| Restricting Parking on City Streets to Customers of Businesses Legal Opinion (Created: 1993-06-07; Reviewed: 2020-05-06) MTAS was asked whether a municipality can restrict parking on city streets in certain areas to customers of businesses in those areas. |
| Right of a City to Demote or Dismiss a Police Chief Legal Opinion (Created: 2007-01-12; Reviewed: 2021-06-02) MTAS was asked whether the present chief of police can be dismissed or demoted only for cause. |
| Right of a City to Sue a Carrier for Damages to City Streets Legal Opinion (Created: 1994-04-08; Reviewed: 2020-05-07) MTAS was asked whether the city has the right to sue a carrier for damages to city streets. |
| Right of Cities to Monopolize Garbage Services Legal Opinion (Created: 2008-05-20; Reviewed: 2021-05-28) MTAS was asked whether most cities allow independent contractors to contract privately for commercial solid waste services and whether the city can exclude private solid waste collection vendors from operating inside the city limits. |
| Right of City Attorney to be Sessions Judge Legal Opinion (Created: 1998-01-13; Reviewed: 2021-07-30) MTAS was asked whether the city attorney can hold the position of sessions judge, which, in this case, is a part-time position. |
| Right of City Council to Appoint and Terminate the City Judge Legal Opinion (Created: 2001-08-20; Reviewed: 2021-07-28) MTAS was asked whether the City Judge serves at the will of the City Council and may be the City Judge of more than one city. |
| Right of City to Excavate Ditch Adjacent to City Street Legal Opinion (Created: 2001-12-10; Reviewed: 2020-05-07) Analysis of right of city v. abutting property owner to control ditches beside city streets. |
| Right of Municipalities to Require Hook-Ups to the City Sewer System and/or Be Charged a Sewer Availability Fee Legal Opinion (Created: 1994-02-01; Reviewed: 2021-04-23) MTAS was asked about the law governing the right of municipalities to require hook-ups to the city sewer system and/or be charged a sewer availability fee. |
| Rights of Municipal Department Heads, Their Appointment and Removal Legal Opinion (Created: 2007-05-09; Reviewed: 2021-06-02) MTAS was asked who has the power to appoint and to remove certain municipal employees and whether municipal employees who have a property right in their employment under a charter lose that property right if the charter is changed to revoke that right. |
| Sale of Beer by Municipalities Legal Opinion (Created: 2005-10-14; Reviewed: 2021-07-23) MTAS was asked whether the city can itself hold a beer permit. |
| Sale of Food at Special Events Legal Opinion (Created: 2001-10-19; Reviewed: 2021-06-28) MTAS was asked if a city has the right to restrict street vendors to particular businesses during festival days. |
| Sales Tax and Transient Vendors Permit Relative to Special Events Legal Opinion (Created: 2001-07-03; Reviewed: 2021-06-28) MTAS was asked whether a community college can collect sales tax on the sales made by temporary vendors during special events sponsored by the college on college property and whether the City is entitled to collect from such individual vendors the transient vendors permit fee. |
| Sales Tax Distribution Contract Legal Opinion (Created: 2007-12-18; Reviewed: 2021-07-19) MTAS was asked whether the city has any legal way to terminate the contract between the city and the county for the distribution of the city's share of the sales tax that presently goes to the county. |
| Securing the Closing of a Street Legal Opinion (Created: 1993-11-04; Reviewed: 2020-05-11) MTAS was asked whether the owners of abutting properties can secure the closing of a certain road between another boulevard and the railroad right of way over the objections of the city. |
| Selecting a Police Officer in a Closed Meeting Held Without Public Notice Legal Opinion (Created: 1992-08-19; Reviewed: 2021-05-12) MTAS was asked whether a committee consisting of the mayor and some members of the city council can select a police officer in a closed meeting held without public notice. |
| Selling the Right of Way to a Street Legal Opinion (Created: 2001-09-20; Reviewed: 2020-05-11) MTAS was asked whether the city has the right to sell the right of way to a street that it plans to close? |
| Setback Requirements for Residential Property in Subdivision Legal Opinion (Created: 2007-07-17; Reviewed: 2021-04-28) MTAS was asked whether set-backs in approved and recorded platt, or present subdivision regulations and zoning ordinance applied to a certain piece of residential property upon which the owner and builder had completed the footers. |
| Several Questions about City Council Procedures Legal Opinion (Created: 1999-05-20; Reviewed: 2021-07-30) MTAS was asked several questions about city council procedures. |
| Severance Package Contract with a City Manager Legal Opinion (Created: 2003-07-28; Reviewed: 2021-06-02) MTAS was asked to analyze the law governing the right of a city to enter into a severance package contract with a city manager. |
| Severance Taxes Legal Opinion (Created: 1999-01-04; Reviewed: 2021-07-19) MTAS was asked whether municipalities are entitled to levy severance taxes. |
| Sign Regulation of Banners and Balloons Legal Opinion (Created: 2008-08-22; Reviewed: 2021-07-21) MTAS was asked to analyze questions related to sign control of banners and balloons. |
| Sleep Time Deduction for Firefighters Legal Opinion (Created: 1992-01-08; Reviewed: 2021-05-21) MTAS was asked whether the sleep time deduction for firemen requires five consecutive hours of uninterrupted sleep. |
| Slum Clearance and Garbage Rates Legal Opinion (Created: 2000-10-03; Reviewed: 2021-06-18) MTAS was asked whether the city can clean up pieces of private property in the city with the permission of the property owner and whether the city can classify waste, administratively treat classes of waste differently, and charge different rates for the collection and disposal of the different classes of waste. |
| Solid Waste Collection Contract Legal Opinion (Created: 2004-03-03; Reviewed: 2021-05-28) MTAS was asked to analyze the question of the conditions under which a city can waiver or correct mistakes in a bid. |
| Special Meetings Requirements for the Ratification of Private Acts Legal Opinion (Created: 2006-05-22; Reviewed: 2021-07-19) MTAS was asked whether there are special public notice and hearing requirements for the adoption of private acts by the city's governing body. |
| Speed Bumps Legal Opinion (Created: 2001-05-30; Reviewed: 2020-05-11) MTAS was asked for information on speed bumps. |
| Splitting Work into Components to Circumvent Competitive Bid Requirements Legal Opinion (Created: 1994-01-04; Reviewed: 2021-05-26) MTAS was asked about splitting work into components to circumvent competitive bid requirements. |
| Stalling of an Application for Rezoning Legal Opinion (Created: 2006-08-04; Reviewed: 2021-04-28) MTAS was asked to analyze the legal effect of, and the solution to, the stalling of an application for a rezoning. |
| State Law Regulating Location of a Cemetery in Relation to City Limits Legal Opinion (Created: 1997-01-02; Reviewed: 2021-06-17) MTAS was asked whether there is any state law that prohibits the location of a cemetery within two miles (or any other distance) of a city. |
| Stormwater Fees, Ordinance Enforcement Options, and Other Special Stormwater Issues General (Created: 2006-02-14; Reviewed: 2020-05-11) A handout that was part of a presentation for Southeastern Stormwater Management Group on funding options and stormwater regulations enforcement issues. |
| Stormwater Management Program Legal Opinion (Created: 1994-05-17; Reviewed: 2020-05-11) MTAS was asked whether the city is liable for the drainage of stormwater from someone's property onto property belonging to someone else and whether the city has any legal obligation to develop a stormwater management program. |
| Subdivision Created by Division of Land Created by Road Construction Legal Opinion (Created: 2010-03-22; Reviewed: 2021-04-20) MTAS was asked whether a particular road configuration created a subdivision and whether the city could obtain a street right of way that would create a subdivision without creating that subdivision. |
| TDOT Contracts Legal Opinion (Created: 2001-06-06; Reviewed: 2020-05-11) MTAS was asked to evaluate a proposed TDOT contract. |
| Temporarily Closing Certain Streets Legal Opinion (Created: 1996-03-13; Reviewed: 2020-05-11) MTAS was asked whether the city can temporarily close certain streets, one or more of which are state highways, in the downtown area of the city for the purpose of permitting local private groups to hold a festival. |
| Temporary Appointment of a City Attorney by the Mayor Legal Opinion (Created: 1996-08-21; Reviewed: 2021-07-30) MTAS was asked whether the mayor can temporarily appoint a city attorney. |
| Temporary Traffic Control Devices under MUTCD Legal Opinion (Created: 2011-05-16; Reviewed: 2020-05-11) MTAS was asked whether traffic control devices in a construction work zone can be enforced by the city police. |
| Terminating Employees and Rehiring Them at a Lower Wage Legal Opinion (Created: 2010-06-16; Reviewed: 2021-07-15) MTAS was asked whether the city can terminate its dispatchers (who do not handle E-911 calls, but 'local calls') and rehire dispatchers at a lower wage rate. |
| Terminating the Utility Board Superintendent Legal Opinion (Created: 2011-10-02; Reviewed: 2021-04-26) MTAS was asked whether the utility board superintendent can be terminated by the city's governing body without financial penalty to the city. |
| Tort Liability at Railroad Crossing Improvements Legal Opinion (Created: 2009-04-24; Reviewed: 2021-04-15) MTAS was asked about relief from tort liability at railroad crossing improvements made with federal funds. |
| Transient Merchants Legal Opinion (Created: 1992-12-01; Reviewed: 2021-06-28) MTAS was asked whether the city can charge transient merchants higher taxes than the statute governing transient merchants provides, or impose upon them a stiff permit fee. |
| Unconstitutional Since 1953 to Incorporate Municipalities by Private Act Legal Opinion (Created: 1996-01-10; Reviewed: 2021-05-14) The General Assembly is required by general law to provide the exclusive methods by which municipalities may be created, merged, consolidated, dissolved, and their boundaries altered. |
| Updating Personnel Safety and Health Issues in the Municipal Code Legal Opinion (Created: 2008-11-17; Reviewed: 2021-07-20) MTAS was asked whether certain ordinances contained in municipal code that address personnel safety and health issues are required to be in the municipal code. |
| Use of Funds from Increased Garbage Collection Fees Legal Opinion (Created: 2002-07-17; Reviewed: 2021-05-28) MTAS was asked whether the city can increase its monthly garbage collection fees and use the increase for purposes other than garbage collection. |
| Use of the City Drug Fund Legal Opinion (Created: 1993-01-25; Reviewed: 2021-07-06) MTAS was asked whether the city can use the drug fund to pay the salary of an officer assigned to the judicial task force, and can it use the drug fund to pay the overtime pay of the police officer who cares for the "drug dog." |
| Use of the Semi-Colon under the Rules of Statutory Construction Legal Opinion (Created: 2005-05-16; Reviewed: 2021-07-19) MTAS was asked to interpret a provision of the charter that turned on the use of semi-colons. |
| Using a Utility Service Applicant's Credit Report to Determine Amount of Utility Deposit Legal Opinion (Created: 2006-10-27; Reviewed: 2019-01-03) MTAS was asked whether the city can use a utility service applicant's credit report as a basis for determining the size of the applicant's utility deposit. |
| Using City Hall to Solicit Charitable Contributions Legal Opinion (Created: 2009-10-26; Reviewed: 2021-07-21) MTAS was asked whether the city could allow the city hall to be used as collection point for solicitations by various private groups. |
| Utilities Must Charge Reasonable Rates Legal Opinion (Created: 1999-01-04; Reviewed: 2021-07-12) MTAS was asked for the definition of the term 'reasonable rates' within the meaning of the utility statutes and cases in Tennessee that require utility rates to be reasonable. |
| Utility Board Authority for Setting Water Rates Legal Opinion (Created: 2012-09-03; Reviewed: 2021-07-23) MTAS was asked whether the city's utility board can be given the authority to set water rates. |
| Utility Board Residency Requirement Legal Opinion (Created: 2011-03-28; Reviewed: 2021-07-12) MTAS was asked whether the requirement that a person be a resident of the city as a condition of holding a city office is a continuing requirement. |
| Utility Rate Breaks for the Elderly Legal Opinion (Created: 2002-04-01; Reviewed: 2021-07-23) MTAS was asked whether a city can give utility rate reductions or exemptions to the elderly. |
| Vice-Mayor's Elevation to Mayor Legal Opinion (Created: 2006-08-22; Reviewed: 2021-07-16) Under general law mayor-aldermanic charter, if the mayor resigns, does the vice-mayor become the mayor? |
| Viewing Investigative Records in Open Criminal Cases Legal Opinion (Created: 2003-05-05; Reviewed: 2021-04-22) MTAS was asked whether municipal officials enjoy any special privilege to view the records in open criminal investigations. |
| Volunteer Fire Services Legal Opinion (Created: 2011-05-25; Reviewed: 2021-05-21) MTAS was asked several questions regarding the city's finance of the volunteer fire department and the city's access to the records of the volunteer fire department. |
| Volunteer Firemen (and Other Volunteers) Running for Local Office Legal Opinion (Created: 2006-05-10; Reviewed: 2021-05-21) MTAS was asked to analyze the question of whether volunteer firefighters are city employees. |
| Voting in City Elections by Non-Resident Property Owners Legal Opinion (Created: 2003-03-24; Reviewed: 2021-07-23) MTAS was asked whether the city by private act can permit non-resident property owners to vote in city elections. |
| Voting in City Elections by People Who Reside Outside, But Who Own Property Inside the City Legal Opinion (Created: 1994-10-10; Reviewed: 2021-06-16) MTAS was asked whether people who reside outside, but who own property inside the City, can vote in a city's elections. |
| Water Main Extensions on Private Property Legal Opinion (Created: 2007-06-06; Reviewed: 2021-07-20) MTAS was asked several questions related to the construction of water mains inside a gated residential complex by city forces. |
