Nashville Town Council tackles noise concerns, approves software upgrade

Local News X The Nashville Town Council moved through a wide-ranging agenda March 19, approving new investments in infrastructure and technology while also taking up ongoing concerns about public services, development pressures and quality-of-life issues in the community. The council approved an updated resolution allowing the town to move forward with purchasing a new truck for the street department after the originally selected vehicle was sold. The replacement truck, a newer model year, will cost slightly more but was described as an overall better option. Officials said the truck will still need to be built to specifications, meaning it will be some time before it is delivered and paid for. One of the most significant discussions of the night centered on a proposed overhaul of the town’s financial and utility billing software. The current system, which handles everything from payroll to utility billing, is becoming outdated and will eventually no longer be supported. Clerk-Treasurer Brenda Young said the new cloud-based system would modernize operations, allowing customers to view and pay their bills online, track usage and access account information in real time. She said the upgrade could save the town roughly $45,000 in conversion costs if completed before a mid-year deadline. While the full cost depends on training needs, Young estimated a reduced training plan could bring the total implementation cost to about $37,550, split across departments. Annual software costs would increase, but could be offset by eliminating other systems and reducing mailing expenses. The council ultimately voted to move forward with the upgrade, authorizing initial paperwork and a small upfront payment, with the remainder due once the system is fully operational. The town also received an update on staffing changes, with the utility billing clerk planning to retire June 1. Young said a replacement candidate has been identified and could begin training alongside the outgoing employee in the coming months, including learning both the current and new software systems. In department reports, the police department noted an increase in theft cases, though Town Marshal Kenny Murphy said the incidents appear to be connected to a single suspect and are likely to be resolved. Murphy also raised concerns about conditions inside their building, including a persistent odor believed to be coming from the ventilation system. One of the building’s HVAC units has already been taken offline due to safety concerns, and they are exploring options to clean the ductwork or identify the source of the smell. A replacement HVAC system would cost about $7,000, but Murphy recommended waiting to see if the remaining system can handle the building before making that investment. The council approved the purchase of new street signs to replace aging and non-reflective ones. Town Manager Sandie Jones said the updated signs will improve visibility, particularly at night, and comply with current standards. The town will begin with a phased approach, starting with several key streets. A detailed discussion also took place around a proposed noise ordinance, particularly how it would regulate outdoor music and other sound in town. Council members raised concerns about whether the draft ordinance is clear enough to enforce. Council member Lance Miller said language in the proposal, such as police officers “may use” a decibel meter, leaves too much room for interpretation and could make enforcement inconsistent. He stressed that whatever is adopted needs to be “a no-brainer” for law enforcement responding to complaints, with clear and decisive standards. Miller also expressed concern that the current draft appears to lean more toward protecting businesses that host live outdoor music rather than residents. He said residents who invest heavily in their property expect the town to protect their ability to enjoy it without excessive noise. Questions were also raised about how specific standards would work in practice. The draft includes a 70-decibel limit at the property line, but council members pointed out that property lines can vary significantly, making it unclear where measurements should be taken. Others noted that sound behaves differently depending on terrain, buildings and trees, and that Nashville already has a natural background noise level, making it difficult to rely solely on decibel readings. There was further discussion about how the ordinance distinguishes between different types of venues, with some questioning whether separate rules for larger venues could create fairness or legal concerns. Council members emphasized that the goal is to strike a balance between supporting tourism and protecting residents, but agreed more work is needed before any ordinance is finalized. A work session was scheduled to continue refining the proposal. The council also approved a resolution supporting a federal funding request of up to $6 million for the first phase of a major drinking water infrastructure project. The project is expected to cost around $12 million in total, and Town Manager Jones said the grant would not require a local match, making it a significant opportunity for the town. Discussions about the future of the Nashville Police Department building came to a close after the commissioners indicated they were no longer interested in purchasing the property. Without an alternative location identified for the department, the town will keep the police station where it is. Finally, council members addressed the upcoming farmers market season, agreeing to waive vendor business license fees for 2026 but signaling that fees will likely be implemented in 2027 once updated ordinances are in place. During public comment, resident David Plessinger raised concerns about potential mold associated with nearby distillery operations. He told the council he has been trying to find information about what is commonly referred to as “black mold” linked to whiskey production, noting that similar issues have led to lawsuits in states like Kentucky and Tennessee. Plessinger said he contacted the local health department but was told they could not assist and was directed to state agencies. After making multiple calls, he said he was unable to find any agency willing to take responsibility or provide guidance. “No one has any responsibility to protect my property or anybody else’s property,” he said. He added that his home is about 2,000 feet from a distillery rickhouse and raised concerns about potential impacts. While testing is available through private companies, he said it can cost around $450 and questioned whether residents would even be allowed to test near the source. Council members acknowledged the concern and suggested the issue may need to be addressed at a higher regulatory level or through further research. It was noted that there may be mitigation options, and it could be worth discussing the issue directly with distillery representatives in the future. Featured Local Savings