Nashville approve paving bid, eyes new stormwater fee amid ongoing drainage concerns

Local News X The Nashville Town Council moved through a relatively short agenda Thursday night, April 16, but addressed several ongoing infrastructure issues, upcoming public input opportunities, and a resident’s concerns about stormwater, sidewalks, and a costly utility bill. Council members Andi Wilson and Lance Miller were not present for the meeting. Town Marshal Kenny Murphy reported little new activity beyond the regular monthly report but did provide an update on the town’s vehicle fleet. New police vehicles are now in the production phase and are expected to arrive by late next week or shortly thereafter. However, the department is continuing to deal with aging equipment, as another current vehicle has failed and is undergoing evaluation. Murphy indicated that most of the outgoing vehicles are no longer reliable enough to be repurposed, with one having a failed engine and others experiencing serious electrical issues. Council members approved the 2026 service bid agreements without discussion and were reminded of an upcoming public input session scheduled for April 23 at 5:30 p.m. at Town Hall. That meeting will focus on a proposed ordinance regulating noise and outdoor music within Nashville. Town Manager Sandie Jones emphasized that the current draft differs from a previous version and encouraged residents to review it in advance. A public survey has already generated around 40 responses, which are being collected by planning consultants working on the town’s Unified Development Ordinance. The council then awarded the Community Crossings Matching Grant (CCMG) paving contract. After initially missing out on funding earlier in the year, the town was able to secure money when unused state funds became available on a first-come basis. Town officials quickly assembled bid documents and advertised the project, ultimately receiving multiple bids. The contract was awarded to DC Construction Services for $202,095.86 as the lowest responsible bidder. The project will be funded at 80 percent by the Indiana Department of Transportation and 20 percent by the town, with roughly $160,000 coming from the state and about $40,000 as the local share. The work will include paving four streets identified through a pavement analysis, including Andy Rogers Way, Oak Run Drive, Hillside Drive and a section of Johnson Street. In one case, a previously unfinished section of roadway consisting of dirt and mud will be completed and paved. Officials said they hope to have the work finished before the busy tourism season. The council also noted that a proposed ordinance regulating mobile food vendors has been tabled until all council members are present, with draft copies available online and at Town Hall. (See sidebar for a summary.) A major discussion point under new business was the introduction of a proposed stormwater utility rate proposed by the Nashville Utility Service Board. Town Manager Jones explained that engineers have identified seven critical stormwater projects and that the town currently lacks a dedicated funding source to address drainage issues. The proposal would establish a fee based on “equivalent residential units,” or EDUs with each household paying $6 per month, or $72 annually, through property tax bills rather than utility bills. If implemented, the fee is expected to generate about $152,000 per year, which could allow the town to complete the initial seven projects within four years. Jones also emphasized that the revenue could be used to leverage additional grant funding. The total need across the town’s stormwater system is estimated to be just over $500,000, and officials described the proposal as a starting point to address widespread drainage issues, including areas where failing storm sewers are contributing to road damage. No vote was made at the meeting on the fee. During public comment, a longtime downtown property owner raised concerns about both a large water bill caused by a leak and longstanding drainage and sidewalk issues near his building on West Franklin Street. He explained that a broken high-pressure clean water line resulted in a bill of approximately $5,000, with more than half attributed to sewer charges even though, he said, the water “was clean and absorbed to the ground and not into the sewer.” Council members directed him to take the issue to the Utility Service Board, which must review such requests before any relief can be considered by the council. The same resident also described persistent flooding problems, saying rainwater flows from the street onto his property and under his building, requiring the use of sump pumps and other mitigation efforts. He attributed the issue in part to the lack of curbs along the sidewalk and noted that he has requested improvements for decades. He also questioned why property owners are responsible for sidewalk repairs, particularly when drainage issues originate from the street. Town Administration Manager Phyllis Carr responded that current policy requires property owners to share the cost of repairing damaged sidewalk sections on a 50-50 basis. Council members acknowledged the concerns and indicated a willingness to review the site. They also noted that funding limitations and program restrictions, including those tied to state grants, can limit the town’s ability to address sidewalks and curbs comprehensively. Featured Local Savings