[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6226743,"mediaKeyId","3503904-f498c843ab4113a487d8d923c61d2d4e","parentId",3503904,"title","Stormwater division outlines FY26 program, warns fee pressure as reserves fall with CIP projects","audioSeconds",192,"startMs",4104000,"endMs",4296000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3503904-f498c843ab4113a487d8d923c61d2d4e&start=4104&end=4296","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3503904-f498c843ab4113a487d8d923c61d2d4e/thumbnail_4104000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6226743/Tennessee/Stormwater-division-outlines-FY26-program-warns-fee-pressure-as-reserves-fall-with-CIP-projects","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6226743-9009504704ed11d0c110406b4d6613d2/orig.mp4?Expires=1770431731&Signature=O8X10nDVT30nsOxPZUbaxG8gEcOD~cqb-rDUjdfDa6CJXpwUlkxGMc6H4FYiXvRVsW9EF~8FGtAIv06Hs2LRPPVTFhuTkYiSZ3PVCvs9Kug03A28tXJueMwjmGQxl-6BARclce02U4sSVuaI64UCpSgxK05ac4IxB4503M9kHFtTqjCnz2It36ALXtHKhf2TgAYSLW8G1PWM44~en-jlTmUh5CLPWb8R95A1D~AzlrhSd64BvJvLe1k1iu-mTFEKq6bvSDdjtemrMPLxXvVgVL3Hok3Xb6oVF6B5XzmiuosJO9~N-1cVizI0iUUl2Z1Z4qj94xjKy0XFeJnzTTlraA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Murfreesboro, TN","date","2025-05-25T08:45:05.177Z","article","City stormwater staff on May 22 presented a FY26 budget and five‑year capital improvement plan that includes daylighting of Town Creek, Mall Circle Drive drainage improvements and storm drainage work at O4 Park, and warned that the capital reserve balance will decline below a three‑month operating threshold if the current CIP proceeds as planned.

The presenter said FY26 stormwater revenues and expenses balance at about $4,100,000, with operating revenues stable but expenses up about 9 percent from FY25. The five‑year CIP lists about $3,660,000 in FY26 and $3,340,000 in FY27, totaling roughly $9,300,000 through FY29. Staff said the projected capital draw will reduce the reserve balance below the desired three‑month operating target and that the division may need to raise the stormwater fee next year, push projects out, or consider interim borrowing to complete the plan.

Why it matters: stormwater assessments and fees fund flood mitigation, drainage repairs and capital projects that affect neighborhoods, parks and private property; changes to fees or project timing would alter localized flood‑mitigation work.

Stormwater accomplishments cited by staff include code updates to protect stream buffers, routine inspections of more than 100 active construction sites, educational outreach events and partnerships with parks for litter cleanup at Murphree Springs wetlands. Near‑term goals include a drone program to detect illicit discharges, a consultant study for Todd Lake resource management and improved enforcement for stormwater control maintenance.

The council asked for more detail about the proposed Todd Lake study and noted that part of the lake shore is privately owned; staff said they will scope the consultant study and report estimated costs and recommended management approaches. No fee change was adopted at the May 22 meeting; staff warned the council that without additional revenue or project deferrals, reserves will decline and future fee action may be necessary.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Budget Review - May 22, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Stormwater staff presented a FY26 stormwater budget and five‑year CIP with planned projects (Town Creek daylighting, Mall Circle Drive and O4 Park drainage) that will draw down capital reserves and likely require fee increases or project deferrals.","taxTitle","City Council Meetings, Murfreesboro City, Rutherford County, Tennessee","taxId",69344,"location","Tennessee","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6226750,"Water resources department previews $65M utility budget, details reserves and several capital projects",422,3508000,3930000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3503904-f498c843ab4113a487d8d923c61d2d4e&start=3508&end=3930","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3503904-f498c843ab4113a487d8d923c61d2d4e/thumbnail_3508000.jpg","/articles/6226750/Tennessee/Water-resources-department-previews-65M-utility-budget-details-reserves-and-several-capital-projects","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6226750-5824007262e7ca967de7e4ba53fdf918/orig.mp4?Expires=1770431731&Signature=atbG-twQJUZai10nkG89LG5Ff0g1RL1wcwAJp3WDEGBl71dPcpMmRR6fLucXunhJ2htX7pU86DebqoOvyAzSjUpIyxzCKWC~8Bl80Mq2cLOGeo1rqHD-lo6BrnaSww-EfjnXiEJjm3AuaBHHRQzXgWkmRtz694xiRqb~CrIOezq~vgaVgsF218afm5fKsR1PJTdJTrLYNbnS5CMEfQ8RJ3HbdSAz1aSDhoKTjMyQMg9PT3g6NbCH~lr8kH-Qpuf9rrKZlo8nFXVnwPGsKHOTKUrS1AtSBNJNTnUVL9JmXROY2WCn98S~vJ~0sPRrbQRdOGGk26s~iWE52RZYweCRCw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City water and sewer staff on May 22 outlined proposed FY26 utility budgets that together total roughly $65,000,000 and described reserve balances, planned capital work and staffing additions.