| What Happens to a Motion That Has Not Been Seconded Legal Opinion (Created: 2003-02-18; Reviewed: 2017-06-21) When the city's zoning ordinance prohibits amendments to the zoning ordinance from coming up for one year after being defeated, does the failure of a motion to amend the zoning ordinance to receive a second constitute a 'denial' of the amendment of the zoning ordinance? |
| When a Covenant Runs with the Land General (Created: 2011-02-15; Reviewed: 2021-05-14) MTAS was asked to analyze when and how covenants run with the land,both generally, and for specific purpose of stormwater regulations. |
| Who Is Mayor If the Mayor's Resignation Is Not Accepted? Legal Opinion (Created: 2010-03-12; Reviewed: 2021-07-16) MTAS was asked whether the mayor had resigned and, if he had, whether the vice-mayor became the mayor. |
| Who Performs Duties of the Mayor When the Office of the Mayor Is Vacant? Legal Opinion (Created: 2011-07-27; Reviewed: 2021-07-16) MTAS was asked several questions related to the duties of the mayor and vice mayor. |
| Zoning and Subdivision Regulations Are in Conflict Legal Opinion (Created: 2002-09-17; Reviewed: 2019-01-03) MTAS was asked which of the zoning regulations and of the subdivision regulations prevail when the two are in conflict. |
| Zoning for Group Home Legal Opinion (Created: 2005-07-25; Reviewed: 2019-01-03) MTAS was asked whether certain group homes for mentally handicapped people could locate in an R-1 zone in the city. |
| Zoning of Tattoo Parlors Legal Opinion (Created: 2009-12-11; Reviewed: 2019-01-03) MTAS was asked the status of tattoo studios under the zoning ordinance of the city. |
| Zoning Ordinance and Stormwater Ordinance Regulating Land Use in Floodplains Legal Opinion (Created: 2008-02-26; Reviewed: 2017-06-21) MTAS was asked three questions related to a "lot of record" that was annexed by the city. |
| Zoning Restrictions Applied to Tattoo Parlors Legal Opinion (Created: 2011-08-09; Reviewed: 2019-01-03) MTAS was asked whether the city can apply the same zoning restrictions it can apply to tattoo parlors to other businesses such as body piercing, massage parlors, and pawnshops. |
| An Ordinance Establishing Qualifications for the Position of City Judge for the Town of New Market, Tennessee Ordinance (Created: 2018-08-01; Reviewed: 2021-07-26) The Town of New Market, Tennessee required an ordinance establishing qualifications for the position of city judge. |
| Adventures in Annexation: Adventure Guide to Annexation for a Municipality General (Created: 2018-12-01; Reviewed: 2021-04-13) This MTAS online "Adventure Guide" provides instruction on each step of the annexation process for Tennessee municipalities. (MTAS Adventure Guide series) |
| Application of "Fresh Start Act" to 9-Year Old Beer Permit Case Legal Opinion (Created: 2022-09-22; Reviewed: 2022-12-09) MTAS Legal Consultant Elisha Hodge responded to a request for information regarding whether or not the "Fresh Start Act" applies to applicant for a beer permit following a case decided 9 years ago. |
| Appointed Board Members Voting for Mayor and Vice-Mayor Where These Positions are Elected Among the Board Members Legal Opinion (Created: 2018-09-05; Reviewed: 2021-07-20) MTAS addresses a request for information concerning whether or not appointed aldermen can vote to elect the mayor and vice mayor when these positions are elected from among the board members. |
| Assessing the Liquor Privilege Tax on Limited Service Restaurants Legal Opinion (Created: 2022-10-19; Reviewed: 2022-12-09) MTAS Legal Consultant Elisha Hodge responded to a request for information regarding assessing a liquor privilege tax on limited service restaurants. |
| Beer Permit Age Limitation Legal Opinion (Created: 2022-03-28; Reviewed: 2022-04-01) MTAS Legal Consultant Elisha Hodge responded to a question about whether or not a person under the age of 21 can apply for and hold a beer permit in the State of Tennessee. |
| Breaking a Tie in the Election of an Alderman Legal Opinion (Created: 2014-11-20; Reviewed: 2021-07-07) MTAS was asked how a tie vote in the election of an alderman is broken. |
| Can Facebook Images Be Used As Evidence For Municipal Violation And Citation? General (Created: 2017-10-31; Reviewed: 2021-04-26) MTAS responds to a question regarding whether images on Facebook be used as evidence for municipal violation and citation. |
| Certificate of Compliance and Issuing Alcoholic Beverage Licenses Legal Opinion (Created: 2022-02-11; Reviewed: 2022-02-11) MTAS was asked for a legal opinion regarding the following question: "If the City receives a certificate of compliance application that is otherwise satisfactory in all regards, must the City grant a liquor license up to 10 such licenses?" |
| Chalking Tires for Parking Enforcement Is Unreasonable Search General (Created: 2019-04-30; Reviewed: 2021-04-21) MTAS Legal Consultant Elisha Hodge notifies Tennessee municipalities that the US Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit opined that the practice of marking tires with chalk, in order to monitor how long a vehicle is parked in a parking space for the purpose of enforcing parking restrictions, is an unreasonable search in violation of the Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution. |
| Charges for Copies of Accident Reports and Incident Reports Legal Opinion (Created: 2012-03-23; Reviewed: 2021-04-21) This opinion from Tennessee Open Records Counsel addresses the amounts that a local government law enforcement agency is permitted to charge for a copy of accident reports and incident reports. |
| Contraction of City Limits Legal Opinion (Created: 2022-08-05; Reviewed: 2022-10-14) MTAS Legal Consultant Elisha Hodge responded to a request for information regarding the contraction or deannexation of property within a Tennessee town's geographical boundaries. |
| Determining Quorum Number Required to Pass Motions Legal Opinion (Created: 2018-06-01; Reviewed: 2021-07-20) An MTAS attorney response to a question regarding the number of aldermen required to vote and pass items on the agenda not related to the city's present alderman vacancy. |
| Documentation Retention of Closed Files Legal Opinion (Created: 2022-03-28; Reviewed: 2022-04-01) MTAS Legal Consultant Elisha Hodge responded to a Tennessee municipality's request for information regarding records retention and public records. |
| Eligibility of Chamber of Commerce Employees for City-Provided Benefits Legal Opinion (Created: 2019-09-01; Reviewed: 2021-04-21) A legal opinion was requested of MTAS addressing whether individuals who work for the local Chamber of Commerce are legally eligible for benefits provided to employees of the city. |
| Guide to Alcohol and Beer Laws in Tennessee General (Created: 2020-11-04; Reviewed: 2023-01-25) MTAS frequently receive questions related to alcohol and beer laws in Tennessee. In an effort to assist municipal officials and employees with these questions, MTAS developed this guide that includes many of the relevant statutory provisions related to alcohol and beer in Tennessee. This guide does not include every statutory provision related to alcohol or beer, so the Tennessee Code will still need to be reviewed as questions arise. |
| Legality of Ordinance Changing Staggered Four-Year Term of Office to Non-Staggered Two-Year Term of Office Legal Opinion (Created: 2020-10-15; Reviewed: 2021-07-20) MTAS was asked to give an opinion on the legality of an ordinance which changed the board of mayor and alderman from a staggered four-year term of office to a non-staggered two-year term of office. |
| Liquor sales on Sunday and sales of beer at retail liquor stores Legal Opinion (Created: 2018-08-08; Reviewed: 2021-07-21) MTAS responds to the following questions: At what time can restaurants sell liquor by the drink on Sundays; the time for a retail store to sell off-premises liquor on Sundays; and can a retail liquor store sell beer? |
| Mayor's Employment and Potential Conflict of Interest Legal Opinion (Created: 2022-05-18; Reviewed: 2022-05-31) MTAS was asked whether the mayor is precluded from doing landscaping work for private property owners on private property located within the town as part of the mayor's outside employment. |
| Municipality Paying Attorney Fees for Private Residents Who Sued the Municipality Legal Opinion (Created: 2022-09-23; Reviewed: 2023-01-06) MTAS was asked to provide an opinion on the matter of a town using public funds to pay for attorney's fees for private residents who successfully challenged the passage of an ordinance related to a rezoning request. |
| New Statutory Requirements for Meetings of Municipal Governing Bodies General (Created: 2023-06-01; Reviewed: 2023-09-07) The 113th General Assembly amended the Tennessee Open Meetings Act with two separate public chapters that will impact your municipality. Those public chapters are Public Chapter 213, Acts of 2023 (requires meeting agendas for meetings of the local legislative body to be made available 48 hours prior to the meeting), and Public Chapter 300, Acts of 2023 (requires a public comment period at each public meeting). The summary and comments on both are found in the attached document. |
| Notice Requirements for Special Meetings Legal Opinion (Created: 2022-04-01; Reviewed: 2022-05-10) MTAS Legal Consultant Elisha Hodge answers questions from a Tennessee city regarding the notice requirements for special meetings. Case law on this topic was cited as well as a list of locations that public notices can be posted for special meetings. |
| Ordinance Authorizing Governing Bodies to Appropriate Revenues from Natural Gas Utility System to Chambers of Commerce or Economic and Community Organizations for Economic Development Purposes Ordinance (Created: 2018-06-15; Reviewed: 2021-06-22) These can be used by municipal governing bodies that have natural gas utility systems or a board that has control over a municipal natural gas utility system for purposes of appropriating money to a chamber of commerce or economic and community organization. The legislation does not allow money to be appropriated for these purposes in Knoxville, Memphis, Chattanooga, and Metro Nashville. |
| Personal Interest Disclosure Form Form (Created: 2017-01-18; Reviewed: 2021-07-21) Pursuant to the ethics policy adopted by the municipality, this model ethics code personal interest disclosure form is required to be filled out and submitted to the city recorder when a municipal employee or official must exercise discretion over a matter that he/she has a personal interest in that affects, or a reasonable person might believe affects, the employee or official's exercise of discretion. |
| Releasing the Mayor's Personal Information as an Open Record Legal Opinion (Created: 2010-07-20; Reviewed: 2021-07-20) Should the Mayor be considered a "public employee" for the purposes of determining whether or not his personal information (home phone number, address, etc.) should be released as an open record? |
| Resolution Authorizing Governing Bodies to Appropriate Revenues from Natural Gas Utility System to Chamber of Commerce or Economic and Community Organization Resolution (Created: 2018-06-15; Reviewed: 2021-06-28) This is a resolution that can be used by municipal governing bodies with natural gas utility systems or a board that has control over a municipal natural gas utility system to appropriate money to a chamber of commerce or economic and community organization for the purpose of economic development. The legislation does not allow money to be appropriated for these purposes in Knoxville, Memphis, Chattanooga, and Metro Nashville. |
| Responsibility for Selecting and Hiring City Attorney in a Manager Commission Charter Type City Legal Opinion (Created: 2022-09-01; Reviewed: 2022-12-09) MTAS Legal Consultant Elisha Hodge responded to a request for information regarding who has the responsibility of selecting and hiring a town attorney in a manager commission form of government. |
| Summary of 2017 Public Acts (Created: 2017-07-19; Reviewed: 2021-04-20) This training document summarizes the year's public acts that have the most significant impact on municipal operations |
| Summary of 2018 Public Acts (Includes "Small Cells: Competitive Wireless Broadband Investment, Deployment, and Safety Act of 2018") (Created: 2018-08-30; Reviewed: 2021-07-19) This document summarizes the year's public acts that have the most impact on municipal operations in Tennessee. Also included is the "Small Cells: Competitive Wireless Broadband Investment, Deployment, and Safety Act of 2018" document co-authored by Hodge and Chad Jenkins, Deputy Director, Tennessee Municipal League. |
| Summary of 2020 Public Acts (Created: 2020-08-14; Reviewed: 2021-04-21) This document summarizes the year's public acts that have the most impact on municipal operations in Tennessee. |
| Summary of 2021 Public Acts (Created: 2021-06-21; Reviewed: 2021-06-21) This document summarizes the year's public acts that have the most impact on municipal operations in Tennessee. |
| Summary of 2023 Public Acts General (Created: 2023-06-23; Reviewed: 2023-09-08) This document summarizes the year's public acts that have the most impact on municipal operations in Tennessee. |
| Tennessee Open Meetings Act Violation Legal Opinion (Created: 2020-08-24; Reviewed: 2021-04-21) MTAS was asked how a governing body can cure a violation or alleged violation of the Tennessee Open Meetings Act (TOMA). |
| Terminating and Rehiring a City Manager during a Board of Commissioners Meeting Legal Opinion (Created: 2014-12-09; Reviewed: 2021-07-23) MTAS was asked about firing and rehiring a city manager at the board of commissioners meeting and whether the city manager now has a three-month or 12-month contract. |
| Uncompensated Public Officials' Personal Information Not Protected Per Tennessee State Law Legal Opinion (Created: 2019-05-17; Reviewed: 2021-04-21) If council members are uncompensated, they cannot be considered "public employees" whose information is protected pursuant to Tenn. Code Ann. Section 10-7-504(f). Hodge, the Tennessee Open Records Counsel at the time of this letter, also offers suggestions for improved processes in filling the request in question. |
| Adult Use Ordinance Legal Opinion (Created: 2002-03-05; Reviewed: 2021-06-14) Review of an adult use ordinance. |
| Altering Mayor's Salary Before End of Term Legal Opinion (Created: 2002-03-06; Reviewed: 2021-06-22) The Tennessee Constitution has a provision prohibiting the General Assembly from adopting a local or private act that would alter a local officer's salary before the end of the term. |
| Anonymous Complaints of Code Violations Legal Opinion (Created: 2003-08-27; Reviewed: 2021-04-19) A better policy than simply not investigating anonymous complaints would be to respond to them on a case by case basis depending on the indicia of reliability in the complaint. |
