellite police station. Council voiced support for continuing the application process.
• Legislative - Resolution 26-33 (Public Comments): Mayor Callis presented an updated public comment policy to comply with state law (Public Chapter 620). The board amended the resolution to set the first comment period (agenda-related, at the beginning) to 5 minutes, and the second period (germane to governmental authority, at the end) to 3 minutes. Passed.
• Public Works - Ordinance 26-15 (Detention Pond): First reading to accept the low bid of $85,000 from McCoy Construction for the Airport Road Detention Pond project. The bid was significantly lower than other bids (over $2 million); the contractor stated he has a buyer (TVA) for the excavated dirt. Passed.
• Utility Infrastructure - Resolution 26-32 (Gas Extension): The proposed natural gas extension for Coker Ford and Rapids Road was denied due to low interest (27 deposits from over 100 property owners). The board voted to refund the deposits and not proceed with the project.
• Utility Infrastructure - Ordinance 26-16 (WWTP Change Order): First reading of a $78,528.67 change order (Change Order #7) with Cumberland Valley Constructors to correct a chemical feed line issue at the wastewater treatment plant. Jessica from OHM explained the current design causes microflock problems and requires dedicated coagulant feed lines. Aldermen expressed strong opposition to the city paying the cost, identifying it as a potential design flaw by the engineer (Hethcoat & Davis) or equipment supplier (Aqua Aerobic). The first reading was passed to keep the construction contract open while the City Attorney investigates liability for the cost.
• Utility Infrastructure - Resolution 26-34 (Drought Group): Updated the membership of the drought management group. Passed.
• Utility Infrastructure - Drought Update: Warren reported the region moved from D1 (moderate) to D2 (severe) drought as of April 7th. Voluntary water reductions have been requested. Groundwater at the city lake remains stable. The drought management plan is under review.

Key Outcomes

• Approved Updated Public Comment Guidelines: 5 minutes for agenda items, 3 minutes for other municipal business.
• Denied Natural Gas Extension: Deposits to be refunded for the Coker Ford / Rapids Road project.
• Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant Fix: First reading approved; City Attorney directed to pursue liability for the cost.
• Accepted Detention Pond Bid: Low bid of $85,000 from McCoy Construction accepted.
• Passed First Reading of OSHA Plan with an amendment for repeal and replace.
• Endorsed BRIC Grant Application: Council supported applying for a multi-use emergency services facility.
• Updated Drought Management Group and initiated plan review.