Metro Council votes on capital plan and homeless funding

Nashville Metro Council members will vote on Mayor Freddie O’Connell’s $544.72 million capital spending plan on Thursday, Nov. 5. The council convened on an off-schedule date because the regular Tuesday meeting was moved to make room for midterm election duties.

The capital plan faces scrutiny after councilmembers questioned whether their local priorities were fully addressed in the initial draft. Specific concerns include the necessity of a new detention facility for the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office. Budget Chair Jason Spain warned against an unruly process during the amendment phase, noting that changes to the spending plan are unusual at this stage.

The Budget Committee has already issued negative recommendations for amendments proposed by Councilmember Joy Styles. Councilmember Jeff Eslick has introduced seven additional amendments. Eslick proposes a mechanism that would allow district councilmembers to exert more direct control over capital spending within their specific boundaries. Dave Rosenberg of the mayor’s office told the body last month that four of the five top-ranked council priorities are currently receiving active funding.

The council will also take a second vote on legislation led by Councilmember Jordan Huffman. The bill aims to strengthen regulations for door-to-door solicitation. Huffman stated the goal is to give enforcement officials more power to enforce existing solicitation rules.

A separate agenda item allocates $2.7 million to the Hospitality Hub through the Office of Homeless Services. These funds will support the continued use of a South Nashville motel for transitional housing, particularly for residents displaced from encampments. The council will also vote to approve a federal grant application for homelessness services and appropriate $500,000 for supportive case management.

Two local labor leaders, Anne Barnett and Charley Rodriguez, have been nominated to the Contract and Compliance Board. Both will interview before the council’s Rules Committee on Tuesday. The full body is scheduled to vote on one name during its regular meeting on Nov. 17.

Erin Carney has been referred to the Rules Committee for an interview regarding a five-year term as Davidson County medical examiner. Carney currently serves as deputy chief medical examiner and would succeed Feng Li. The council will also vote to hire Tom Lee as special counsel and legislative services director. Lee, an attorney and local lobbyist, will advise members on procedure and manage the legislative drafting team.