| Application of Jackson Law to Private Landfill Legal Opinion (Created: 2007-02-02; Reviewed: 2021-05-27) MTAS was asked whether the Jackson Law applies to a landfill developed by private companies and used for the disposal only of solid waste generated by the companies. |
| Application of Municipal Budget Law of 1982 Legal Opinion (Created: 2002-06-24; Reviewed: 2021-04-30) MTAS was asked whether the Municipal Budget Law of 1982 applies to a city. |
| Application of Sunshine Law to Certain Personnel Processes Legal Opinion (Created: 2002-02-06; Reviewed: 2021-07-16) MTAS was asked if certain procedures in the process of hiring a police chief are subject to the state's Open Meetings Law or Sunshine Law. |
| Bidding Requirements Legal Opinion (Created: 2002-03-12; Reviewed: 2020-05-27) MTAS was asked to review a law on bid acceptance. |
| Board of Mayor and Aldermen Serving as the Beer Board Legal Opinion (Created: 2004-05-12; Reviewed: 2021-07-14) MTAS was asked whether the board of mayor and aldermen may also serve as the beer board. |
| City Judge, Vacancy, and Appointment of Special Judges Legal Opinion (Created: 2009-12-24; Reviewed: 2021-07-27) MTAS was asked whether the city judge can hold two judgeships and use temporary appointments of special judges to fill a vacancy.. |
| Community Center Lease Agreement Form (Created: 2009-01-14; Reviewed: 2021-07-25) MTAS was asked to prepare a lease agreement for the rental of the Town Community Center. |
| Contract with Utility District Legal Opinion (Created: 2004-05-21; Reviewed: 2021-04-22) MTAS was asked about a proposed contract between the City (and other county municipalities) and the County Municipal Water District. |
| Disposition of Court Costs, Litigation Tax Revenues, and Fines General (Created: 2004-12-22; Reviewed: 2021-07-27) MTAS was asked to provide a summary of distribution of court costs, fines, and litigation taxes. |
| Drafting a Sewer Ordinance General (Created: 2004-11-05; Reviewed: 2021-07-26) Guidelines for ordinance and statute drafting. |
| Education Revenues Legal Opinion (Created: 2004-11-23; Reviewed: 2021-06-21) MTAS was asked to research the sharing by county of certain education funds. |
| Employee Safety Measures Legal Opinion (Created: 2002-10-01; Reviewed: 2021-06-15) MTAS was asked to address several personnel safety issues. |
| Fire Chaplains Program Challenged Establishment Cause Grounds Legal Opinion (Created: 2002-03-22; Reviewed: 2021-05-20) MTAS was asked whether there has been a case where a fire chaplain program has been challenged on establishment clause grounds. |
| Hours of Service Under FMLA Legal Opinion (Created: 2002-12-31; Reviewed: 2021-07-09) MTAS was asked several questions about the application of the federal Family and Medical Leave Act. |
| Informal Assemblage Violates Tennessee Open Meetings Law Legal Opinion (Created: 2002-04-10; Reviewed: 2021-06-21) MTAS was asked whether meetings between the Mayor and a member of Council to discuss the preparation of the City's budget would violate the Sunshine Law or Open Meetings Law. |
| Inoperable Bus as Violation of Town Ordinance Legal Opinion (Created: 2002-10-24; Reviewed: 2021-07-09) MTAS was asked whether an inoperable bus that is maintained by a business owner on the lot on which the business is located would be considered a 'building' since it is used for storage. |
| Legality of Fire Department Fees Legal Opinion (Created: 2004-03-22; Reviewed: 2021-07-22) MTAS was asked to research the legality of inspection fees and certain services. |
| Legality of Wrecker Ordinance Legal Opinion (Created: 2003-08-25; Reviewed: 2020-05-04) MTAS was asked to research the legality of a wrecker ordinance. |
| Liability for Private Sprinkler Systems Legal Opinion (Created: 2003-01-07; Reviewed: 2021-05-20) MTAS was asked about potential liability that could be imposed on the Town for certain deficiencies in private sprinkler systems that the Town is thinking of mandating by ordinance. |
| Liability Questions Legal Opinion (Created: 2003-06-06; Reviewed: 2021-07-27) MTAS was asked whether the city should maintain a drainage easement on private property, whether the issuance of a building permit somehow obligates the city to the applicant relative to liability, and about the statute of limitations under the TGTLA. |
| Local Approval of General Laws of Local Application Legal Opinion (Created: 2007-08-30; Reviewed: 2021-06-25) A letter urging compliance with the State Constitution. |
| Oath of Office for Municipal Planning Commission Members Legal Opinion (Created: 2007-05-11; Reviewed: 2021-07-26) MTAS was asked whether members of a municipal planning commission must take an oath of office. |
| Obligation of Town to Honor Renewal Provision in a Lease Legal Opinion (Created: 2007-11-02; Reviewed: 2021-06-25) MTAS was asked whether the Town is obligated to honor a renewal provision in a lease. |
| Ordinance Adopting the Property Tax Freeze Program Ordinance (Created: 2008-06-19; Reviewed: 2021-07-26) An ordinance adopting the property tax freeze program for elderly low-income homeowners as authorized in state law. |
| Ordinance Violation and Appeal as a Civil Rather Than Criminal Proceeding Legal Opinion (Created: 2005-02-15; Reviewed: 2021-07-28) MTAS was asked whether an appeal of an ordinance violation to circuit court by the defendant would be considered a civil or criminal matter. |
| Ouster of Commissioner Legal Opinion (Created: 2003-09-11; Reviewed: 2021-07-16) MTAS was asked whether the City would have to use the procedure in Tennessee Code Annotated, ' 6-20-220, to oust a commissioner or whether the City could use the general ouster law (T.C.A. ' 8-47-101, et seq.). |
| Procedures for Considering and Adopting a Budget Legal Opinion (Created: 2005-08-08; Reviewed: 2021-07-26) MTAS was asked what procedures the Town should use in considering and adopting a budget. |
| Purchase by Councilmember Through City Legal Opinion (Created: 2003-06-13; Reviewed: 2021-07-29) MTAS was asked to research laws implicated when councilmember makes personal purchase through city, receiving discounted price and avoiding sales tax. |
| Search of City Employee's Office by Mayor Legal Opinion (Created: 2003-08-04; Reviewed: 2021-06-02) MTAS was asked whether the Mayor may search employees' offices for possible disciplinary action. |
| Sewer System for Subdivision Legal Opinion (Created: 2003-12-08; Reviewed: 2021-07-16) MTAS was asked how a sewer system for a subdivision can be provided through a franchise or contract with a private operator. |
| Significant Statutory Provisions and Case Law Affecting Liability of Governmental Entities, Engineers, and Developers for Drainage General (Created: 2004-09-27; Reviewed: 2020-05-11) MTAS was asked to prepare a presentation for professional engineers about drainage liability. |
| Solid Waste Transfer Station Legal Opinion (Created: 2002-03-27; Reviewed: 2021-06-25) MTAS was asked whether a contract provision between a town and a waste services provider, requiring all garbage collected in the town and county to be deposited at the county transfer station is valid and enforceable. |
| State DOT Authorized to Pay Full Costs of Utility Relocations General (Created: 2003-05-28; Reviewed: 2021-04-26) The General Assembly has passed legislation authorizing the Commissioner of Transportation to reimburse public and private utilities the full costs of relocating caused by state road projects, subject to funding. |
| Street Acceptance Issues (Created: 2001-11-16; Reviewed: 2020-05-11) MTAS was asked for advice on whether the city should accept a street that is not paved or improved and then spend municipal revenues to bring the street up to standards or whether the city should adhere closely to the street acceptance policy dictated by the city's subdivision regulations |
| Tax Treatment of Payments by Cities to Employees on Active Duty as a Reservist or Member of the National Guard General (Created: 2005-01-03; Reviewed: 2021-06-03) All pay going to activated municipal employees are wages and subject to all normal taxes. |
| Towing Regulations Legal Opinion (Created: 2001-11-20; Reviewed: 2021-07-07) Municipalities may still regulate the price for non-consensual tows, but all other business regulation of towing businesses is not allowed. |
| Use of Adequate Facilities Tax Revenues Legal Opinion (Created: 2002-03-18; Reviewed: 2020-05-11) MTAS was asked whether Adequate Facilities Tax Revenues can be used to pay indebtedness for past sewer projects. |
| Work on Private Property Legal Opinion (Created: 2001-11-21; Reviewed: 2020-04-21) MTAS was asked about a city doing drainage work on private property. |
| Residential Sprinklers ISO Fact Sheet General (Created: 2019-10-09; Reviewed: 2021-05-21) This fact sheet from the Insurance Services Office discusses discounts available to homes protected by a residential sprinkler system and includes discount examples in Tennessee from a 2008 study. |
| IMLA Model Ordinance Regulating Dangerous Dogs Ordinance (Created: 2022-01-21; Reviewed: 2022-01-21) This is a model ordinance regulating dangerous dogs prepared by the International Municipal Lawyers Association (IMLA) and is shared by MTAS with the permission of IMLA. MTAS recommends this ordinance for addressing problems caused by vicious or dangerous dogs. (Ordinance publication date: October 2018) |
| Authority of City to Use a Local Referendum in Specific Instances General (Created: 2011-04-25; Reviewed: 2021-05-20) A city's use of a referendum is limited to thirteen specific instances in the State of Tennessee. |
| Committed Fund Balance Ordinance Ordinance (Created: 2012-06-15; Reviewed: 2023-01-24) A model ordinance based on GASB 54 requirements that creates a committed fund balance in order to ensure fund availability for the purchase of a specific item. |
| Conditions of Abandoning a Street General (Created: 2011-02-15; Reviewed: 2020-04-22) MTAS was asked whether a city can abandon a street and what happens when a street is abandoned by a city. |
| Guidelines for Taking Minutes at Meetings of the Board of Mayor and Aldermen General (Created: 2011-05-13; Reviewed: 2021-07-20) MTAS was asked about who should take meeting minutes and how minutes may be amended. |
| Ordinance to Allow for the Partial Payment of Real Property Taxes Ordinance (Created: 2010-09-15; Reviewed: 2021-07-20) A sample ordinance which allows a municipality to accept partial payment of local real property taxes. |
| Using Tax Increment Financing in Tennessee (Created: 2012-01-05; Reviewed: 2021-07-26) This study includes the history, background, explanation, advantages and disadvantages used to support economic and industrial development, and alternatives to using TIFs in Tennessee; two case studies are included. |
| Invitation to Bid: Mowing Services RFP (Created: 2009-10-05; Reviewed: 2021-06-21) An invitation to bid mowing services for the City of Johnson City. |
| Public Building, Infrastructure, and Facility Naming Policy General (Created: 2014-12-31; Reviewed: 2021-06-21) This document outlines the policy of the Johnson City Board of Commissioners with respect to the naming of public buildings, infrastructure, and facilities owned by the City of Johnson City. |
| ADA Reasonable Accommodation General (Created: 2012-08-29; Reviewed: 2021-07-12) MTAS was asked about reasonable accommodation for an employee who has typing duties and develops carpal tunnel syndrome. |
| Asking an Employee to Cover Up Tattoos and Piercings General (Created: 2014-03-31; Reviewed: 2021-05-07) MTAS was asked whether a city can ask an employee to cover up tattoos and piercings. |
| Caps on Compensatory Time General (Created: 2012-07-16; Reviewed: 2021-04-09) MTAS was asked about the amount of compensatory time that an employee may accumulate. |
| Changes to Pay Schedule General (Created: 2012-08-23; Reviewed: 2021-04-23) MTAS was asked about transitioning to a new payday date; the work week currently ends on Saturday, but Friday is payday. |
| Charging Time for Employee Court Appearance General (Created: 2012-07-03; Reviewed: 2021-04-23) MTAS was asked how to pay a new employee for a personal court appearance when the employee has not yet earned vacation time. |
| Employee Seeking Promotion Treated Like Other Candidates General (Created: 2012-07-19; Reviewed: 2021-04-28) MTAS was asked whether there is any protection of the candidacy information of an employee who is seeking a promotion. |
| Firefighters Driving on a License from Another State General (Created: 2014-04-03; Reviewed: 2021-05-20) MTAS was asked whether, in Tennessee, firefighters are required to have a valid Tennessee driver's license to operate vehicles and work in the full capacity of a fire fighter. |
| Leave for Training Due to Voluntary Military Promotions General (Created: 2012-07-24; Reviewed: 2021-05-04) MTAS was asked whether USERRA protects the rights of any American who wishes to serve in the armed forces regardless of voluntary promotions, which may equal more time away from work. |
| Model Succession Plan Report/Study (Created: 2009-12-10; Reviewed: 2021-05-07) Includes a model succession plan and a succession plan for McMinnville. |
| Payroll Taxes for a Severance Payment General (Created: 2014-03-31; Reviewed: 2021-07-26) MTAS was asked how to process payroll taxes for a severance payment. |
| Social Media and Open Records Laws General (Created: 2012-08-03; Reviewed: 2021-04-23) MTAS was asked about records retention and the Open Records Act as it applies to social media pages. |
| Using Sick Leave to Supplement Workers' Compensation Benefits General (Created: 2012-07-13; Reviewed: 2021-07-15) MTAS was asked whether employees may use sick leave to supplement workers' compensation benefits. |
| Waiting Periods for Health Coverage under PPACA General (Created: 2014-03-31; Reviewed: 2021-07-15) MTAS was asked whether, under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), it is legal to offer group health coverage but have a waiting period on health benefits of six months. |
| Attorney General Opines Local Regulation of Ephedrine and Pseudoephedrine Unlawful Legal Opinion (Created: 2013-12-18; Reviewed: 2021-05-12) Amid a surge of interest in recently-passed local government legislation to require a prescription for the purchase of ephedrine and pseudoephedrine products, the Tennessee Attorney General has opined that such local regulation is in violation of Tennessee law. |
| Conservation Easements on Recreational Property Owned by the City Legal Opinion (Created: 2011-05-18; Reviewed: 2021-05-27) MTAS was asked whether the provisions of T.C.A. apply to the execution of conservation easements on city-owned property. |
