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

It's Madam Mayor now

Betsy Crossley is Brentwood's new mayor.
The first-term commissioner was elected by her fellow board members in a 4-3 vote Monday night. Paul Webb, sworn into his second term just minutes before, received three votes.
And in a surprise action, the commission elected its newest member, Rhea Little III, as the city's vice mayor. Little received five votes; Joe Reagan two.
Crossley and Little will serve two-year terms. The next City Commission election is in 2011.
Immediately following the elections, Crossley took her first action as mayor. She called for a 10-minute recess to regroup.
Popular thought among commission watchers was that the mayor's seat would be decided between Webb and long-term commissioner and former mayor Joe Sweeney.
BrentWord will have complete coverage of the meeting on Tuesday.

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Also coming tomorrow:

• Late city historian Vance Little's final coffee table book is now available for $40 -- a fitting price for a book published to help promote the city's 40th anniversary.
• Why the city should seriously consider supporting the county's Convention and Visitors Bureau
• Should Brentwood ever need help dealing with the aftermath of a natural disaster, the city of Picayune, Miss. is ready to help.

Have BrentWord worthy news to share? Please email it to brentword@comcast.net!

Candidates ask for your vote

Today I am offering each of the candidates vying for one of four seats on the Brentwood City Commission the opportunity to "speak" to the voters. Below are the messages I have received so far. Check back as the day goes on for more as they arrive.

Natalie Mertie:
This campaign has been an eye opening event for me. I assumed that some our commissioners were just dedicated citizens who enjoyed the limelight. I have certainly found that is not the situation. To function as the very best commissioner,I've discovered that your time belongs to Brentwood! I've taken phone calls at home about paving of streets, past commissioner decisions, eminent domain, senior citizen housing etc.,etc. I've attended workshops and seminars and vast numbers of community meetings. All this has shown me that to be a commissioner requires a vast amount of energy. I have that energy. I also have the DESIRE to make Brentwood an even better place. We are all grateful to our incumbants for their work in the past,but now is the time for a fresh approach to our new sets of problems: traffic, Town Center, diminishing sales tax. I am that candidate. A vote for Natalie Mertie reflects the thinking voter's decision to move ahead,not look behind us resting on past accomplishments.Remember you can vote for FOUR candidates. Choose Natalie Mertie as one of those Fabulous Four!

Paul Webb:
I am asking for your vote because I have experience in dealing with budgets, personnel, logistics and what it takes to make any business or government agency operate. Brentwood is not isolated from the recession. As a CPA, I will be looking at ways to maintain our city services and quality of life without a tax increase.
I will continue to listen to the concerns of the citizens and make decisions based upon the information available to me so that I may make the best choice possible for all of Brentwood. I care about Brentwood’s future. My record of involvement in the community helps me better understand the needs and wishes of Brentwood.

Rhea Little III:
Tomorrow Brentwood will determine the direction that we will take going from this point into the future. Being blessed to live in a nation where we have the right to vote for our leadership, it is important for us to both cherish and utilize that right. Having a long heritage in Brentwood, it has been a wonderful experience catching up with many friends and family, while also meeting and getting to know so many new residents as I have enjoyed the many activities involved in this campaign. As I have met and talked with Brentwood's citizens, it is amazing to me how we are blessed with so many high-caliber individuals. Because of the people who make up this community, I only see prosperity for Brentwood if we harness our energies in a unified way towards establishing Brentwood as one of the foremost cities in the United States. Please vote for Rhea Little for City Commission on May 5, 2009, for Brentwood's Bright Future!

Devin McClendon:
As the campaign concludes, my personal thanks to all who have voted, will vote, have offered support, volunteered or even watched or attended a candidate forum. Our election process is alive and well in Brentwood.
When you go to the polls tomorrow, please consider a vote for the future of Brentwood by voting Devin McClendon. My knowledge of and commitment to Brentwood is strong. I will serve our city with an eye for the future but with a knowledge and respect for the past. I will always keep an open mind and encourage new ideas while taking a proactive approach to Brentwood’s future.