Valerie, the utility presenter, said most revenue comes from water and sewer charges and showed that sewer revenue is about twice water revenue. She said the working capital reserves available as of March 31, 2025, were roughly $93,000,000 with commitments of about $16,000,000 and a policy to retain 12 months of operating expenses (about $33,800,000); the presenter described $43,000,000 in excess reserves beyond the 12‑month policy level.

Why it matters: the utility budget supports drinking‑water and wastewater treatment infrastructure, upkeep and major projects that affect service reliability and future capacity.

Staff listed several FY26 goals and capital items: full‑scale biosolids drying operations at the wastewater treatment facility (WERF) under construction; Cherry Lane pump station and force‑main work; Thompson Lane/Battlefield pump‑station replacements; ongoing sewer rehab projects; and biosolids processing equipment and storage. Valerie said water sales are budgeted up about 3.5 percent from last year’s budget and sewer sales about 1.2 percent. The department proposed seven new positions, including four operations and maintenance hires for a sewer clean‑out program, two staff for a valve exercise program and one engineering position to convert a current part‑time engineer‑in‑training role to a full‑time engineer.

Staff also identified planned transfers to reserves for taps and assessment districts, and noted some transfers are down 11.2 percent compared with the FY25 budget. Officials said they plan to apply for an MPDES permit expansion at the WERF and to determine on‑site hypochlorite generation for the water treatment plant.

No formal vote was taken; council members asked clarifying questions about reserve levels, Cherry Lane and easement needs for Thompson Lane widening. Staff said they are pursuing required easements and will return with additional detail as projects advance.","City water and sewer staff presented a FY26 utility budget that balances about $65 million in revenue and expenses, explained reserve levels, proposed seven new utility positions to support operations and clean‑out programs, and listed several ongoing and planned capital projects including biosolids drying and pump‑station work.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6226755,"Murfreesboro City Schools present $117.9M FY26 budget, projects 9,440 students and 3.8% state funding increase",439,2283000,2722000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3503904-f498c843ab4113a487d8d923c61d2d4e&start=2283&end=2722","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3503904-f498c843ab4113a487d8d923c61d2d4e/thumbnail_2283000.jpg","/articles/6226755/Tennessee/Murfreesboro-City-Schools-present-1179M-FY26-budget-projects-9440-students-and-38-state-funding-increase","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6226755-bab3b684e9656ce558e2ed8c898070fa/orig.mp4?Expires=1770431731&Signature=hTpBHGy3rUaKFsPXLEZA9psO3CjQVYS1ldqA7nmW2w-kHNkyNwg4AzilhH6exjx1CKfgMrOlOLvPZxq-hn9evh4KLlUqjyy8k8nne-4VbAv0pHgIxydBVIs~DIJBIBvacSitoKzy596WGTfEftrXtliK7IocxMs3jf9fXnWvxZCNU33G8xRdkVXcT1PLnbz0oOy56iE36HzL8dcLOrGo4UHiEwI8OcW2Trf7ONXX3DJ2kfNIIqQUv8vZaw6kGE9NpXruRj8-MS6Nplj~5OPdrldVSOfuGLTqC1WwFWCaONCSt~AkOItTVMTqJziP6Xiy6c0lRRgmC6bTaT7x4-52Eg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Murfreesboro City Schools officials on May 22 presented a proposed fiscal year 2026 budget the district’s board has approved and asked the city council to consider as part of the city’s June 5 adoption. The presentation estimated about $111,943,000 in revenues and $117,907,000 in expenditures for FY26, a draw from reserves of about $5,900,000, and projected enrollment near 9,440 students.

The school presenter (Murfreesboro City Schools) said, “next year, by state law, it's required that the starting teacher pay be 50,000,” and stated the district plans a starting teacher salary of $50,500 for FY26. The presenter added that teachers would see an average increase of about 3.8 percent next year and that employees not on the teacher scale would see a 2.5 percent adjustment; the district also budgets additional compensation for hard‑to‑staff roles such as special education and behavior positions.

Why it matters: the schools account for a large share of local public spending and staffing; the district’s proposed operating increases and planned use of reserves were presented as intentional steps to meet instructional and facility needs while keeping a fund balance above the board’s 10 percent target.