| Historic Business Licenses Are Public Records Legal Opinion (Created: 2012-01-11; Reviewed: 2021-06-18) MTAS was asked whether business licenses are public record if they are more than seventy years old. |
| Ordinance Establishing an Office of Administrative Hearing Officer Ordinance (Created: 2011-10-11; Reviewed: 2021-05-06) An ordinance to create the office of Administrative Hearing Officer to hear certain building and property code violations. |
| Public Purpose Doctrine Legal Opinion (Created: 2009-08-10; Reviewed: 2022-10-18) MTAS was asked about the legality of a city and church sharing in the costs of constructing a fence on an easement. |
| Residency Requirement Legal Opinion (Created: 2014-02-11; Reviewed: 2021-07-21) MTAS was asked what time period is covered by the one-year residency requirement of T. C. A. ' 6-3-103 for candidates for the Board of Mayor and Aldermen. |
| Resolution to Remove the Municipality from the Application of Mandatory Allowance of the Manufacture of Alcoholic Beverages Resolution (Created: 2013-07-09; Reviewed: 2021-07-27) Any city that wishes to ensure that neither a distillery nor high alcohol content beer manufacturer operates within its jurisdiction should take immediate steps to adopt a resolution removing the city from the application of TCA 57-2-103(d). Failure to complete this action prior to the end of the 45-day grace period could result in your city being precluded from exercising its ability to opt out of the law. This 45-day grace period began to toll upon the effective date of the bill, July 1st, making August 15th the final day to remove your city from application. |
| Tennessee Municipal Benchmarking Project FY2006 Report/Study (Created: 2007-04-12; Reviewed: 2017-06-07) FY2006 annual report to compare the relative cost, efficiency and effectiveness of a set of municipal services by using a collaborative approach with the participating cities, and to set standards and identify "best practices" in municipal government for use and comparison by all Tennessee cities. |
| City Recorders: Elected or Appointed (updated 2017) Survey (Created: 2008-07-08; Reviewed: 2021-07-07) A spreadsheet of elected and appointed Tennessee city recorders arranged by type of municipal charter. (updated 2017) |
| Assistant City Manager for Development Services Job Description (Created: 2008-03-03; Reviewed: 2021-04-26) Job description for the position of Assistant City Manager for Development Services. |
| Request for Qualifications for City Attorney/Legal Services for the Town of Kingston Springs RFP (Created: 2015-03-25; Reviewed: 2021-07-29) Example of an RFQ for a city attorney. |
| Benefits Coordinator Job Description (Created: 2005-07-25; Reviewed: 2021-04-09) A job description for the position of Benefits Coordinator. |
| Request for Qualifications: Energy Savings Performance Contracting Services RFP (Created: 2008-04-01; Reviewed: 2021-05-28) An RFQ for the City of Knoxville related to hiring a contractor to conduct an energy audit of all City-owned facilities. |
| RFP for Automated Red Light Enforcement System RFP (Created: 2005-04-17; Reviewed: 2020-05-07) A request for proposals for an automated red light enforcement system. |
| Senior Director Human Resources and Policy Compliance Job Description (Created: 2010-05-13; Reviewed: 2021-06-02) Job description for the position of Sr. Director Human Resources & Policy Compliance for the City of Knoxville. |
| Cleveland Beautification Survey Survey (Created: 2011-04-28; Reviewed: 2021-06-01) The Tree Board in Cleveland conducted this survey and had 442 responses. |
| Appeals of Building Code Violations Legal Opinion (Created: 2000-11-22; Reviewed: 2016-12-19) MTAS was asked whether a person appealing a fine for a building code violation needs to pay the fine during the pendency of the appeal. |
| Appointment of City Judge Legal Opinion (Created: 2000-12-05; Reviewed: 2021-07-26) MTAS was asked whether it would be proper for a City to appoint a new City Judge who is not a resident of the County in which the City is located. |
| Beer License and Proximity to Day Care Center Legal Opinion (Created: 2001-02-23; Reviewed: 2021-06-18) MTAS was asked if a beer license would be granted to an establishment that is in close proximity to a day care center. |
| Combining Two Utility Boards Legal Opinion (Created: 2001-04-02; Reviewed: 2021-04-22) MTAS was asked whether or not the City may merge the two utility boards currently in existence. |
| Firing the City Attorney Legal Opinion (Created: 2000-11-29; Reviewed: 2021-07-25) MTAS was asked for whom the City Attorney works and if the City Attorney may be fired. |
| Gift of City Property to an Employee Legal Opinion (Created: 2000-09-26; Reviewed: 2021-07-20) MTAS was asked whether the City may give a retiring city official the vehicle he was using for department purposes, as a retirement present. |
| Handicapped Access, In-Lieu-Of Tax Payments, Liquor by the Drink Legal Opinion (Created: 2001-02-21; Reviewed: 2021-07-16) MTAS was asked whether the city is required to provide handicap access to the second floor walking track in its new recreation building, if the Electric Company can change its monthly in-lieu of tax payments to a single annual payment, and whether the City can put 'liquor by the drink' back on the ballot during the next election since the measure was approved in the last election. |
| Helicopter Regulation Examples Legal Opinion (Created: 2000-09-14; Reviewed: 2021-06-18) MTAS was asked to provide examples of helicopter regulation. |
| Subdividing and Selling City Land Legal Opinion (Created: 2000-10-24; Reviewed: 2021-05-06) MTAS was asked whether or not a town may subdivide a 27-acre parcel into one-acre lots and then sell the lots at public auction. |
| Adult Business Ordinance Ordinance (Created: 2006-09-08; Reviewed: 2021-06-14) A sample ordinance providing for the licensing and regulation of adult-oriented businesses. |
| Fireworks Sample Ordinance Ordinance (Created: 2006-10-19; Reviewed: 2021-05-21) An ordinance to add Chapter 4, "Fireworks," to Title 7 of the City of ______ Municipal Code. |
| Open Burning Ordinance Ordinance (Created: 2006-11-08; Reviewed: 2021-05-20) A sample open burning ordinance. |
| Tuition Reimbursement Plan General (Created: 2003-06-10; Reviewed: 2021-07-15) A tuition reimbursement plan for the employees of the Louisville/Jefferson County Metro Government. |
| Tennessee Department of Transportation ADA Compliance Toolkit General (Created: 2019-03-20; Reviewed: 2021-04-15) A toolkit of materials for municipalities to complete a ADA transition plan created by the Tennessee Department of Transportation Chief Engineer's Office.The toolkit includes: Presentation titled "ADA Compliance for Municipalities" (TDOT); Presentation titled "How to Develop an ADA Self-evaluation & Transition Plan" (FHWA); Document titled "ADA Transition Plans: A Guide to Best Management Practices (NCHRP Project # 20-7 (232); and the following selection of forms: action plan, checklist, grievance procedure, public notice, transition plan and more. |
| 10 Most Common Audit Findings For Tennessee Municipalities General (Created: 2019-07-08; Reviewed: 2021-04-30) A series of articles from MTAS discussing the most common audit findings for Tennessee cities and towns as reported by the Tennessee State Comptroller's Office. |
| Forms to Accompany Capital Asset Accounting System Form (Created: 2003-07-02; Reviewed: 2021-04-22) Includes a sample capital asset disposal record, a capital asset ledger card, and a model resolution to establish a threshold that dictates when expenditures may be capitalized. |
| Tennessee Municipal Benchmarking Project FY2003 Report/Study (Created: 2011-07-18; Reviewed: 2019-01-03) FY2003 annual report to compare the relative cost, efficiency and effectiveness of a set of municipal services by using a collaborative approach with the participating cities, and to set standards and identify "best practices" in municipal government for use and comparison by all Tennessee cities. |
| Tennessee Municipal Benchmarking Project FY2004 Report/Study (Created: 2006-01-04; Reviewed: 2019-01-03) FY2004 annual report to compare the relative cost, efficiency and effectiveness of a set of municipal services by using a collaborative approach with the participating cities, and to set standards and identify "best practices" in municipal government for use and comparison by all Tennessee cities. |
| Tennessee Municipal Benchmarking Project FY2005 Report/Study (Created: 2006-04-24; Reviewed: 2019-01-03) FY2005 annual report to compare the relative cost, efficiency and effectiveness of a set of municipal services by using a collaborative approach with the participating cities, and to set standards and identify "best practices" in municipal government for use and comparison by all Tennessee cities. |
| Tennessee Municipal Benchmarking Project FY2007 Report/Study (Created: 2008-03-28; Reviewed: 2017-09-21) FY2007 annual report to compare the relative cost, efficiency and effectiveness of a set of municipal services by using a collaborative approach with the participating cities, and to set standards and identify "best practices" in municipal government for use and comparison by all Tennessee cities. For the first time, this FY 2007 report contains trend analysis of several benchmark measures. Per capita average costs of providing police, fire and residential refuse services are presented. |
| Sales Tax on Merchandise Sold by City at an Annual Festival Legal Opinion (Created: 2016-05-27; Reviewed: 2021-07-19) If a city sells t-shirts at a festival for a temporary period on an annual basis, these sales do not constitute 'engaging in business' in Tennessee, and would not be subject to the sales and use tax. |
| Beer Permit Regulations in Selected Tennessee Cities Survey (Created: 2018-01-25; Reviewed: 2021-06-25) Tennessee cities with a population of 10,000 or more were surveyed to find out what distance regulations they have for approving a permit to sell beer. |
| Beer Permits and Fees in All Tennessee Cities Survey (Created: 2017-02-17; Reviewed: 2021-06-25) MTAS researched the beer permit fees and privilege tax for beer that may be charged to municipalities in Tennessee. |
| Bulky Items and Brush Pickup Guidelines and Penalties Survey (Created: 2021-06-14; Reviewed: 2021-09-16) Six Tennessee cities responded to an MTAS request for information regarding brush and debris pick up. |
| City Recorder/CMFO Salary Range in Selected Tennessee Cities Survey (Created: 2018-08-15; Reviewed: 2021-07-07) Seven Tennessee cities with a population of less than 2,000 citizens were surveyed to find out what the salary range is for their City Recorder/CMFO employee. |
| City Required Contractor License: A Survey of Selected Cities in Tennessee Survey (Created: 2016-09-30; Reviewed: 2021-04-29) A survey of ten cities regarding whether they require a contractors' license and their cost. |
| City Surveyor Position in Selected Cities Survey (Created: 2017-04-24; Reviewed: 2021-04-23) Selected cities were surveyed regarding whether they have a city surveyor position and compensation for that position. |
| Compensatory Time for FLSA-Exempt Employees Survey (Created: 2016-12-16; Reviewed: 2021-04-23) Six cities responded to an MTAS survey on compensatory time for FLSA-exempt employees, including the rate, the circumstances, pay out at separation from employment, cap on number of hours that can be accrued, and time frame in which compensatory time must be used. |
| Contracted Towing Company Rates in Tennessee Cities Survey (Created: 2019-11-01; Reviewed: 2021-05-12) Eight Tennessee cities were surveyed to find out if the police departments contract towing companies to haul away motor vehicles following traffic accidents. |
| County Assessor Service Fee Survey Survey (Created: 2016-07-31; Reviewed: 2021-07-21) Six cities responded to an MTAS survey about agreements with the county regarding the sharing of the costs of reappraisal of property within the city limits. |
| Credit Cards Used to Pay Taxes and Other Fees Survey (Created: 2018-05-15; Reviewed: 2021-04-22) Several Tennessee cities were contacted to find out if they allow citizens to pay taxes or fees with a credit card. |
| Fees and Policies for Grinder Pumps in Selected Tennessee Cities Survey (Created: 2018-05-15; Reviewed: 2021-06-22) MTAS surveyed a number of Tennessee cities regarding their fees and policies for grinder pumps. |
| Firefighter Vacation Accrual in Selected Tennessee Cities Survey (Created: 2019-04-15; Reviewed: 2021-07-22) MTAS asked a number of Tennessee cities how they handle vacation accrual for firefighters. |
| FOG Programs in Selected Tennessee Cities Survey (Created: 2019-01-15; Reviewed: 2021-06-22) Seven Tennessee cities responded to a request for information on their local FOG programs and the fees that may be associated with the program. |
| GIS Manager Salary and Job Description Survey Survey (Created: 2018-12-15; Reviewed: 2021-04-15) This survey was conducted to gather salary information and job descriptions for GIS staff in selected cities. Responses from 10 cities are included as well as sample job descriptions. |
| IT Staffing in Selected Tennessee Cities Survey (Created: 2019-08-05; Reviewed: 2021-07-08) A survey of selected cities and towns in Tennessee regarding whether they have an IT manager on staff, other IT staff positions, and if they contract for any of their IT staff. If respondents have contracted IT staff, they were asked further questions about the contract procurement process. Information on the vendors and one sample RFP are provided. |
| Morristown Fleet Management Survey Survey (Created: 2016-12-16; Reviewed: 2021-05-26) Eight cities responded to an MTAS survey about their fleet management, including number and types of vehicles, work bays, and lifts, plus information on staffing, work orders, calls for service, and routine maintenance. |
| Online Training in Selected Tennessee Cities Survey (Created: 2019-03-22; Reviewed: 2019-03-22) Twelve Tennessee cities were contacted to find out if they provide employee training online and what types are offered. |
| Police Department Staffing Levels and Budget Information in Selected Tennessee Cities Survey (Created: 2017-04-24; Reviewed: 2021-05-12) A survey of Tennessee cities regarding police staffing levels, police general fund budget and drug fund information. |
| Police Record Clerks in Tennessee Cities Survey (Created: 2016-12-19; Reviewed: 2021-07-01) Ten cities were asked about the salary and job description of their police records clerk position. |
