Agenda Items & Discussion

• Call to Order & Invocation — Council Chair called the June 23rd meeting to order and recognized Councilwoman Null, who led the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer asking for wisdom, peace, and unity among council members and city leadership.
• Minute Approval & Proposed Agenda — The council approved minutes from the prior meeting and reviewed the proposed agenda for the following week, including upcoming purchasing matters.
• Hamilton County Planning Services — During Future Considerations, a council member confirmed that the city would no longer be participating in any planning services for unincorporated Hamilton County going forward, closing out an ongoing question about the city's role in county-level planning.
• E-911 Dispatcher Pay (Future Considerations) — Representatives from the Hamilton County Emergency Communications District (E-911) appeared before the council to present a case for increased city funding toward dispatcher compensation. The district handles approximately 580,000 calls per year, with more than two-thirds originating from the City of Chattanooga. District leadership noted that all other partner agencies have committed to a phased pay improvement plan, but the city has not. The first-year city contribution requested is approximately $139,000. Presenters noted the city recently funded a 3% employee raise and a new litter initiative, and questioned whether public safety was a true budget priority. Pay comparison data was shared: Hamilton County dispatcher trainees earn $40,000, while comparable agencies such as Shelby County, Murfreesboro, Nashville, Rutherford County, and Montgomery County pay up to $54,375. Council members asked follow-up questions about state-level search charge funding and how personnel costs are currently allocated. The council indicated it would seek a more in-depth conversation and requested additional comparison documents.
• Attorney-Client Session — The council recessed into a closed attorney-client meeting at approximately the 1-hour mark, returning to open session at 4:30 PM.
• FY2026-2027 Budget Ordinance (Final Reading) — The city clerk read the fiscal year 2026–2027 operations budget ordinance into the record. The ordinance covers revenues and appropriations for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026 and ending June 30, 2027, sets the property tax rate, and establishes delinquency rules, interest, and penalties.
• Ordinances, Resolutions, and Purchases — The council took up ordinances on first reading, considered resolutions, and approved purchasing items on the consent agenda.
• Committee Reports & Public Comments — Council members provided committee updates, followed by a public comment period. Several public commenters addressed the E-911 dispatcher pay issue, echoing the concerns raised during Future Considerations.

Key Decisions & Votes

• Hamilton County Planning Services — The council confirmed the city will no longer participate in planning services for unincorporated Hamilton County.
• FY2026-2027 Operations Budget — Final Reading — The annual city budget ordinance was read on final reading, appropriating revenues for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026. (Vote details not captured in transcript.)
• E-911 Dispatcher Pay Funding — No formal vote taken; the council requested additional comparison data and indicated plans for further discussion before committing to the requested $139,000 annual contribution.