City Council Special Session and First Reading of the Budget - June 11, 2026

The City Council of Clarksville, TN held a special session on June 11, 2026, primarily focused on the first reading of the fiscal year 2025-26 and 2026-27 operating and capital budgets. The council discussed multiple ordinances amending budgets for various city departments, including Gas and Water, Transit System, and Internal Service Funds. A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to debating amendments related to funding allocations, particularly concerning the Ajax Turner Senior Citizen Center. Council members expressed concerns about financial transparency, management issues, and the potential city takeover of the senior center. Several budget amendments were proposed and voted on, including reductions in training, staffing, and equipment expenses for departments such as police and building codes. The council also debated property tax rate adjustments, with motions to reduce the proposed increase. Ultimately, Ordinance 90, the main budget ordinance, failed its first reading with an 11-2 vote against. The meeting concluded with public comments addressing concerns about the senior center's management and transparency. No final budget was adopted, and further deliberations were anticipated.