On March 27th, at 9:00 AM, the City Council of Lawrenceburg convened in the council meeting room situated within the Municipal Complex at 25 Public Square. The agenda for the meeting was packed with several ordinances and resolutions that required the council’s attention. Among the ordinances discussed were the establishment of fees related to the rental of the Crockett Theater Facility and ticket sales, as well as fees for participation in programs offered by the Lawrenceburg Parks and Recreation Department. Additionally, the council conducted the first reading of an updated occupational safety and health program plan.
The resolutions on the agenda included proposals for city renovations, adjustments to insurance limits, and the application and acceptance of grants from the Tennessee Art Commission. Furthermore, the council addressed a contract grant agreement with the State of Tennessee’s Department of Military and the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency. After thorough discussion, all ordinances and resolutions were successfully approved by the council members.
Cozette Wallace, who has recently taken on the role of the Crockett Theater’s first full-time Managing Director since its transition to a performing arts center, addressed the council regarding the proposed increase in rental fees, performance costs, and ticket prices. The council is considering a potential increase of 20-50% for these rental prices. In light of this, they moved to adopt the first reading of the ordinance, emphasizing the necessity for a more comprehensive budget plan to support the theater’s future financial needs amidst rising costs.
Another significant resolution discussed was the authorization for the issuance of General Obligation Bonds not to exceed twenty million dollars for the City of Lawrenceburg. The council agreed to the terms, acknowledging that these bonds would not be eligible for refinancing, even if interest rates were to decline. The anticipated payoff date for these bonds is set for 2031, and it is important to note that this measure will not result in an increase in taxes. The bonds will carry an interest rate of 4%, and once published in the local newspaper, the community will have a 20-day period to voice any objections to the resolution.
Lastly, the council entered into a contract agreement with the State of Tennessee, specifically the Department of Military and the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency. This agreement is aimed at providing reimbursement and support to enhance EMS salaries for the fiscal period running from October 1, 2023, to September 30, 2025.