| Policy for Rehiring Former City Employees Survey Survey (Created: 2017-01-10; Reviewed: 2021-05-14) Fourteen cities responded to an MTAS survey about their policies for rehiring former employees and how their previous employment factors into their benefits and longevity. |
| Provisions for Uniforms for City Employees Survey (Created: 2019-03-22; Reviewed: 2021-05-14) Seven Tennessee cities were surveyed to find out if they reimburse for, provide an allowance for or purchase uniforms for any city employees. |
| Public Property Naming Survey (Created: 2016-09-30; Reviewed: 2022-09-23) Eight cities were asked several questions regarding the naming of public property. |
| Public Safety Retirement Plan Survey Survey (Created: 2016-08-31; Reviewed: 2021-05-14) Nine cities responded to an MTAS survey about their retirement plans for their police and fire employees. |
| Purchasing Thresholds in Selected Tennessee Cities Survey (Created: 2019-03-22; Reviewed: 2021-07-29) Nine Tennessee cities were survey to find out what their government's purchasing threshold is and whether or not it was changed following the update to the law in 2015. |
| Salary Information for City Engineers and Public Works Directors in Select Tennessee Cities Survey (Created: 2017-03-15; Reviewed: 2020-05-15) MTAS received a request to compile salary information for City Engineers and Public Works Directors in a number of cities across the state. |
| School District Management and Debt Survey (Created: 2017-07-01; Reviewed: 2021-07-27) Three Tennessee cities were surveyed to find out whether or not the school district is managed by the city and debts. |
| The Affordable Care Act and Part-Time Employees Survey (Created: 2017-04-01; Reviewed: 2021-07-15) The MTAS Research and Information Center conducted a survey of Tennessee cities to find out which ones are subject to the Affordable Care Act regulations and what employee benefits are covered. |
| Compliance/Labor Relations Specialist Job Description (Created: 2006-05-19; Reviewed: 2021-05-07) Job description for the position of Compliance/Labor Relations Specialist. |
| Data Entry Operator A-1 Job Description (Created: 2021-07-20; Reviewed: 2022-02-16) The City of Memphis provided MTAS with a job description for a data entry operator A-1 in their city. |
| Labor Relations Manager/EEO Officer Job Description (Created: 2005-09-20; Reviewed: 2021-05-12) Job description for the position of Labor Relations Manager/EEO Officer. |
| Performance Evaluation/Staff Development Form for Employees in Non-exempt Classifications. Form (Created: 1999-01-01; Reviewed: 2021-05-13) A form used by Mercer University to aid supervisors in staff training and evaluations. |
| Property Standards Inspector I Job Description (Created: 2010-06-08; Reviewed: 2021-04-29) A job description for the position of Property Standards Inspector I for Nashville-Davidson County Metropolitan Government. |
| Non-Compliance with Governor Lee’s Executive Orders Nos. 17, 21 and 22: Guidance for Tennessee Municipalities General (Created: 2020-03-25; Reviewed: 2021-06-22) Guidance for municipalities on a course of action for business owners who may refuse the guidelines of Executive Orders Nos. 17, 21, and 22. |
| Authorization of a Sealed Bid for the Purchase of Property to be Done at Public Meetings Legal Opinion (Created: 1995-04-18; Reviewed: 2021-04-26) MTAS was asked whether the authorization of a sealed bid for the purchase of property would have to be done by ordinance of the board of mayor and aldermen at public meetings. |
| City Entering into a Contract with the YMCA to Allow City Residents to Use Their Pool Legal Opinion (Created: 1995-06-23; Reviewed: 2021-07-25) MTAS was asked whether the city may enter into a fifteen year contract with the YMCA to allow city residents to use their pool. |
| City School District Admits Children Who Live Outside the City and Charges Tuition Legal Opinion (Created: 1996-04-08; Reviewed: 2021-04-26) MTAS was asked whether the City School District may admit children who live outside the city and charge tuition. |
| Definition of Grandfathering in the Sense of Allowing a Preexisting Use to Continue Despite a Later Regulation Legal Opinion (Created: 1996-05-23; Reviewed: 2021-06-18) "Grandfathering" is allowing an existing operation or conduct to continue legally when a new operation or conduct would be illegal. |
| Enforcing Municipal Ordinances Outside the City Limits Legal Opinion (Created: 1996-08-19; Reviewed: 2021-04-29) MTAS was asked whether it may enforce its ordinances dealing with tall grass, junk cars, and dangerous buildings within one mile of the city limits. |
| Imposing New Regulations on the Sale of Beer on Existing Businesses Legal Opinion (Created: 1995-08-01; Reviewed: 2021-07-16) MTAS was asked whether the city could impose new regulations on the sale of beer on existing businesses, specifically, prohibiting the sale of beer at drive-in windows. |
| Levying Personal Property Taxes on Privately-Owned Property at the Airport Legal Opinion (Created: 1995-09-20; Reviewed: 2021-07-02) MTAS was asked whether a city may assess personal property taxes against property at an airport outside city limits. |
| Liability for Codes Inspections Legal Opinion (Created: 1996-08-23; Reviewed: 2021-06-18) MTAS received questions regarding the adoption of plumbing codes in a city. |
| Maintaining Health Insurance Coverage on a City Employee's Dependents While the Employee is on FMLA Leave Legal Opinion (Created: 1995-11-01; Reviewed: 2021-07-09) MTAS was asked whether the city must maintain health insurance coverage on a city employee's dependents while the employee is on FMLA leave. |
| Placing Flashing Lights in School Zones Legal Opinion (Created: 1996-05-23; Reviewed: 2021-06-09) MTAS was asked whether the city was responsible for placing flashing lights in the school zones located within the city on state controlled access highways. |
| Requiring a State Park to Hook Onto the Town's Sewer Line If the Park Territory Was Annexed Into the Town Legal Opinion (Created: 1996-03-28; Reviewed: 2021-04-23) MTAS was asked whether a town could require a nearby state park to hook onto the town's sewer line if the park territory was annexed into the town. |
| Requiring an Employee to Sign an Agreement Releasing the City from Liability Legal Opinion (Created: 1995-04-03; Reviewed: 2021-05-10) MTAS was asked whether the city could require auxilary police officers to sign waivers releasing the city from any liability for their negligent conduct or omissions. |
| Residency of City Attorney Legal Opinion (Created: 1996-02-12; Reviewed: 2021-07-30) MTAS was asked whether the position of city attorney is an elected official and, therefore, has to be a resident of the town. |
| Revoking Beer Permit for Gambling Offenses Legal Opinion (Created: 1996-02-21; Reviewed: 2021-07-26) MTAS was asked whether the beer board may suspend or revoke the permit of someone who has been convicted of gambling offenses where the gambling took place at the beer establishment. |
| Voting in City Elections by Non-Residents Who Own Property in the City Limits Legal Opinion (Created: 1996-05-16; Reviewed: 2021-07-21) MTAS was asked whether non-residents who own property in the city limits could vote in city elections. |
| Morristown Fire Department Driver Training Standard Operating Guideline General (Created: 2014-12-30; Reviewed: 2021-05-20) This document includes: information on EVOC timed evaluations and station skill sheets for the practical, fire apparatus driver/operator; forms to request to qualify and to certify as a driver trainee; a driver trainee checklist and fire apparatus operator practical checklist; certification for out-of-grade pay; and request for upgrade pay. |
| Accountant-Financial Reporting and Cash Management Job Description (Created: 2002-08-19; Reviewed: 2023-01-24) Job description for the position of Accountant with an emphasis on financial reporting and cash management. |
| Accounting Clerk Job Description (Created: 2002-08-19; Reviewed: 2023-01-24) Job description for the position of Accounting Clerk. |
| Administrative Assistant (1) Job Description (Created: 2002-08-19; Reviewed: 2021-04-15) Job description for the position of Administrative Assistant under supervision of Utilities Superintendent. |
| Administrative Assistant (3) Job Description (Created: 2002-08-19; Reviewed: 2021-04-15) Job description for the position of Administrative Assistant to the City Manager. |
| Administrative Secretary Job Description (Created: 2002-08-19; Reviewed: 2021-04-09) Job description for the position of Administrative Secretary. |
| Administrative Secretary for Public Safety Job Description (Created: 2002-08-19; Reviewed: 2021-04-09) Job description for the position of Administrative Secretary for Public Safety in the Police Dept. |
| Administrative Secretary I for the Department of Development Services Job Description (Created: 2002-08-19; Reviewed: 2021-04-09) Job description for the position of Administrative Secretary I for Development Services. |
| Animal Control Attendant Job Description (Created: 2002-09-26; Reviewed: 2021-04-26) Job description for the position of Animal Control Attendant. |
| Animal Control Officer Job Description (Created: 2002-09-26; Reviewed: 2021-03-29) Job description for the position of Animal Control Officer. |
| Apprentice Lineworker Job Description (Created: 2002-09-26; Reviewed: 2021-04-28) Job description for the position of Apprentice Lineworker. |
| Assistant Chief of Police (3) Job Description (Created: 2002-09-26; Reviewed: 2021-05-12) Job description for the position of Assistant Chief of Police. |
| Assistant City Manager Job Description (Created: 2002-08-19; Reviewed: 2021-06-14) Job description for the position of Assistant City Manager. |
| Assistant City Manager: Development Services Job Description (Created: 2002-08-19; Reviewed: 2021-06-14) Job description for the position of Assistant City Manager in Development Services. |
| Assistant Golf Pro Job Description (Created: 2002-09-25; Reviewed: 2021-06-01) Job description for the position of Assistant Golf Pro. |
| Assistant Purchasing Manager Job Description (Created: 2002-08-19; Reviewed: 2021-06-14) Job description for the position of Assistant Purchasing Manager. |
| Assistant Superintendent of Water and Sewer Job Description (Created: 2001-08-16; Reviewed: 2021-04-09) Job description for the position of assistant superintendent of water and sewer. |
| Building Codes Inspector Job Description (Created: 2002-09-25; Reviewed: 2021-04-29) Job description for the position of Building/Codes Inspector. |
| Business Office Supervisor Job Description (Created: 2002-09-24; Reviewed: 2021-04-09) Job description for the position of Business Office Supervisor. |
| Chief Accountant - Utilities Job Description (Created: 2002-09-24; Reviewed: 2023-01-24) Job description for the position of Chief Accountant under the Utilities Department. |
| Chief of Police (1) Job Description (Created: 2002-09-26; Reviewed: 2021-05-12) Job description for the position of Chief of Police. |
| Chief Wastewater Plant Operator Job Description (Created: 2002-09-27; Reviewed: 2021-07-16) Job description for the position of Chief Wastewater Plant Operator. |
| Chief Wastewater Plant Operator Job Description (Created: 2001-08-16; Reviewed: 2021-04-23) Job description for the position of chief wastewater plant operator. |
| Citizens Information Manager Job Description (Created: 2002-09-24; Reviewed: 2021-04-23) Job description for the position of Citizens Information Manager. |
| Citizens Information Services Coordinator Job Description (Created: 2002-09-24; Reviewed: 2021-04-23) Job description for the position of Citizens Information Services Coordinator. |
| Citizens Information Services Office Assistant Job Description (Created: 2002-09-24; Reviewed: 2021-04-23) Job description for the position of Citizens Information Services Office Assistant. |
| Citizens Information Television Manager Job Description (Created: 2002-09-24; Reviewed: 2021-04-23) Job description for the position of Citizens Information Television Manager. |
| Citizens Information Television Voice Mail Coordinator Job Description (Created: 2002-09-24; Reviewed: 2021-04-23) Job description for the position of Citizens Information Television Voice Mail Coordinator. |
| City Administrator Job Description (Created: 2002-09-24; Reviewed: 2021-04-26) Job description for the position of City Administrator. |
| City Manager of Irving: Classification Specification Job Description (Created: 2001-08-16; Reviewed: 2021-04-23) Job description for City Manager for the City of Irving. |
| City of Elizabethton Municipal Golf Course Study Report/Study (Created: 2012-12-18; Reviewed: 2021-04-12) This study includes golf data from all Tennessee municipal golf operations, a literature review, and an examination of the organizational structure, operations, and finance of the Elizabethton golf operation. |
| City Planner Job Description (Created: 2002-09-24; Reviewed: 2021-04-23) Job description for the position of City Planner. |
| City Recorder Job Description (Created: 2002-09-24; Reviewed: 2021-06-25) Job description for the position of City Recorder. |
| Community Development Director Job Description (Created: 2002-09-24; Reviewed: 2021-07-08) Job description for the position of Community Development Director. |
| Community Improvements Coordinator Job Description (Created: 2002-09-24; Reviewed: 2021-07-08) Job description for the position of Community Improvements Coordinator. |
| Community Planner II Job Description (Created: 2002-09-24; Reviewed: 2021-07-08) Job description for the position of Community Planner II. |
| Compensation/Classification Consulting Service Providers General (Created: 2021-03-05; Reviewed: 2021-05-07) A list of consulting companies who can do compensation studies. |
| Convention Center Management Agreement Among the Convention Center Corporation and John Q. Hammons Hotels, Inc. General (Created: 2001-08-17; Reviewed: 2021-07-25) Contract regarding convention center management. |
| Customer Service Supervisor Job Description (Created: 2002-09-26; Reviewed: 2021-07-09) Job description for the position of Customer Service Supervisor for Utilities and Public Works. |
| Director of Development Services Job Description (Created: 2002-09-24; Reviewed: 2021-07-09) Job description for the position of Director of Development Services. |
| Director of Finance Job Description (Created: 2002-09-24; Reviewed: 2021-07-01) Job description for the position of Director of Finance. |
| Director of Golf/Head Professional Job Description (Created: 2002-09-25; Reviewed: 2021-06-01) Job description for the position of Director of Golf/Head Professional. |
