MTAS was asked whether there is a state licensing requirement for designated persons to perform/solemnize a marriage in Tennessee.

MTAS was asked whether the Utility System's employment contract with a person to be the CEO and president of that system is legal and whether the mayor may appoint an alderman to be a member of the utility system.

A manual prepared for the City Aldermen by the City Attorneys of the City of Franklin.

MTAS was asked about the state franchise process for cable and video services and approaches to address a situation in several subdivisions that effectively limits wired cable and video service choices.

The city has asked whether a municipality has the authority to cite someone to court for violations identified using unmanned traffic enforcement cameras.

MTAS was asked to write an RFQ for legal services.

MTAS was asked whether the position of city attorney is an elected official and, therefore, has to be a resident of the town.

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.

A sample resolution for Tennessee cities/towns to establish a policy allowing governing body members to participate in meetings by electronic means under specific circumstances. 

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.

Additionally, the MTAS Purchasing Policy Checkist is provided to ensure that the most important laws, processes and required authorizations are included in the purchasing policy.