Mayor Megan Barry has filed a four percent reserve fund resolution with the Metro Council requesting more than $26 million in replacement equipment and upgrades throughout Metro Government. The resolution requests significant investments in public safety, health, and fleet maintenance for Metro, as well as needed investments in books for Nashville Public Library, cameras and playground equipment for the Parks Department, and recording equipment for the Metro Council committee meeting rooms to promote openness and transparency in government.

“These investments will go a long way towards promoting public health and safety while improving the overall quality of life for residents in Nashville,” said Mayor Barry. “Our Metro employees are working very hard to serve the residents of Nashville and keep up with the rapid growth of our city, and we need to ensure they have the equipment and facilities necessary to do their jobs well.”

The new funds for public safety include ‘phase 1’ of in-car computer upgrades for police officers, which are necessary to support the body worn cameras which were funded in Barry’s FY2018 Capital Spending Plan. Other upgrades include radio and server equipment, replacement vehicles for police and fire, as well as maintenance and equipment for fire halls and fire fighters.

To promote the health and well being of Davidson County residents, Barry has requested $1 million for renovations, repairs, and new equipment at Nashville General Hospital, $1 million for maintenance at the Knowles Assisted Living Facility and the Nashville Community Care & Rehabilitation Center at Bordeaux, as well as $100,000 for maintenance at the Woodbine Clinic.

Also in the requested resolution is $187,500 for the Metro Historical Commission to repair and erect historical markers throughout the city.

“Nashville is fortunate to have a rich history that has shaped the city we all love,” said Mayor Barry. “With these funds, we will be able to truly honor that history by eliminating a 10-year backlog of historical markers in just one year.”

The Metro Charter allows the mayor to recommend the use of four percent reserve funds to buy needed equipment or pay for building repairs for Metro departments.

Summary of expenditures:
$190,500 for the Metro Historical Commission to purchase/replace historical markers and computers for new staff

$4,000,000 for the Metro Nashville Police Department for phase 1 of vehicle laptop and printer upgrades needed to support body worn cameras.

$1,000,000 for the Public Works Department for miscellaneous equipment

$50,000 for the Metro Planning Department for technological equipment

$500,000 for the Nashville Fire Department
• Maintenance and repairs on Fire facilities
• Medical equipment and supplies
• Personal safety equipment and supplies

$1,000,000 for Nashville General Hospital for renovations, repairs and equipment

$1,000,000 for Nashville Public Library for books, periodicals, and library materials

$104,000 for the Office of the Trustee for office equipment and E-Gov system upgrades

$500,000 for the Metro Development and Housing Agency to go toward the Frist Center for the Visual Arts, whose building is owned by the city.

$1,250,000 for the Parks and Recreation Department
• Consolidated maintenance throughout the park system
• Metro-wide camera equipment, new and repair
• Red Caboose Park playground equipment