Committee defers vote on courthouse grounds rules after commissioners seek higher insurance and indemnification review

Staff presented proposed updates to courthouse grounds rules, which include a process for applicants to request that the event stage not be placed on the West Side (such a variance must show the City of Murfreesboro will reserve 10 parking spots, two of which must be handicap accessible), a requirement that bollards not be pulled on nights the commission or committees meet, and a submission deadline (first Friday in February) to have stage‑location variances considered in February property management meetings.

Commissioners expressed concern about insurance limits and indemnification language. One commissioner proposed adding an excess umbrella liability policy of $2,000,000 on top of the base $1,000,000 general liability requirement and having county counsel (Nick) adjust indemnification language. The commissioner stated: "I'm asking for a $2,000,000 excess liability policy on top of the general liability policy of 1,000,000." After debate the committee voted to defer final action to the August 20 property management meeting so the insurance and indemnification provisions can be reviewed; staff confirmed the rules would not take effect until February 2027 because 2026 approvals are already set.

The deferral passed on roll call with affirmatives recorded from the members present; commissioners also discussed routing the item to Budget if monetary value is involved. The committee asked staff to return a revised draft including recommended insurance and indemnification language and to circulate that draft to the committee prior to the August meeting.