Commissioners approve up to $475,000 to fund Smyrna clerk canopy, Murfreesboro tube and related IT/security

Rutherford County’s Property Management Committee on March 31 approved a motion to forward a not‑to‑exceed $475,000 funding request to Budget to pay for a clerk canopy and drive aisle at the Smyrna campus, a replacement tube system at the Murfreesboro clerk’s office, and associated security and information‑technology equipment.

Chief of staff Eric Hennessy told the committee the county previously funded the Smyrna EMS station construction and design, but the clerk’s canopy, drive lane and tube system were not included in that package. Hennessy said staff is seeking a recommendation to send a $475,000 budget amendment request to Budget to cover both the Smyrna and Murfreesboro clerk items and related FFN/security and IT work.

County clerk Lisa Crawl, who spoke in support of the request, said the existing tube at the Murfreesboro office “is at the end of its life” and is frequently repaired. She said adding a second drive‑through lane at Murfreesboro would relieve backups that reach Walnut Street and nearby signals and that standardizing tube systems across Murfreesboro, Smyrna and Blackman will allow staff to be cross‑trained.

Finance director Michael (first name used in the meeting) told commissioners the $475,000 figure is conservative. He said the EMS building construction was bid and awarded at roughly $1.1 million and is funded separately; the clerk canopy/drive construction bid was about $155,000 (awarded subject to funding); a new Murfreesboro tube system was estimated at about $50,000; clerk FFN/security roughly $15,000; EMS FFN/security $50,000–$60,000; and IT/technology for both sites remains to be quoted (staff estimated roughly $100,000–$120,000).

Commissioner discussion focused on funding sources and timing. Commissioner Irvin asked where the funds would come from; staff recommended sending the request to Budget so Budget staff can identify one‑time funding options (general fund carryover, leftover project funds, or other one‑time sources). Hennessy and the finance director emphasized the request would live in capital projects funds and could be rolled forward if not spent in the fiscal year.

The committee voted by roll call to approve forwarding the not‑to‑exceed $475,000 request to Budget. Commissioners Dodd, Davidson, Hall, Phillips, Anthony Johnson and Chairman McAdoo voted yes; Commissioner Irvin voted no. The motion passed.

Next steps: staff will send the amendment request to Budget for funding identification and will return with final bids and more detailed cost breakout as procurement and quoting are completed.