06/05/2026
BIWEEKLY UPDATE #128
MAYOR RICK BELL
JUNE 5TH, 2026
WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT
The Wastewater Treatment Plant Site Selection Committee met again on June 2nd at City Hall. They added five more potential sites to the list, bringing the total to over 20. The committee will reconvene on Monday, June 15th at 4:00 pm at City Hall to continue evaluating each site. The meeting will be open to the public, and there will be opportunity for public comment. Eventually, the committee will present at least 3 site recommendations to the Lebanon City Council for their consideration.
The Wastewater Treatment Plant Site Selection Committee was created by a resolution introduced by Ward 3 Councilor Camille Burdine at the May 5th City Council Meeting. The voting members of the committee are:
Jeff Baines, Chairman – Citizen Representative/Engineering Advisor
Regina Santana, Vice Chair – City of Lebanon Utilities Director
Joey Carmack – Ward 1 Councilor
Camille Burdine – Ward 3 Councilor
Phil Morehead – Ward 6 Councilor
Tom Clemmons – Engineering Representative/Engineering Advisor
Dave Dixon – Citizen Representative
Caleb Thorne – Citizen Representative/Engineering Advisor
Jody Vance – Citizen Representative/Engineering Advisor
Randy Laine - Citizen Representative/Engineering Advisor
BUDGET
At the June 2nd meeting, the City Council approved, with a 4-2 vote, the first reading of Lebanon’s Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget. Councilors Joey Carmack, Chris Crowell, Tick Bryan and Phil Morehead voted in support. Councilors Geri Ashley and Camille Burdine voted against it.
Due to the new Wilson County Property Assessment, the proposed budget includes a reduction in the property tax rate. Lowering the current property tax rate from .6855 to .4054 will allow us to remain budget neutral, reflecting our commitment to responsible financial stewardship while continuing to provide essential services and invest in community priorities.
I would like to thank Finance Director Lindsey Wolfenbarger and Finance Officer Sheri Featherston for their hard work throughout the budget process. Their conservative approach to budgeting and careful management has helped the city achieve continued success while meeting the needs of our community. The budget will move forward for additional consideration and final approval at a Special Called City Council meeting on Monday, June 8th at 5:00 pm.
JIMMY FLOYD FAMILY CENTER RENOVATIONS
At the June 2nd City Council meeting, the Council approved, on first reading, an ordinance authorizing a financial plan for the Jimmy Floyd Family Center renovation project, marking the facility’s first comprehensive renovation in nearly three decades.
The approximately $3.7 million project will modernize and expand several amenities, including additional fitness and free-weight space, expanded group fitness areas, improvements to children’s programing spaces, locker room renovations, new basketball flooring, indoor pickleball accommodations, adjustable basketball goals for youth programing, and a family restroom accessible from the indoor pool deck. The project is expected to enhance recreational opportunities for residents of all ages and ensure the facility continues to serve the community for years to come.
SPLASH PAD
Construction continues on the new splash pad at Don Fox Community Park, and the project is nearing completion. Although recent rainfall caused some delays, the final concrete work is underway, and installation of the splash pad features is expected to begin soon. The splash pad is expected to be substantially complete during the week of June 22nd, with final landscaping and site cleanup to follow.
If weather continues to cooperate, the project is expected to be fully completed by the end of June. We appreciate everyone’s patience throughout the construction process and look forward to opening this new amenity for families to enjoy this summer.
SIGN UP FOR THE FESTIVE PARADE CELEBRATING AMERICA 250 ON JULY 3RD
In celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary, Lebanon will host a parade on Friday, July 3rd, beginning at 7:00 pm. The parade route will travel from City Hall to the Wilson County Courthouse. Businesses, churches, civic groups, community organizations and elected officials are encouraged to participate. Registration can be completed through the Lebanon/Wilson County Chamber of Commerce website.
4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION
I am excited to announce this year’s Fourth of July Celebration will take place in a new location within the Wilson County Fairgrounds property. Due to recent construction near the traditional fireworks launch area, the celebration will now be held near the Peyton Road entrance behind Fiddlers Grove, while still offering the same family-friendly atmosphere attendees expect.
Guests can enjoy live music, fireworks, a variety of food vendors, water inflatables, and activities for children throughout the evening. There will also be a special flag presentation by parachutists. The event will take place the evening of July 4th, with gates opening at 5:00 pm and festivities beginning at 6:00 pm.
APPOINTMENTS
I recently appointed Lisa Chaney, a resident of Ward 2, to serve on the Planning Commission. In addition, the City Council approved the reappointment of Bill Ash to the Lebanon Beer Board. I appreciate their willingness to serve our community and look forward to their contributions.