| Director of Health Job Description (Created: 2002-09-24; Reviewed: 2021-04-15) Job description for the position of Director of Health. |
| Director of Human Resources Job Description (Created: 2002-09-24; Reviewed: 2021-04-28) Job description for the position of Director of Human Resources. |
| Director of Utilities and Public Works Job Description Job Description (Created: 2002-09-27; Reviewed: 2021-07-21) Job description for the position of Director of Utilities and Public Works. |
| Dispatcher Job Description (Created: 2002-09-26; Reviewed: 2021-07-12) Job description for the position of Dispatcher. |
| Dispatcher, Lead Job Description (Created: 2002-09-26; Reviewed: 2021-07-12) Job description for the position of Lead Dispatcher. |
| Dispatcher/Computer Supervisor Job Description (Created: 2002-09-26; Reviewed: 2021-07-12) Job description for the position of Dispatcher/Computer Supervisor. |
| Dispatcher/Records Clerk Job Description (Created: 2002-09-26; Reviewed: 2021-07-12) Job description for the position of Records Clerk/Dispatcher. |
| Drug Task Force Financial Officer Job Description (Created: 2002-09-26; Reviewed: 2021-05-12) Job description for the position of Drug Task Force Financial Officer. |
| Electrical Operating Superintendent Job Description (Created: 2002-09-26; Reviewed: 2021-05-12) Job description for the position of Electrical Operating Superintendent. |
| Electrical Technician Job Description (Created: 2002-09-26; Reviewed: 2021-05-12) Job description for the position of Electrical Technician. |
| Engineer Codes Official Job Description (Created: 2002-09-25; Reviewed: 2021-04-19) Job description for the position of Engineer/Codes Official. |
| Executive Secretary City Manager's Office Job Description (Created: 2002-09-24; Reviewed: 2021-04-26) Job description for the position of Executive Secretary City Manager's Office. |
| Executive Secretary II for Engineering and Development Services Job Description (Created: 2002-09-24; Reviewed: 2021-04-28) Job description for the position of Executive Secretary II for Engineering and Development Services. |
| Fire Chief (1) Job Description (Created: 2002-09-25; Reviewed: 2021-05-21) Job description for the position of Fire Chief. |
| Fire Chief (2) Job Description (Created: 2002-09-25; Reviewed: 2021-05-20) Job description for the position of Fire Chief. |
| Fire Department Schedule Report/Study (Created: 2001-08-01; Reviewed: 2021-05-21) Proposed 28-day schedule for a fire department working a 24/48 shift pattern, including meal time deduction and kelly day. |
| Firefighter Job Description (Created: 2002-09-25; Reviewed: 2021-05-21) Job description for the position of Firefighter. |
| Firefighter Driver Job Description (Created: 2002-09-25; Reviewed: 2021-05-21) Job description for the position of Firefighter/Driver. |
| Firefighter Mechanic Job Description (Created: 2002-09-25; Reviewed: 2021-05-20) Job description for the position of Firefighter/Mechanic. |
| Fitness Facility Manager Job Description Job Description (Created: 2002-09-25; Reviewed: 2021-06-21) Job description for the position of Fitness Facility Manager. |
| Fleet and Materials Manager Job Description (Created: 2002-09-24; Reviewed: 2020-10-07) Job description for the position of Fleet and Materials Manager. |
| Grant Coordinator Job Description (Created: 2017-08-18; Reviewed: 2021-05-12) Job description for the position of Grant Coordinator. |
| Groundskeeper (Assistant) Job Description (Created: 2002-09-25; Reviewed: 2021-06-21) Job description for the position of Groundskeeper, Assistant. |
| Groundskeeper (Head) Job Description (Created: 2002-09-25; Reviewed: 2021-06-21) Job description for the position of Groundskeeper (Head). |
| Health Insurance Benefits to Family Following a Line of Duty Death Survey (Created: 2016-10-18; Reviewed: 2021-07-09) Thirty-five cities responded to an MTAS survey asking whether the city provides health insurance benefits to qualifying survivors in the event of a line of duty death. |
| Heavy Equipment Operator (2) Job Description (Created: 2002-09-27; Reviewed: 2021-05-26) Job description for the position of Heavy Equipment Operator. |
| Information Coordinator Job Description (Created: 2002-09-24; Reviewed: 2021-07-09) Job description for the position of Information Coordinator. |
| Janitor Job Description (Created: 2002-09-27; Reviewed: 2021-05-04) Job description for the position of Janitor. |
| Job Analysis Questionnaire Job Description (Created: 2001-08-24; Reviewed: 2021-05-04) Questionnaire used to define jobs, based on equipment used, essential functions, activities performed, supervisory responsibilities, qualifications, and knowledge required. |
| Kitchen Manager Working Chef Job Description (Created: 2002-09-25; Reviewed: 2021-06-21) Job description for the position of Kitchen Manager/Working Chef. |
| Laborer Job Description (Created: 2002-09-27; Reviewed: 2021-05-04) Job description for the position of Laborer. |
| Landfill Operator Job Description (Created: 2002-09-27; Reviewed: 2021-05-27) Job description for the position of Landfill Operator. |
| Maintenance Worker Job Description (Created: 2002-09-25; Reviewed: 2021-06-21) Job description for the position of Maintenance Worker. |
| Mechanic Job Description (Created: 2001-08-24; Reviewed: 2021-05-07) Job description for the position of Mechanic. |
| Meter Reader Job Description (Created: 2002-09-27; Reviewed: 2021-04-14) Job description for the position of Meter Reader. |
| Model Municipal Debt Policy General (Created: 2011-10-31; Reviewed: 2021-12-21) The purpose of this debt policy is to establish a set of parameters by which debt obligations will be undertaken by the City. (NOTE: Bold language or similar statements are required by the State of TN Comptroller's Office. Italicized language is recommended along with other components in GFOA's Model Debt Policy.) |
| Model Resolution Directing Payment of Tax Equivalents Resolution (Created: 2004-04-02; Reviewed: 2021-07-29) MTAS was asked to create a resolution for payment in lieu of taxes. |
| Mount Juliet City Manager Resume Review Worksheet Form (Created: 2001-08-03; Reviewed: 2021-07-15) Resume review form for position of city manager. |
| Municipal Clerk Job Description Job Description (Created: 2002-09-24; Reviewed: 2021-07-26) Job description for the position of Clerk. |
| Municipal Court Clerk Job Description (Created: 2002-09-24; Reviewed: 2021-07-28) Job description for the position of Municipal Court Clerk. |
| Oak Hill 2020 Neighborhood Meetings: Report to the Commission Report/Study (Created: 2014-03-19; Reviewed: 2021-07-08) The purpose of the meetings was to help establish priorities for future city services and to identify options regarding the city's future finances. |
| Office Manager Job Description (Created: 2002-09-25; Reviewed: 2021-05-07) Job description for the position of Office Manager under the Department of Utilities. |
| Ordinance Amending Title 15, Chapter 6 of the Municipal Code of the Town of Dandridge to Establish Two Hour Parking Limits on Designated Streets and at Designated Times Ordinance (Created: 2001-08-03; Reviewed: 2020-05-05) Ordinance establishing parking limits on designated streets of Dandridge. |
| Ordinance Authorizing Employees of the Town of Centerville to Contribute Accumulated Sick Leave to Employees Who Have Experienced Serious Illness or Injury and Regulating Such Contributions Ordinance (Created: 2001-08-03; Reviewed: 2021-05-13) Ordinance authorizing employees to contribute accumulated sick leave to other employees. |
| Ordinance Establishing a Fire Department for the City of Columbia, Tennessee, and Repealing Title 7 Chapter 1 of the Columbia Municipal Code Ordinance (Created: 2001-08-03; Reviewed: 2021-07-22) Ordinance establishing Columbia, Tennessee's, fire department. |
| Ordinance Establishing a Fire Department for the Town of Anytown, Tennessee Ordinance (Created: 2001-09-21; Reviewed: 2021-07-22) This guide, which was revised in 2017, is to be used in writing an ordinance to create a fire department. |
| Ordinance Regarding Water and Sewer Main Extensions for the Town of Mountain City, Tennessee Ordinance (Created: 2001-08-03; Reviewed: 2021-06-23) Ordinance regarding water and sewer main extensions for Mountain City. |
| Ordinance Regulating False Fire Alarms Ordinance (Created: 2001-06-14; Reviewed: 2021-07-22) An ordinance to establish a process for discouraging false emergency alarms. |
| Ordinance to Repeal and Amend a Portion of ... the Personnel Policy Regarding Workers' Compensation Ordinance (Created: 2001-08-03; Reviewed: 2021-07-12) Ordinance regarding workers' compensation. |
| Park Maintenance Specialist I Greenhouse/Chemicals Job Description (Created: 2002-09-25; Reviewed: 2021-06-21) Job description for the position of Park Maintenance Specialist I Greenhouse/Chemicals. |
| Parks and Recreation Director (1) Job Description (Created: 2002-09-25; Reviewed: 2021-06-29) Job description for the position of Parks and Recreation Director. |
| Parks and Recreation Director Job Description (2) Job Description (Created: 2002-09-25; Reviewed: 2021-06-21) Job description for the position of Recreation and Parks Director. |
| Parks and Recreation Office Manager job Description Job Description (Created: 2002-09-25; Reviewed: 2021-06-21) Job description for the position of Office Manager for the Department of Parks and Recreation. |
| Planner I Job Description (Created: 2002-09-25; Reviewed: 2021-07-26) Job description for the position of Planner I. |
| Planner II Job Description (Created: 2002-09-25; Reviewed: 2021-07-26) Job description for the position of Planner II. |
| Planning Director Job Description (Created: 2002-09-25; Reviewed: 2021-07-27) Job description for the position of Planning Director. |
| Plant Operator Trainee Job Description (Created: 2002-09-27; Reviewed: 2021-04-14) Job description for the position of Plant Operator Trainee in Water and Wastewater. |
| Police Captain Job Description (Created: 2001-08-24; Reviewed: 2021-05-14) Job description for the position of Police Captain. |
| Police Captain (1) Job Description (Created: 2002-09-26; Reviewed: 2021-05-12) Job description for the position of Police Captain. |
| Police Lieutenant Job Description (Created: 2001-08-27; Reviewed: 2021-05-14) Job description for the position of Police Lieutenant. |
| Police Officer Job Description (Created: 2001-08-27; Reviewed: 2021-05-14) Job description for the position of Police Officer. |
| Police Officer (1) Job Description (Created: 2002-09-26; Reviewed: 2021-05-12) Job description for the position of Police Officer. |
| Principal Clerk Job Description (Created: 2002-09-25; Reviewed: 2021-07-27) Job description for the position of Principal Clerk. |
| Private Sewage Disposal Regulations Ordinance (Created: 1999-09-21; Reviewed: 2021-06-23) An ordinance regulating private sewage disposal and requiring use of public sewers when available. |
| Producer Job Description (Created: 2002-09-25; Reviewed: 2021-05-12) Job description for the position of Program Producer for Citizens Information Television. |
| Public Arts Sample Contracts Form (Created: 2015-04-08; Reviewed: 2021-06-18) Several examples of public art contracts between the city and the artist. |
| Public Works Director Job Description (Created: 2002-09-27; Reviewed: 2021-08-02) Job description for the position of Public Works Director. |
| Public Works Supervisor Job Description (Created: 2002-09-27; Reviewed: 2021-05-26) Job description for the position of Public Works Supervisor. |
| Purchasing Manager Job Description (Created: 2002-09-25; Reviewed: 2021-07-29) Job description for the position of Purchasing Manager. |
| Purchasing Specialist Job Description (Created: 2002-09-25; Reviewed: 2021-07-29) Job description for the position of Purchasing Specialist. |
| Records Clerk / Dispatcher Job Description (Created: 2001-08-27; Reviewed: 2021-05-14) Job description for the position of Records Clerk / Dispatcher. |
| Recreation Aide Job Description (Created: 2002-09-25; Reviewed: 2021-06-29) Job description for the position of Recreation Aide (part-time). |
| Recreation Center Attendant (1) Job Description (Created: 2002-09-25; Reviewed: 2021-06-29) Job description for the position of Recreation Center Attendant. |
| Recreation Center Attendant (2) Job Description (Created: 2002-09-25; Reviewed: 2021-06-29) Job description for the position of Recreation Center Attendant. |
| Recreation Maintenance Superintendent Job Description (Created: 2002-09-25; Reviewed: 2021-06-29) Job description for the position of Recreation Maintenance Superintendent. |
| Recreation Program Coordinator Job Description (Created: 2002-09-25; Reviewed: 2021-06-29) Job description for the position of Recreation Program Coordinator. |
| Recreation Specialist Job Description (Created: 2002-09-25; Reviewed: 2021-06-29) Job description for the position of Recreation Specialist. |
| Refuse Collection Driver Job Description (Created: 2002-09-27; Reviewed: 2021-04-15) Job description for the position of Refuse Collection Driver. |
| Refuse Collector Job Description (Created: 2002-09-27; Reviewed: 2021-04-15) Job description for the position of Refuse Collector. |
| Sample Utility Construction Project Checklist Form (Created: 2004-05-03; Reviewed: 2021-04-23) A checklist designed for utility construction projects. |
| Secretary, Public Works, Maintenance Job Description (Created: 2002-09-25; Reviewed: 2021-05-26) Job description for the position of Secretary, Public Works, Maintenance. |
| Senior Administrative Secretary Job Description (Created: 2002-09-25; Reviewed: 2021-06-02) Job description for the position of Senior Administrative Secretary. |
| Senior Clerk Job Description (Created: 2002-09-25; Reviewed: 2021-06-29) Job description for the position of Senior Clerk in Parks and Recreation. |
| Senior Planner Job Description (Created: 2002-09-25; Reviewed: 2021-07-27) Job description for the position of Senior Planner. |
| Service Order Clerk Job Description (Created: 2002-09-25; Reviewed: 2021-07-27) Job description for the position of Service Order Clerk. |
| Skilled Laborer Job Description (Created: 2002-09-27; Reviewed: 2021-05-26) Job description for the position of Skilled Laborer. |
| Skilled Laborer Job Description Job Description (Created: 1991-12-10; Reviewed: 2021-07-15) Job description for the position of Skilled Laborer. |
| Superintendent of Streets, Sanitation, and Parks Job Description (Created: 2002-09-27; Reviewed: 2021-05-26) Job description for the position of Superintendent of Streets, Sanitation, and Parks. |
| Superintendent of Water and Sewer Job Description (Created: 2001-11-02; Reviewed: 2021-06-02) Job description for the position of Superintendent of Water and Sewer. |
