Cookeville City Council Meeting July 16th, 2026

The City of Cookeville, Tennessee City Council held a meeting on July 16, 2026, where several procurement and budget-related items were discussed and approved. Key procurement actions included the approval to purchase a 2026 Ford Bronco for the Community Development Department and a Pierce Enforcer 107-foot ladder truck for the Fire Department, the latter procured through the HGAC cooperative at a cost just under $2 million. The council also authorized the city manager to execute an addendum with Kimley Horn and Associates for roadway acquisition services related to the West Jackson South Willow turn lane improvements, and approved a change order for the Interstate Drive roadway settlement repair project, increasing the contract by $76,800. Additionally, the council approved payments for GPS dash cameras and record management software, and awarded bids for transformers and a mini excavator using statewide contracts. The council accepted the 39 Depot master plan, which includes infrastructure improvements and parking lot construction, and authorized property acquisition for the project via donation, negotiation, or eminent domain. The city manager received a high performance evaluation and a 3% salary increase was approved. The meeting also included extensive discussion on an ordinance amending zoning codes to permit adaptive residential multifamily reuse with affordability requirements, ultimately passing the original ordinance with amendments including a 90-day lease term and mandatory acceptance of housing vouchers. The council highlighted ongoing efforts to address affordable housing challenges and infrastructure development in the city.