Presentation highlights included: projected state funding growth of about 3.7 percent (roughly $2.3 million), local sales tax and other local revenues budgeted at maintenance‑of‑effort levels, and a planned pull from reserves partly attributable to one‑time items such as a state bonus pass‑through and a new textbook adoption expected to cost about $1 million. The presenter said the district set aside about $3.1 million related to the purchase of a transportation and maintenance facility (excluded from operating comparison), and that the nutrition program will intentionally draw down roughly $1.8 million of school‑nutrition reserves to reach a target fund balance the state expects.

Council members discussed longer‑term enrollment and facilities planning. The presenter said uncertainty remains around the state’s Education Freedom Scholarship accounts and charter school enrollments; staff forecast that August will provide better clarity for any school‑capacity or rezoning decisions. One council member asked whether rapid growth will require a new school within two years; staff replied that it is too early to know and pledged to use existing space and consider rezoning or additions before proposing new construction.

No formal vote on the school budget occurred during the May 22 meeting; the schools’ budget will be included in the city’s final FY26 readings on June 5.","Murfreesboro City Schools previewed a FY26 operating budget of roughly $117.9 million and projected enrollment of about 9,440 students; the presentation highlighted average teacher pay increases, additional positions for English learners and behavioral supports, and use of reserves for certain one‑time items.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6226759,"Council, police discuss rising downtown panhandling and homelessness response; signage and increased patrols proposed",297,1223000,1520000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3503904-f498c843ab4113a487d8d923c61d2d4e&start=1223&end=1520","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3503904-f498c843ab4113a487d8d923c61d2d4e/thumbnail_1223000.jpg","/articles/6226759/Tennessee/Council-police-discuss-rising-downtown-panhandling-and-homelessness-response-signage-and-increased-patrols-proposed","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6226759-d43ed5e13f23cfb38ae090b35a99e781/orig.mp4?Expires=1770431731&Signature=WenvNXhPNzd025qGEIWBgjjzE6IiWXnFAAfxDClS0duOqffDa9tpeaBYTPpAksqcGmuH8kT~VFaIi9QXAjxE7ieZv~sRPqRA9jl4DAuSDHTLBdzPYHwa9QZQIukRgFB1PoS9DifQIauGLHTxlxhNUAGSeQDfKgtnjVlyNABzsteFn7XIvIy3jZtsM72G3gaI0wad-amPX6XnIjwmdXW0737tynkQFrivba8QoaZBadBUJ2GkgR-wBsZfZTzFNdyMo~waTOjJGk1woJ5aOOJCisjYtaawtJBinJqGyNkLZe2M4oOscY6sUpmrg1XdRf0JKOsIn39LiFtjqBeDOJmiXQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City Council members on May 22 raised concerns about increased panhandling, camping and visible homelessness in downtown Murfreesboro and asked police and staff to consider a mix of signage, increased patrol hours and coordinated outreach to service providers.

Mayor and council members described several recent incidents downtown and at the farmers market that have made residents and merchants uneasy. One council member said, “we've had an uptick again in panhandling, on a lot of our our corners,” and asked whether the police department had the staffing and budget to respond. The council member also asked staff to explore signage models used by other cities; staff noted Bowling Green and Knoxville signage examples.

Police Chief Bowman addressed the council with operational detail and strategy. The chief said the department has co‑responder and focused outreach teams and estimated a local homeless population “between 300 to 600 people.” He said, “I think we have to change our strategy some,” and described plans to assign specific missions across units — one focused on mental health contacts, another on camping and trespass enforcement, and another on panhandling — and to increase coverage during nighttime hours and during the Saturday farmers market.

Why it matters: council members said the visible activity can make residents feel unsafe and can deter visitors from downtown businesses. Council members emphasized they want to balance compassionate services with public safety enforcement for chronic offenders and locations that threaten public safety.

Council and staff discussed tools and limits. Officials noted that some service providers offer meals and other temporary services that can unintentionally concentrate people in specific downtown locations. Several council members suggested providing businesses with signage stating that panhandling is not permitted at private storefronts; staff said the city can provide examples and consider a workshop to develop a signage approach. Chief Bowman encouraged direct reports of incidents to police to enable immediate responses and said arrests are “fairly low” because the department prioritizes long‑term solutions over short‑term detention.