| Tennessee Municipal Benchmarking Project FY2002 Report/Study (Created: 2003-01-01; Reviewed: 2017-06-07) FY2002 annual report to compare the relative cost, efficiency and effectiveness of a set of municipal services by using a collaborative approach with the participating cities, and to set standards and identify "best practices" in municipal government for use and comparison by all Tennessee cities. |
| Thirty Ways to Leave Incivility Behind and to Improve Governing Body Discussion General (Created: 2008-09-16; Reviewed: 2021-07-19) This document has been included in the Elected Officials Academy section on City Council at Work. |
| Town Center Manager Job Description (Created: 2002-09-25; Reviewed: 2021-07-12) Job description for the position of Town Center Manager. |
| Town of Erwin Public Works Laborer and Equipment Operator Job Description Job Description (Created: 2018-03-09; Reviewed: 2020-05-15) A sample job description from the Town of Erwin, Tennessee for a public works laborer and equipment operator. |
| Traffic Engineer Job Description (Created: 2002-09-27; Reviewed: 2020-05-11) Job description for the position of Traffic Engineer. |
| Transportation Director Job Description (Created: 2002-09-27; Reviewed: 2021-04-15) Job description for the position of Transportation Director. |
| Truck Driver Operator Job Description (Created: 2002-09-27; Reviewed: 2021-04-15) Job description for the position of Truck Driver Operator in the Solid Waste Department. |
| Use of Translators in Selected Tennessee Cities Survey (Created: 2019-12-10; Reviewed: 2021-07-26) A survey of selected cities regarding the use of translators and the offering of translation services. |
| Utilities Superintendent Job Description Job Description (Created: 2002-09-27; Reviewed: 2021-07-20) Job description for the position of Utilities Superintendent. |
| Volunteer Firefighter Job Description (Created: 1999-03-08; Reviewed: 2021-05-21) Job description for the position of Volunteer Firefighter. |
| Wastewater Plant Operator Job Description (Created: 2001-11-02; Reviewed: 2021-06-03) Job description for the position of Wastewater Plant Operator. |
| Wastewater Plant Operator (Certified Operator) Job Description (Created: 2002-09-27; Reviewed: 2021-07-16) Job description for the position of Wastewater Plant Operator. |
| Wastewater Plant Operator (entry level) Job Description (Created: 2002-09-27; Reviewed: 2021-07-16) Job description for the position of entry level Wastewater Plant Operator. |
| Wastewater Plant Worker Job Description (Created: 2002-09-27; Reviewed: 2021-07-16) Job description for the position of Wastewater Plant Worker. |
| Wastewater Pre-Treatment Coordinator Job Description (Created: 2002-09-27; Reviewed: 2021-07-16) Job description for the position of Wastewater Pre-Treatment Coordinator. |
| Third Needs Assessment of the U.S. Fire Service: Tennessee Report/Study (Created: 2011-10-30; Reviewed: 2021-07-27) This assessment was conducted in 2010 and includes comparisons to the 2001 and 2005 needs assessment surveys. The complete assessment and a fact sheet are also included. |
| Costs of Multiple Charges General (Created: 2003-05-12; Reviewed: 2021-07-27) MTAS was asked whether an offender charged with two different charges on the same ticket is charged with two court costs or just one. |
| Hiring Full Time Police Officer As Part Time Recreation Director General (Created: 2003-05-08; Reviewed: 2021-07-06) An employee works 43 hours a week as a police officer and wants to be hired for an additional 20 hours a week as the recreation director. |
| New Youth Sports Concussion and Head Injury Law Effective January 1, 2014 General (Created: 2013-12-11; Reviewed: 2021-06-21) Public Chapter 148 passed by the Tennessee General Assembly in April 2013 and effective on January 1, 2014, requires all cities that have 'youth athletic activities' to comply with guidelines issued by the Tennessee Department of Health concerning risk and symptoms of concussion and head injuries. |
| Performing Criminal Background Checks on Potential Employees General (Created: 2004-07-02; Reviewed: 2017-05-16) MTAS was asked how to perform criminal background checks on potential employees of the Town. |
| Resolution to Establish Written Procedures for the Town of Selmer to Purchase Items at Publicly Advertised Auctions Resolution (Created: 2003-09-12; Reviewed: 2021-06-09) Procedures to allow the Mayor or the Mayor's designated representative to act as the purchasing agent at publicly advertised auctions. |
| Alexandria Water/Wastewater Board Ordinance Ordinance (Created: 2016-11-28; Reviewed: 2021-07-01) An ordinance establishing a regional water/wastewater advisory board for the Town of Alexandria and surrounding counties. |
| Analysis of the Need for a City Manager Report/Study (Created: 2003-06-16; Reviewed: 2021-04-15) MTAS was asked to demonstrate the need for a City Manager for the City of Harriman. |
| Bid Specifications for Residential Garbage Collection RFP (Created: 2003-06-16; Reviewed: 2021-04-09) MTAS was asked to compile a list of qualifications for a contractor to manage residential garbage collection. |
| City of South Pittsburg, Tennessee, FY 2003-2004 Budget Narrative Report/Study (Created: 2003-06-16; Reviewed: 2021-06-21) MTAS was asked to prepare a budget narrative for South Pittsburg to facilitate a collaborative decision-making process. |
| Community Pilot Resiliency Program Resolution (Created: 2021-12-01; Reviewed: 2022-01-31) A resolution of Woodland Mills, Tennessee establishing a Community Resiliency Pilot Program (CPRP) with the University of Tennessee Municipal Technical Advisory Service (MTAS) and the Tennessee Renewable Energy and Economic Development Council (TREEDC). |
| Kingston Green Technology Committee Goals and Objectives General (Created: 2009-11-09; Reviewed: 2021-04-12) MTAS was asked to facilitate a meeting of the Kingston Green Technology Committee. |
| Livingston's Community Visioning Process Report/Study (Created: 2012-10-19; Reviewed: 2021-07-22) MTAS was asked to facilitate a community visioning process for the City of Livingston. |
| Mayoral Proclamation General (Created: 2016-06-23; Reviewed: 2021-07-26) A proclamation of the City of Dunlap Mayor and Board of Commissioners Declaring June 9, 2016, as Dakota Hudson Day in the City of Dunlap, Tennessee. |
| Ordinance Establishing Standards and Limits Regarding the Adjustment of Utility Bills Due to Leaks and Filling Pools Ordinance (Created: 2011-08-22; Reviewed: 2021-04-09) This ordinance allows up to two billing adjustments per calendar year relating to leaks and swimming pools. |
| Ordinance of the Town of Monterey, Tennessee, Prohibiting Heavy Truck Traffic Ordinance (Created: 2014-05-22; Reviewed: 2020-05-05) An ordinance of the Town of Monterey, Tennessee, prohibiting heavy truck traffic on Crossville Street during school days from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. |
| Orientation Workshop Agenda General (Created: 2003-05-08; Reviewed: 2021-05-07) MTAS was asked to prepare an orientation workshop for the Town of Huntsville. Full text available in the MTAS library (City of Pikeville Orientation Booklet). |
| Performance Correction Notice Form (Created: 2004-01-13; Reviewed: 2021-05-07) MTAS was asked to provide a performance correction notice for the City of Dunlap. |
| Police Feasibility Study : Town of Huntsville, Tennessee Report/Study (Created: 2002-03-01; Reviewed: 2021-07-07) The Town of Huntsville inquired about the feasibility of establishing police services to its residents. |
| Public Works Contract Requirements Ordinance (Created: 2005-08-01; Reviewed: 2021-05-28) MTAS was asked to research and recommend other municipal requirements relating to the administration of contracts for public works or improvements; includes resolution and ordinance. |
| Resolution for Adventure Tourism Resolution (Created: 2013-06-20; Reviewed: 2021-07-23) A resolution of the Town of Huntsville, Tennessee, declaring its intent to participate in the Tennessee Adventure Tourism and Rural Development Act of 2011 by developing an adventure tourism district plan. |
| Resolution to Create the Office of Administrator Resolution (Created: 2003-06-16; Reviewed: 2021-06-09) A resolution creating the office of Administrator, providing for the appointment of said Administrator, and defining the duties of the office. |
| Safety Policy Report/Study (Created: 2003-06-16; Reviewed: 2021-05-21) MTAS was asked to create a safety policy for the Town of Jasper. |
| Sample Surplus Property Resolution Resolution (Created: 2020-01-16; Reviewed: 2021-07-29) MTAS Management Consultant Warren Nevad authored this resolution for the Town of Centertown, Tennessee regarding property belonging to the town that needs to be disposed of. |
| SECOPA 2011: Waste to Energy Options for Local Governments General (Created: 2011-09-22; Reviewed: 2021-04-14) A presentation for the annual Southeastern Conference for Public Administration. |
| Smyrna Community Services, Town Centre, and Golf Course Report/Study (Created: 2007-11-01; Reviewed: 2021-06-29) MTAS was asked to evaluate and make recommendations for Smyrna's Community Services, which oversees the Smyrna Town Center and the Smyrna Golf Course. |
| Smyrna Parks and Recreation Department Study Report/Study (Created: 2006-12-05; Reviewed: 2021-06-29) MTAS was asked to evaluate and make recommendations for the Parks and Recommnedations Dept. of the Town of Smyrna. |
| Strategic Planning Retreat Report for the City of Harriman, Tennessee Report/Study (Created: 2019-02-26; Reviewed: 2021-06-28) The board members for the City of Harriman, met in February 2019 to discuss and review the MTAS guide for Councilmember Orientation, a previous strategic plan and capital funding requests. Another focus of the retreat involved updating three questions - "what should the city keep doing, what should the city stop doing and what should the city start doing." |
| Town of Baxter, Tennessee 2005-2006 Budget Goal Setting Session Report/Study (Created: 2005-05-11; Reviewed: 2021-07-26) The purpose of this session was to prioritize key issues confronting the Town's 2005-2006 budget. |
| Urban Forestry Management (Created: 2009-02-20; Reviewed: 2021-07-12) Topics covered include the economic and environmental benefits of urban forestry, how to start an urban forestry program for your community, roles of tree boards and staff, identifying potential community stakeholders, technical assistance providers, and best management practices in urban forestry. |
| Urban Forestry Workshop Course Material General (Created: 2007-08-21; Reviewed: 2021-07-12) A course manual, lesson plan, and PowerPoint presentation on urban forestry. |
| Woodland Mills Renewable Energy Resolution Resolution (Created: 2022-05-16; Reviewed: 2022-06-03) The City of Woodland Mills adopted a resolution in January 2022 creating the Woodland Mills Community Pilot Resiliency Program with MTAS and TREEDC. |
| Northeast Guide for Estimating Staffing at Publicly and Privately Owned Wastewater Treatment Plants Report/Study (Created: 2009-06-29; Reviewed: 2021-06-22) The guide and Excel spreadsheet may be downloaded from: http://www.neiwpcc.org/technicalguides.asp |
| Ability of City Recorder to Serve as City Manager General (Created: 2002-12-20; Reviewed: 2021-04-15) MTAS was asked whether the City Recorder may serve concurrently as City Manager. |
| Adult Oriented Establishment License and Permit Form (Created: 2008-12-04; Reviewed: 2021-06-14) MTAS was asked to provide an example of a license and permit for adult oriented establishments. |
| Charter Question about Property Taxes and Enforcing Ordinances General (Created: 2004-06-03; Reviewed: 2021-04-30) MTAS was asked for a written explanation about the Town's authority to enforce its ordinances in relation to assessing or not assessing a property tax. |
| City Manager Evaluation Cover Letter General (Created: 2001-07-13; Reviewed: 2021-04-26) Information to aid in completing an evaluation of a city manager. |
| City Manager Evaluation Form Form (Created: 2012-01-01; Reviewed: 2021-07-16) This form allows the city manager to be rated on leadership, fiscal management and budgeting, service delivery and administration, citizen and community relations, personal and professional qualities, and city council relations. |
| City Managers with Employment Contracts Survey (Created: 2007-07-11; Reviewed: 2021-06-25) Fifty cities were asked whether they have employment contracts with their city managers. |
| Code of Ethics Ordinance for Cumberland Gap, Tennessee Ordinance (Created: 2006-12-08; Reviewed: 2021-06-25) MTAS was asked to put the model ethics policy into ordinance format for the Town of Cumberland Gap, Tennessee. |
| Contract for Consolidated Law Enforcement General (Created: 2004-11-02; Reviewed: 2021-06-29) MTAS was asked to review a police services contract with the county sheriff's office and created a new one. |
| Contractual Agreement for Wastewater Testing Form (Created: 2006-07-16; Reviewed: 2021-05-12) MTAS was asked to write a contract to perform wastewater testing. |
| Effective Council Meetings Course Manual General (Created: 2003-11-11; Reviewed: 2021-06-25) Course manual for City University Course. |
| Eviction Notices General (Created: 2006-12-18; Reviewed: 2021-06-28) MTAS assisted in writing an eviction notice and a request to vacate to the tenants in a city-owned building. |
| HIPAA Training Acknowledgment Form Form (Created: 2003-08-27; Reviewed: 2021-05-07) A form to acknowledge the receipt of a copy of the Town's HIPAA policy and training on that policy. |
| Hiring a City Manager Form (Created: 2009-02-01; Reviewed: 2021-04-26) MTAS was asked for assistance in hiring a replacement city manager. Includes an evaluation system for council members to review the cover letters and resumes. |
| Is an Individual Working in the Library an Employee of the City? General (Created: 2006-08-09; Reviewed: 2021-07-20) MTAS was asked whether an individual is an employee of the city or an independent contractor. |
| MTAS on Robert's Rules of Order General (Created: 2019-05-17; Reviewed: 2021-07-16) A series of brief, instructive articles explaining the use Robert's Rules of Order for cities and towns in Tennessee. The series starts with the history of the Robert's Rules parliamentary procedures and delves into everything from making a motion to adjourning a meeting. |
| Norris Citizen Survey Survey (Created: 2008-07-18; Reviewed: 2021-07-08) An example of a citizen survey on the topics of annexation, taxation, and growth. |
| Norris City Manager Evaluation Form (Created: 2009-02-01; Reviewed: 2021-07-08) MTAS was asked to create an evaluation form based on requirements from the city's charter and code. |
