Property Committee Meeting - October 28, 2026

The Williamson County Property Committee met on October 28, 2026. It discussed the proposed sale of Williamson Hall to Ascension St. Thomas: county counsel is reviewing Ascension’s qualifications, finances, operating plans, governance, and capital commitments, while also examining financial and EMS information relevant to county proceeds. A first draft of the definitive agreement was expected that week or the next; the target date remains December 31, with exclusivity through January 7 and two possible 30-day extensions. Closing is anticipated next summer, subject to regulatory steps. The committee generally supported letting counsel negotiate drafts before presenting a near-final agreement for committee review and a recommendation to the full commission; no sale approval was taken at this meeting.

The committee approved Resolution 11-26-17 to override Franklin’s planning decision concerning the proposed Juvenile Justice Center (JJC); the county estimated that avoiding the required screening could save about $1.3 million, while noting the city had not made the same request regarding the jail. It also approved Resolution 11-26-18 authorizing purchase of property at 3727 New Highway 96 West for a future fire station; the purchase price was not stated, funding is already available, and a garage and possible apparatus would require later planning and capital work. A long-term lease arrangement for the JJC with Williamson Center was discussed, but the transcript does not clearly capture a vote. The committee also approved surplus/disposal resolutions for law-enforcement equipment, including four motorcycles; the purchase of three motorcycles had been approved previously.