Nashville City Council Reviews Expenses, Playground Repairs and Grant Opportunities
The Nashville City Council met Monday afternoon for its regular monthly meeting, discussing city finances, playground repairs, vehicle purchases and changes to an animal control ordinance.
City Finance Director Kimberly Green reported that monthly expenses exceeded revenue by $75,468.38.
Green said the city paid $841,175.05 to RBIS for construction and materials related to the water expansion project and $31,096.52 to Civil Engineering for fees. She also reported that the final payment of $301,880.55 was made to Kimery Painting for the rehabilitation of the 7th Street water tower. The total cost of the tower project exceeded $600,000.
Green added that the city transferred funds from the Franchise Fund to the Street Department and Animal Control to cover operating expenses.
Despite the monthly budget shortfall, Green reported an increase in sales tax revenue. Collections were up 11 percent, bringing in more than $16,000 above the amount collected in September 2025.
Playground Repairs and Grant Application
Parks and Recreation Director Meghan Floyd informed the council that the large playground at the top of the hill in the city park is in need of significant repairs or replacement.
Floyd said the playground equipment was installed in 1995 by Iron Mountain, which is no longer in business. She explained that the walking tracks on the equipment have rusted and are breaking apart, making the playground unsafe for children.
Mayor Larry Dunaway announced that CJ Buice has been contracted to make repairs to the walking tracks. However, he noted that the repairs would provide only a short-term solution.
Floyd asked the aldermen for permission to apply for a $100,000 Fun Park Grant to help fund a new inclusive playground. She estimated that the project would cost approximately $250,000.
The council approved a motion allowing Floyd to apply for the grant.
Floyd also invited the aldermen and the public to attend the Trick or Treat Trail at the city park this Thursday. She reported that 26 vendors have signed up to distribute candy to trick-or-treaters. More than 4,000 children attended the event last year.
Water Department Vehicle Purchase
Aldermen approved a bid from York Gary for the purchase of a 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 pickup to replace a truck at the water plant.
Public Works Director Jonathan Roquet told the council that the city is currently down two trucks. He said one of the vehicles has a cracked engine head and that he hopes to replace the motor with a crate engine after the first of the year.
Animal Control Ordinance Amended
The council also approved Ordinance 1001, amending Ordinance 991, which addresses prohibited dog breeds and related animal control regulations.
The amendment changes the wording in Section 5, subsection E, under penalties. The phrase “shall be” was changed to “may be” regarding the humane destruction of an animal that has not been reclaimed or has been abandoned.
The change makes the action discretionary rather than mandatory under the ordinance’s specified circumstances.