| Number of Board Members in Selected Cities General (Created: 2008-02-27; Reviewed: 2021-06-28) A listing of the number of board members in eighty cities with populations between 2,400 and 7,600. |
| Ordinance Adopting by Reference State Traffic Offenses and Rules of the Road Ordinance (Created: 2007-02-19; Reviewed: 2020-05-05) An ordinance of the Town of Bean Station adopting by reference state traffic offenses and rules of the road. |
| Ordinance Amending Historic Zoning Regulations Ordinance (Created: 2007-12-11; Reviewed: 2021-07-27) An ordinance to amend the Cumberland Gap Code regarding historic zoning regulations. |
| Ordinance Amending the Beer Ordinance Regulating the Sale of Beer Ordinance (Created: 2009-07-01; Reviewed: 2021-07-21) MTAS was asked to create a new license class and review a proposed ordinance amendment to allow a hotel to serve, but not sell, beer. |
| Ordinance Changing the Official Depository of City Funds Ordinance (Created: 2007-11-13; Reviewed: 2021-07-26) An ordinance to amend the city's code regarding the town's official depository for town funds. |
| Ordinance for Removal of Vegetation and Debris from Overgrown and Dirty Lots Ordinance (Created: 2007-11-06; Reviewed: 2021-06-09) An ordinance to amend the town's code by adding regulations for removal of vegetation and debris from overgrown and dirty lots. |
| Ordinance Increasing Membership in Municipal Planning Commission Ordinance (Created: 2008-05-27; Reviewed: 2021-07-26) An ordinance regarding the creation and membership of the municipal planning commission. |
| Ordinance Pertaining to the Location Restriction of Stores Selling Alcoholic Beverages at Retail Ordinance (Created: 2005-06-17; Reviewed: 2021-07-22) An ordinance changing the distance restriction on liquor stores. |
| Ordinance Pertaining to the Maximum Amount for Purchases Without Public Advertisement and Competitive Bidding Ordinance (Created: 2006-09-18; Reviewed: 2021-06-28) MTAS was asked for assistance in amending a purchasing ordinance to increase bid amounts. |
| Ordinance Regarding the Regulation of Cats and Dogs Ordinance (Created: 2009-06-30; Reviewed: 2021-07-08) An ordinance to amend Chapter 1 of Title 10 of the New Tazewell Code Book regarding the regulation of cats and dogs. |
| Ordinance Regulating Junk Vehicles Ordinance (Created: 2007-11-09; Reviewed: 2021-07-27) An ordinance to amend the city's code, Title 13, by adding regulations of junk vehicles. |
| Ordinance Restricting Failed Motions from Reintroduction Ordinance (Created: 2008-01-07; Reviewed: 2021-07-27) An ordinance to amend the Town of Decatur Code pertaining to the re-introduction of failed motions to adopt ordinances and resolutions. |
| Ordinance to Amend the Meeting Time for the Board Ordinance (Created: 2008-02-08; Reviewed: 2021-07-15) An ordinance to amend the New Tazewell code book pertaining to the meeting time for the Board of Mayor and Aldermen. |
| Ordinance to Change the Town Election Date Ordinance (Created: 2007-05-29; Reviewed: 2021-07-26) An ordinance to change the town election date to the November general election date. |
| Ordinance to Prohibit Large Vehicles from Entering/Exiting Intersection Ordinance (Created: 2009-07-01; Reviewed: 2020-05-05) An ordinance to prohibit trucks and other large vehicles from entering/exiting the intersection of State Route 33 and Little River Road. |
| Organizational Retreat for Parks and Recreation Department Report/Study (Created: 2009-09-03; Reviewed: 2021-06-21) MTAS was asked to assist with an organizational retreat for staff. |
| Resolution Authorizing MTAS to Facilitate a Strategic Planning Session Resolution (Created: 2008-05-27; Reviewed: 2021-07-21) A resolution authorizing The University of Tennessee Municipal Technical Advisory Service to facilitate a strategic planning session for a city and to require its presentation in a report for the city council. |
| Resolution Authorizing the City Recorder/Budget Officer to Transfer Moneys from One Appropriation to Another within the Same Fund Resolution (Created: 2013-02-18; Reviewed: 2021-07-26) A sample resolution authorizing the city recorder/budget officer to transfer moneys from one appropriation to another within the same fund. |
| Resolution for Codification Resolution (Created: 2004-11-15; Reviewed: 2021-07-26) A resolution to have MTAS codify and revise the ordinances of a city. |
| Resolution Regarding the Sale of Intoxicating Liquors in Municipalities Resolution (Created: 2008-05-27; Reviewed: 2021-07-27) A resolution requesting legislation to amend TCA to allow municipalities to permit the sale of alcohol by local option election. |
| Resolution to Accept an Agreement for a Turn Lane Resolution (Created: 2004-03-23; Reviewed: 2020-12-15) A resolution for a city accepting an agreement with the state for a Hazard Elimination Program. |
| Resolution to Amend Charter Regarding Election Date Resolution (Created: 2006-07-17; Reviewed: 2021-07-19) A resolution to change the election date to coincide with the regular county primary elections. |
| Sample City Code Provisions Restricting the Number of Alcoholic Beverage Permits General (Created: 2009-12-11; Reviewed: 2021-07-23) MTAS was asked to compile a list of cities with restrictions on the number of alcoholic beverage and beer permits that can be issued. |
| Sample Rejection Letters General (Created: 2008-04-09; Reviewed: 2021-06-02) MTAS was asked to provide sample application rejection letters. |
| Samples of City Codes Regarding Chickens Ordinance (Created: 2010-04-08; Reviewed: 2021-07-16) MTAS was asked to compile some chicken ordinances that have regulatory provisions in them. |
| Samples of City Codes Regulating Noise Decibels General (Created: 2010-06-07; Reviewed: 2021-07-27) MTAS was asked what other cities were doing as far as permissible decibel levels of noise. |
| Samples of Fowl and Chicken Regulations in Tennessee Cities Ordinance (Created: 2014-05-13; Reviewed: 2021-07-16) MTAS was asked for examples of fowl and chicken ordinance regulations in Tennessee cities. |
| Title VI Compliance Manual General (Created: 2002-01-23; Reviewed: 2021-07-27) A policy to put city into compliance with Title VI and TEMA requirements, so that it would be eligible for financial assistance, in the event of a disaster. |
| Customer Service Technician Job Description Job Description (Created: 2009-10-01; Reviewed: 2021-07-22) A job description for the position of Customer Service Technician |
| Marketing & Operations Manager Job Description (Created: 2009-10-01; Reviewed: 2021-05-12) A job description for the position of Marketing & Operations Manager |
| Alcoholic Beverage Referendum Requirements General (Created: 2021-08-18; Reviewed: 2022-02-25) MTAS Attorney Stephanie Allen O'Hara compiled the steps necessary for a Tennessee municipality to authorize liquor by the drink, retail package stores, and wine in grocery stores. |
| Alcoholic Beverage Sales on Election Days Legal Opinion (Created: 2018-06-01; Reviewed: 2021-04-14) A Tennessee city requested information on whether or not it is legal to sell alcoholic beverages on election day. The author responded to the question letting the city know that neither the General Assembly nor the ABC have restricted sales on election days. |
| Annexation and Amending an Urban Growth Boundary Legal Opinion (Created: 2015-12-10; Reviewed: 2022-02-11) MTAS was asked several questions about annexation and amending a UGB. |
| Central Purchasing Agent Required to Increase Bid Threshold Legal Opinion (Created: 2022-10-05; Reviewed: 2023-01-05) MTAS Legal Consultant Stephanie O'Hara responded to a request for information regarding increasing the bid threshold in the community to $25,000. |
| Change of Subcontractor Listed on Bid When Bid Exceeds $25,000 Legal Opinion (Created: 2023-02-06; Reviewed: 2023-02-10) MTAS Legal Consultant Stephanie O'Hara responded to a request from a Tennessee city for information about how to make a change in the selected subcontractor when the bid exceeds $25,000. |
| Employee Firearms Resolution Model Resolution (Created: 2019-12-10; Reviewed: 2021-07-30) This document is a sample resolution Tennessee cities can use with regards to employees carrying a firearm. |
| Harrogate Liquor by the Drink and Privilege Tax Ordinance Ordinance (Created: 2018-07-16; Reviewed: 2021-07-16) An ordinance of the City of Harrogate, Tennessee repealing the prohibition of liquor by the drink sales and adopting a privilege tax on the sale of alcoholic beverages. |
| Maximum Fee For Bad Checks Legal Opinion (Created: 2017-04-24; Reviewed: 2021-07-13) A legal opinion on the maximum that a city can charge for a bad check. |
| Model Procurement Code Amendment for Purchases Through Competitive Sealed Proposals Ordinance (Created: 2022-10-10; Reviewed: 2023-02-16) MTAS and the Tennessee State Comptroller are required by state law (T.C.A.12-3-1207(d)) to "develop a model procurement code that may be adopted by any municipality to guide the governing body and purchasing agent in making purchases through requests for competitive sealed proposals. The model procurement code shall contain provisions allowing an aggrieved respondent to protest the intended award to another respondent if the protest is filed within seven (7) calendar days after the intended award is announced. The protest shall be filed with and decided by the municipal governing body." This model ordinance, developed by MTAS in conjunction with the Comptroller's Office and updated in response to Public Acts of 2022, Chapter No. 779 (effective April 8, 2022), satisfies this statutory requirement. |
| MTAS Purchasing Guide and Sample Purchasing Procedures 2023 General (Created: 2022-12-01; Reviewed: 2023-02-28) Tennessee has many general laws that govern purchasing by municipalities including the 1983 Municipal Purchasing Law, the Competitive Sealed Proposals provisions under T.C.A. § 12-3-1207, the Contracts for Professional Services provisions under T.C.A. § 12-3-1209 and § 12-4-107, the Interlocal Cooperation Act, the Iran Divestment Act, etc. The MTAS Purchasing Guide provides a general overview and citations for those general laws, and the accompanying MTAS Sample Purchasing Procedures contain best practices for implementing the state and federal regulations. |
| MTAS/CTAS ADA Compliance Officer Training 2018 General (Created: 2018-06-05; Reviewed: 2021-07-29) Materials from an MTAS/CTAS statewide class designed for those city and county staff with ADA compliance responsibilities. Information resources includes the extensive class handout as well as the class slide presentation. |
| Newly Elected Official’s Guide to Taking Office General (Created: 2019-11-14; Reviewed: 2021-10-20) You just won an election for your municipal office. Now what? We address some common questions of when and how you take office, who may administer your oath, and what information should be included the oath of office in this document. Sample oath templates for boards, judges and other offices are included for Tennessee municipal use. Also, we have short online course (City Byte) linked below that will walk you through the following topics: when do you take office, who can swear you in, what should be in the oath and what's next. |
| Reasonable Accommodations for Summer Camp Attendees Legal Opinion (Created: 2017-04-24; Reviewed: 2021-07-26) A legal opinion concerning reasonable accommodations for summer camp attendees. |
| Refunding Fees and Taxes Collected in the Case of Annexation Being Declared Void Legal Opinion (Created: 2017-04-24; Reviewed: 2021-07-26) A legal opinion regarding whether a city is responsible for refunding (1) beer license fees, (2) beer sales tax, and (3) city property tax in the case of an annexation being declared void. |
| Regulation of Portable Basketball Hoops in Roadway Legal Opinion (Created: 2022-10-05; Reviewed: 2022-12-09) MTAS Legal Consultant Stephanie O'Hara replied to a Tennessee town's request for information regarding prohibiting portable basketball hoops in the municipality roadways. |
| Retailer Giving Away Beer without a Permit Legal Opinion (Created: 2018-02-28; Reviewed: 2021-07-27) MTAS was asked whether a retailer may give beer away without a permit. |
| Sample Ordinance for Accepting a Newly Constructed Street Ordinance (Created: 2019-01-23; Reviewed: 2020-07-13) A sample ordinance that can be used by any Tennessee city when accepting a new street. |
| Sample Resolution Adopting a Public Records Policy Form (Created: 2017-11-02; Reviewed: 2021-07-19) MTAS created a sample resolution for Tennessee municipalities to use in order to adopt a public records policy that will provide economical and efficient access to public records as provided under the Tennessee Public Records Act ('TPRA') in Tenn. Code Ann. ' 10-7-501, et seq. by July 1, 2017. The sample resolution adopting a public records policy includes a public records policy, a public records request form, and a public record request response form. (updated 11/2/2017) |
| Satellite Television Provider and Requirement to Purchase Business License or Pay Business Taxes Legal Opinion (Created: 2022-11-02; Reviewed: 2023-01-11) MTAS Legal Consultant Stephanie Allen O'Hara responded to a request for information regarding the necessity of a business license. |
| Sewer Line Repairs on Private Property Legal Opinion (Created: 2022-10-06; Reviewed: 2022-11-29) MTAS Legal Consultant Stephanie O'Hara responded to a request for information regarding a private citizen's responsibility to repair sewer lines on private property. |
| Steps to Authorize Liquor by the Drink, Retail Package Stores, and Wine in Grocery Stores General (Created: 2021-08-26; Reviewed: 2021-08-26) This document provides the steps necessary for a municipality to authorize liquor by the drink, retail package stores, and wine in grocery stores. |
| Tennessee Municipal Public Health Emergency Closures General (Created: 2020-03-17; Reviewed: 2021-05-10) MTAS has been asked by several city attorneys whether cities have any authority to prohibit mass gatherings and close businesses. This seems to be the question with which all cities are struggling because no statutory or charter authority is directly on point for a pandemic. The options that are being explored by cities are using the charter police powers and/or declarations of emergencies. Cities could potentially use a combination of both authorities. |
| Use of Municipal Seal in Election Campaign Legal Opinion (Created: 2022-10-04; Reviewed: 2022-12-09) MTAS Legal Consultant Stephanie O'Hara responded to a request for information regarding whether or not a candidate for office may use the municipality's official seal in a campaign. |
