Metro Council Approves $544 Million Budget and Airport Noise Resolution

The Metro Council wrapped up its regular business quickly on Thursday night.

Members voted to approve the mayor’s $544 million capital spending plan without major changes. They also passed a nonbinding resolution to request better coordination on airplane flight paths. The council moved swiftly through the agenda, a pace set by the unusual timing of the meeting.

The session was scheduled specifically to avoid the Tuesday of the recent midterm elections. This timing allowed members to vote on key items while the public was at the polls. The capital plan included a new amendment requiring the upcoming Davidson County jail to have dedicated space for mental health evaluations. Councilmember Zulfat Suara introduced that specific change. The rest of the spending plan passed with few objections, though Councilmember Joy Styles attempted to amend the document three times during the vote.

The most contentious part of the evening involved the noise from Nashville International Airport. Residents in Crieve Hall, Oak Hill, Donelson, and Hermitage have complained about repetitive jet engines for years. A group called Course Correct Nashville filed a lawsuit against the Federal Aviation Administration in September to reduce that noise. Councilmember Mike Cortese supported a resolution asking the Metro Nashville Airport Authority to work with the FAA on the issue. Councilmember Bob Nash argued the city has little legal power in this area, but the resolution passed with broad support.

Councilmember Russ Bradford, whose district includes the airport, spoke about the ongoing conflict between the local and state airport authorities. He noted that Victoria Broderick, a Democrat, recently unseated U.S. Rep. Scott DesJarlais in the 4th Congressional District. Bradford said he has reached out to Broderick to explore federal solutions. He criticized the airport authority for lacking interest in community conversations. Bradford also mentioned his effort to rename the airport Dolly Parton International Airport, though that process is not yet complete.

Councilmember Jordan Huffman introduced a bill to improve rules for door-to-door solicitors. The proposal creates a better registry for no-knock requests and sets civil penalties for violations. Fines would be $50, and repeat offenders could lose their commercial solicitation permits. Huffman said the bill targets repeat offenders to protect residents who do not want visitors at their doors. The bill passed on second reading.

Vice Mayor Angie Henderson closed the meeting by noting the Democratic victories in the November 3 elections. She reminded members that the Metro Charter Revision Committee will meet on November 13 at 4 p.m. That group will discuss the next steps regarding a state Supreme Court opinion from Monday. The opinion suggests the council could lose half of its seats in the name of efficiency.

Huffman also delivered a short speech honoring Phil Ponder, a local artist and former councilmember. He described Ponder as his constituent and a valued part of the community. The council then ended the session after the public comment period, which had seen debate over new detention facilities and a planned elementary school in Antioch.