The council asked staff to: collect example signage used by peer cities; consider adding low‑level metal detectors or other building configuration adjustments as part of a planned downstairs remodel of city hall; and continue coordination with social‑service agencies so outreach workers understand enforcement patterns and signage. The council did not adopt any ordinance or formal policy change during the session; staff said they will include signage ideas and outreach coordination in follow‑up work and consider expanding targeted patrols as training graduates join the force.","Council members flagged a renewed uptick in downtown panhandling and camping and discussed options including signage, increased police presence during markets and evenings, a focused homeless response unit and outreach coordination with social‑service agencies.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6226765,"Murfreesboro leaders preview FY26 budget showing $286M in revenues, more than $400M in expenses; public hearing set",4677,277000,4954000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3503904-f498c843ab4113a487d8d923c61d2d4e&start=277&end=4954","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3503904-f498c843ab4113a487d8d923c61d2d4e/thumbnail_277000.jpg","/articles/6226765/Tennessee/Murfreesboro-leaders-preview-FY26-budget-showing-286M-in-revenues-more-than-400M-in-expenses-public-hearing-set","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6226765-222fb8034815c98fe3e4ea35b89dd72a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770431731&Signature=GmCzuBkh78H5wFrwChJbrgWgRUO0G0ojXnaB5y0k3qimSi-5qDue6dYWFffSGYnTMvXkHiu8EG5KOc6kW74D7EID0gpMn7FPowuwER-KEN3l-ChrPad~DyFLgIsNQHdAIvUp~nfuma4RQ-qcH6t9JtoTkAgs5zmftauFeOuzom~WFQbsWUW9dyvw-vSjlDM8Uxbdw~VeKbMEdzF-Ok5eGitfVHRVuw8H1~vQMDGKmvlL~Y8~f1mrdeSnm7qN~q2I6~yeZBE25mVuOjhmE~CoTj19YedzbGCxx1r0sIgxAhLJAy9A51sFiDIv9ydaUK9wFoG0x61hg3tP~xvaUvcW8A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Murfreesboro City Council members on May 22 reviewed a proposed fiscal year 2026 city budget that lists $286,000,000 in revenues and “a little over $400,000,000” in expenses, with a public hearing on the plan scheduled for later the same evening and a final vote set for June 5.

The budget “uses $110,000,000 of restricted and assigned fund balances for MED fund funded projects and CIP items,” the presenter said, and includes a $5,800,000 one‑time use of unassigned fund balance for equipment and outside legal expenses. Erin, a city staff member leading the budget presentation, said, “recurring operating revenues and expenses are balanced and projected at 261” (million), while next year’s budget draws on one‑time reserves to cover capital and designated projects.

Why it matters: the proposed plan shifts the mix of funding toward one‑time reserves to pay for major capital projects and MED proceeds, increases operating spending in public safety and infrastructure, and would require follow‑up ordinances for the tax rate and a proposed change to the tax due date.

City staff described the revenue and spending picture in detail. The presentation lists a property tax projection near $74,000,000 (about a 3.3% growth over the year’s projection) and anticipates local sales tax to be the single largest budgeted revenue at more than $75,000,000. The presenter said the city is proposing to move the property tax payment deadline from Dec. 31 to Feb. 1 and to move the delinquent date to March 1; that change requires council approval at upcoming ordinance readings.

On the expenditure side, staff proposed pay increases, new positions and sizable supplemental requests. The budget includes a 2.5 percent general pay raise (plus a 1.5 percent cost‑of‑living adjustment) for the city general pay plan and higher increases for the public safety pay plan; 32 new positions are budgeted, with roughly 75 percent of the new public safety positions included. Nonrecurring items paid from fund balance total about $3,800,000, of which $3,700,000 is earmarked for police and fire vehicles and equipment. Staff also proposed a five‑year plan to provide a $500 annual payment to certain retirees who began drawing pension benefits before 2022, initially budgeted at roughly $135,000 from the city’s general fund for FY26.

Council members and staff noted other schedule items: a public hearing and first reading will occur the evening of May 22, and second reading and final approval — which will also include the city schools and water budgets — are planned for the June 5 meeting. Darren, the city manager, said during the meeting that this is “my first budget cycle as city manager,” and he thanked staff for their work on the proposal.

What didn’t change: staff proposed no property tax rate increase for FY26. The presentation also said the city expects to borrow through a previously approved bond issuance but likely will not place the full borrowing until after January 2026, budgeting roughly half a year of debt service for FY26.

The council scheduled the public hearing and the first reading later that evening; specific votes on the budget and related ordinances will occur on June 5 unless the council acts sooner.","City staff presented a proposed fiscal year 2026 budget that projects $286 million in revenues and slightly more than $400 million in expenses, relies on restricted and unassigned fund balances for one-time items, and schedules a public hearing tonight with final vote June 5.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Stormwater division outlines FY26 program, warns fee pressure as reserves fall with CIP projects

Water resources department previews $65M utility budget, details reserves and several capital projects

Murfreesboro City Schools present $117.9M FY26 budget, projects 9,440 students and 3.8% state funding increase

Council, police discuss rising downtown panhandling and homelessness response; signage and increased patrols proposed

Murfreesboro leaders preview FY26 budget showing $286M in revenues, more than $400M in expenses; public hearing set