Portland Board of Mayor and Alderman Meeting - May 18, 2026

The Board of Mayor and Aldermen of Portland, Tennessee, met on May 18, 2026, at 5:04 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. Mayor Mike Callis presided, with Aldermen Cole, Ellis, Jennings, McDowell, and Woodall present; Alderman Hall and Vice-Mayor Thompson were absent. The meeting lasted until 5:56 PM and covered a consent calendar, financial resolutions, the first reading of the FY2026-2027 budget, airport expansion contracts, and other routine items. A key amendment adding a 2.4% cost-of-living adjustment to employee pay was approved 4-1.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of the agenda (voice vote, all present in favor).
• Ordinance No. 26-18 (Second Reading): Acceptance of the best bid for the 2026-2029 Road Paving Maintenance and Materials & Services Contract.
• Ordinance No. 26-19 (Second Reading): Agreement with Reynolds Sealing and Striping for Road Sealing Materials and Services.
• Ordinance No. 26-20 (Second Reading): Acceptance of best bid for Rock/Gravel Haul Contract (July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2029, with two one-year renewal options).
• Ordinance No. 26-21 (Second Reading): Agreement with CEC Engineering for engineering services for the Demase Street Repair Project.
• Ordinance No. 26-22 (Second Reading): Acceptance of best bids for Water Distribution Department supplies for FY2027.
• Ordinance No. 26-23 (Second Reading): Acceptance of best bids for Portland Natural Gas Department supplies (July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027).
• Ordinance No. 26-24 (Second Reading): Acceptance of best bids for Wastewater Collection Department supplies for FY2027.
• April 2026 Department Reports.
• Minutes from May 4, 2026 City Council Meeting. All items were approved by voice vote with all present members in favor.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public spoke during either agenda-related or non-agenda-related recognition periods.

Discussion Items

• Presentation – Strawberry Festival Awards: Kristin Hope of the Portland Chamber of Commerce presented awards to grand champion Create Energy, first place/people's choice Curby Building Systems, and recognized other parade winners. Mayor Callis thanked city employees and the chamber.
• Council Communications: Alderman Woodall announced the Richland Park Splash Pad ribbon cutting on May 22, 2026, at 9 AM. Alderman Ellis praised the parade and emphasized the importance of young residents. Alderman Cole thanked all involved and congratulated Portland High School 2026 graduates.
• Mayor's Report: Mayor Callis reported:
  • The 85th Annual Strawberry Festival was a success.
  • State Route 109 project road closures will begin; the 109 North Loop is scheduled for completion in May 2028.
  • City must follow FEMA/TEMA regulations for floodplains; staff uses stormwater calculations to ensure post-development runoff equals or is less than pre-development.
  • Sidewalk repairs on Hwy 109 and Wheeler Street, and a new section at Richland Park.
  • Water production declined from 70 million gallons in May 2022 to 61 million in May 2025 due to leak repairs; Drakes Creek intake remains submerged despite drought condition 3.
  • Splash pad uses recycled water; a water main repair on Hwy 109 is scheduled overnight May 27-28, 2026, with road closures and detours.
• Alcohol Beverage Board: Chairman Alderman McDowell called the board to order at 5:18 PM. The board approved an off-premises beer permit application from Samer Kassis for ABC Fuel Group (formerly Portland Fuel Stop) at 5989 Hwy 31W. Motion carried (voice vote, all present in favor).
• Finance – Alderman Vince Ellis:
  • Resolution No. 26-45 (assignment of fund balance amounts for future expenditures) was approved unanimously.
  • Resolution No. 26-47 (designating General Fund percentages from Local Option Sales and Use Tax Revenue) was approved unanimously. Discussion included: the additional 0.5% sales tax is estimated to begin July 1, 2026, with the Department of Revenue notifying businesses; the resolution allocates percentages to police, fire, parks, streets, and other funds; Mayor Callis emphasized the resolution will be reviewed annually. Alderman Cole expressed concern about future operating costs and whether the step plan would cover pay raises without a property tax increase.
  • Ordinance No. 26-28 (First Reading – Annual Budget and Tax Rate for FY2027, July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027) was introduced. Finance Director Rachel Slusser stated the proposed budget includes no property tax increase, only next-step employee increases (no cost-of-living), benefits calculated at 7% higher, and only the Richland Gym remodel as a capital project. Alderman Woodall moved to amend the budget to include the next step plus a 2.4% cost-of-living adjustment, as recommended by the pay study. Slusser estimated the additional cost to the General Fund at approximately $175,000. Discussion addressed the importance of retaining employees and being fiscally conservative. The amendment passed 4-1 (Alderman Cole opposed). The amended ordinance then passed 4-1 (Cole opposed). A work study meeting was scheduled for June 1, 2026, at 4:00 PM to discuss additional budget details.
• Legislative – Mayor Mike Callis: Resolution No. 26-43 recognizing patriotism and the 250th anniversary of the United States was approved unanimously.
• Municipal Airport – Alderman Mike Hall (absent, but items considered):
  • Ordinance No. 26-30 (First Reading) – Contract with TDOT Aeronautics for South Apron Expansion ($614,428 state grant, local match ~35%). Approved.
  • Ordinance No. 26-31 (First Reading) – Support for Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Grant application ($469,370 federal, 5% local match ~$23,469). Approved.
  • Ordinance No. 26-32 (First Reading) – Contract with C&C Contracting, LLC for South Apron Expansion ($858,739). Director Doug Hunter noted four bids were received; some were incomplete, so the contract went to C&C Contracting, which had done previous airport work. Approved.
• Parks & Recreation – Alderman Brian Woodall: Resolution No. 26-46 to name the new entrance at Richland Park (for 911 mapping) was approved unanimously. Alderman Woodall thanked staff for completing the back entrance; Mayor Callis announced Phase II will begin soon.
• Utility Infrastructure – Alderman Charles Cole:
  • Ordinance No. 26-29 (First Reading) – Acceptance of best bids for various chemicals for water and sewer plants for FY2027. Approved.
  • Resolution No. 26-48 – Final adjusting Change Order #7 decreased $105,743.99 for the Masons Tank 12-inch Connector Waterline Improvements. Approved.
  • Resolution No. 26-49 – Final adjusting Change Order #1 decreased $78,023 for the 2025 Manhole Repair Project. Assistant Director O'Loughlin confirmed all 33 manholes were completed under budget. Approved.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar: All nine items approved unanimously.
• Alcohol Beverage Board: Beer permit for ABC Fuel Group approved.
• Finance: Resolution 26-45 and 26-47 approved. Ordinance 26-28 (FY2027 budget) approved on first reading as amended to include next-step pay plus 2.4% COLA (4-1). A work study is set for June 1, 2026 at 4:00 PM.
• Airport: Three ordinances (26-30, 26-31, 26-32) approved, advancing the South Apron Expansion project.
• Parks: New entrance at Richland Park named; Phase II to follow.
• Utility Infrastructure: Three items approved (chemicals contract and two decreased change orders).
• Next Steps: The budget ordinance will return for second reading on June 1, 2026, after the work study. Mayor Callis pledged to confirm the sales tax start date and post it on the city website. Fireworks allowed on Memorial Day were reaffirmed.