New budget reflects city's sound standing

Employees lauded for hard work, dedication

The agenda was a long one, but Brentwood's city commissioners made quick work of it Monday night, approving a realistic yet comprehensive 2009-10 fiscal year budget; approving a tax rate that will not increase despite the current economy, and adopting the 2010-2015 Capital Improvements Program.
And before the commission meeting, the city's beer board approved on-site sales for new Brentwood restaurant Judge Bean's BBQ, another sign that Brentwood's doing OK.
In addition to be "big three" items listed above, the board removed three items from its consent agenda following questions during the Comments from Citizens time. Each was later addressed and approved as new business.
One of those items concerned the proposed $12,000 expenditure for the annual employee recognition dinner to be held at Embassy Suites in Franklin later this year. Resident Chris Bosen questioned the $36 per person cost and suggested the party be held in a party tent, with local caterers at a reduced cost.
Commissioner Joe Reagan noted that "our employees are absolutely part of the reason ... we are not going through what many cities are going through." In a year that employees will only receive a 1.5% salary adjustment and are being asked to do more with less, they deserve the recognition more than ever.
It was a notion shared by other board members.
Rhea Little, who owns a service-oriented business himself, said city employee's outstanding service to citizens is almost in direct opposition to how most people view government.
"(Our employees) help us manage this city better than any other city around," Mayor Betsy Crossley said. Noting that because of its staff the city runs "like a finely tuned business ... I'm not about to take (the dinner) away from them."
Edmondson Pike improvements ahead
Good news for residents living near or who use Edmondson Pike between Smithson Lane and the Davidson County line. The city is improving that stretch with new 12-foot wide driving lanes, six-foot shoulders and a third turning lane where necessary. And the best news? The $1.6 million project is expected to come in under budget, assistant city manager Kirk Bednar said.
In other news of note, the city budget again includes money for local public schools. Brentwood and Ravenwood high schools will each receive $30,000; Brentwood, Crockett and Sunset middle schools will each receive $15,000 and our six elementary schools each will get $10,000.
To see the meeting via video, or to read meeting minutes, visit the city's website at www.brentwood-tn.org