Electronic participation in governing body meetings (CityByte)

This MTAS CityByte is available here: https://rise.articulate.com/share/vwymqejek-98kDjFmQkU-Yp5yHg-fB3t#/

The Tennessee General Assembly adopted a law in 2025 authorizing most municipal governing bodies to allow a member to participate in meetings electronically. The new law is codified at Tennessee Code Annotated § 6-54-149. This CityByte explains the law and the requirements municipalities must meet to exercise this authority.

MTAS
General
Meetings
City council--Procedure
Boards
Boards--Municipal
Tennessee
Public
11/6/2025
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City attorney and conflict of interest

MTAS Legal Consultant Stephanie Allen O'Hara responded to a request for information from a Tennessee city regarding conflict of interest and city officials.

O'Hara, Stephanie Allen
Legal Opinion
Conflict of interests
City attorney
Municipal government
Ethics
Public
05/13/2022
03/1/2022
More Information

Contract law regarding whether a mayor can be compelled to sign a contract

MTAS was asked whether the board of mayor and aldermen can compel the mayor to sign a certain "contract."

Hemsley, Sid
Legal Opinion
Contracts
Intergovernmental agreements
Public
07/25/2021
11/16/1994
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Selected municipal employment benefits survey

Eighteen Tennessee cities responded to a request for information regarding employee health insurance, paid leave, paid holidays and retirement benefits.

Adams-O'Brien, Frances
Survey
Personnel--Compensation
Personnel--Fringe benefits
Public
03/13/2023
03/13/2023
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Regulation of short-term vacation rentals

MTAS was asked about the possibility of the city requiring a permit for short-term rental properties such as AirBnBs. The referenced documents from Pigeon Forge are available for download in the Attachments section of this record. The documents from Cumberland Gap are available in a separate record.

Ashburn, Melissa
Rogers, Honna
Legal Opinion
Licenses and permits
Vacation rentals--Laws and legislation--Tennessee
Zoning--Ordinances
Winchester (Tenn)
Internal
06/23/2025
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Chancery court judge

MTAS was asked whether the city attorney can hold the position of chancery court judge.

Hemsley, Sid
Legal Opinion
City attorney
Conflict of interests
Courts--Judges
Personnel--Administration
Public
07/25/2021
05/20/2002
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Regulating the installation and operation of sand filtration wastewater systems in developments located outside city limits

MTAS was asked about the city's ability to regulate sand filtration wastewater systems being constructed outside the city in developments located in the regional planning commission's jurisdiction.

Ashburn, Melissa
Legal Opinion
Wastewater--Administration
Wastewater--Laws and regulations
Planning--Commissions
Planning--Regional
Urban growth
Zoning--Subdivisions
Internal
06/23/2021
06/19/2003
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Incompetency as a ground for dismissal without the support of a job description

MTAS was asked whether incompetency will stand as a ground for dismissal without the support of a job description.

Hemsley, Sid
Legal Opinion
Contracts
Personnel--Dismissal
Personnel--Employment agreements
Personnel--Laws and regulations
Public
07/29/2021
10/19/1994
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Meaning of majority vote for planning commission

MTAS was asked whether a majority of the body is required to vote in the affirmative for approval of a matter, or if a majority of the quorum is sufficient.

Ashburn, Melissa
Legal Opinion
Planning--Commissions
Meetings--Planning and management
Boards--Laws and regulations
Public
07/26/2021
07/24/2003
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Legality of a contract

MTAS was asked whether there is an enforceable contract between the city and a certain company under facts related in an opinion to city.

Hemsley, Sid
Legal Opinion
Contracts
Public
07/29/2021
04/27/2011
More Information
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