Mayor Hollie Berry

Budget FAQ with Mayor Berry.

Happy July Red Bank! City budgets run from July 1 through June 30 - that means the Fiscal Year (FY) 24-25’ budget we approved last month is starting now! In case you missed our budget workshops, I am excited to catch you up on some of the most important changes I’m looking forward to this year. If I had to describe some common themes in this year’s budget, they would be “planning ahead”, “maintaining excellent services”, and “not kicking the can down the road”. I’ll start with one of the most frequently asked questions:

Was there any tax rate increase this year?

No, there was no tax rate increase.

Were any new employees budgeted this year?

The only new full-time employee included in this year’s budget is one engineering technician for the public works department. This year all five commission goals (transportation, stormwater, Stringer’s Branch, master planning, and beautification) previously fell to the public works department alone. In order to expand their capacity to be able to make timely progress on these many ambitious goals, the public works department determined this was the one new hire that would go the furthest to helping them achieve those goals. Once hired, he or she will be responsible for many things including design and plan review for city projects, sidewalk connectivity, pavement management plan, sign inventory, construction inspection and quality assurance for capital projects, and more.

What are the biggest changes over last year’s budget?

While not the most dramatic change, certainly one that was most necessary and contributed to our budget increase was a 3% cost of living adjustment (COLA) for all city employees. For the city to remain an employer of choice, we must ensure all our employees are receiving fair, market-rate wages as inflation continues to affect us all. Across-the-board COLAs have been a best practice in our city for several years now and indeed I hope they continue. Our city is extremely fortunate to boast some of the best municipal workers in the region across all our departments and we aim to retain their skill and deep local experience.

Speaking of skilled and knowledgeable city employees, one of the most exciting changes is the creation of a new department: The Department of Community Development.

While the creation of this department is a reorganization rather than hiring new employees (one employee will be moving from part-time to full-time) it does mean Leslie Johnson, formerly our Deputy Director of Public Works, is becoming a department head! Under her supervision will be: our Community Planner, our Codes Enforcement officer, and an administrative assistant. The purpose of this department will be to focus on long-term planning and development in our city in a way that has never been done in the past. Specifically, this team will be in charge of seeing our currently underway Comprehensive Master Planning process through and ensuring once complete, it does not sit on a shelf gathering dust but instead results in real, timely, and meaningful improvements to our city and the lives of our residents. They will also be tasked with facilitating private investment and development in our city on a level never before seen. This is one of many ways we are seeking to support and encourage local businesses in our city and bolster our sales tax revenues. The Department of Community Development will work closely with the Public Works Department, and will be able to shoulder two of the commission goals formerly overseen exclusively by public works: Creating a Comprehensive Master Plan (including a Small Area Study for the Former Red Bank Middle School Site) and the improvement of Stringer’s Branch.

What changes were there to the Fire and Police budgets?

The fire and police budgets did not have big increases this year; they are both on track to do what is necessary to maintain excellent service delivery to our city. Both saw modest increases this year due to the 3% COLA for all employees mentioned above, as well as a 13.7% increase to our contract with Hamilton County 911, an award-winning organization that handles all our emergency dispatching.

The police department is also replacing six of their existing police vehicles that have reached end of life.

The fire department is also replacing fire hose and rescue rope which has reached end of life, as well as purchasing a new fire extinguisher training prop for public fire safety education.

What’s happening this fiscal year that may influence next year’s budget?

In this fiscal year we just entered, I am looking forward to the conclusion of our Comprehensive Master Planning Process, the development of a Small Area Plan for the Former Red Bank Middle School Site, our Parks and Recreation Master Plan, and a Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) that will allow the commission to make informed decisions about large capital investments that will be needed five, ten, even fifty years in the future. Our city is in a deep planning phase that in a short time will set us up for success not only for wise, data-driven decision-making but also secure a stronger position for us to pursue grant funding across our many city goals and objectives. That is, as long we as a community prove to have the courage to act on the plans we are creating together.

I hope you found this brief budget message helpful! As always feel free to reach out to myself, any of your commissioners, or city staff with any questions.

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Red Bank Fire Department: Firework Safety

Fireworks are an American tradition, but they are unpredictable, often turning a celebration into a painful memory. The use of backyard fireworks has doubled since 2000 to 255 million pounds nationwide. Just because some fireworks are legal to buy does not mean they are safe to use. Most fireworks-related injuries can be avoided. Many occur when fireworks are being misused. Leave fireworks to the professionals.

Since 1976, when federal standards were set for consumer fireworks and sprinklers, fireworks injuries have decreased by 88%. Though banned since 1966, M-80’s and M-100’s continues to account for one-third of all 4^th of July injuries. Over the past 10 years, 30-33% of injuries associated with fireworks have typically been caused by illegal explosives or homemade fireworks. All fireworks must be clearly labeled with the name and address of the manufacturer as well as cautionary information and safety instructions.

Here are some helpful safety tips so you and your family can have a Safe and Happy 4^th of July.

Sparklers

Sparklers are not toys. Considered by many as “safe”, sparklers burn at a very high temperatures, can easily ignite clothing, and stay hot long after burning out. Sparklers can reach temperatures of over 1000 degrees. Pieces of sparklers have been known to cause permanent eye damage.

Sparklers account for25% of all firework-related injuries. They are as dangerous as matches or lighters to children. Be sure to collect all burned-out sparkler wire for disposal.

Only use sparklers outdoors, away from buildings and vehicles.
Children under the age of 12 should not handle sparklers.
Even older children should be under close supervision when using sparklers.
Light only one sparkler at a time.
Keep burning sparklers away from clothing and flammable objects.
When finished, place used sparklers in a bucket of water.
If weather conditions have been dry, avoid using sparklers.

Be Smart.

Obey local laws when dealing with fireworks.
Only buy from a reliable, licensed dealer.
Follow label instructions.
Store fireworks in a cool, dry place.
Never use illegal explosives, alter, or combine fireworks.
Never make your own fireworks.
Never use fireworks around pets or animals.
Fireworks should be handled or used by an adult.
Never use fireworks under the influence of alcohol or while smoking.
Keep fireworks, lighters, and matches away from children.

Protect Yourself.

When shooting off fireworks:

Wear snug clothing to cover arms and legs.
Wear shoes and eye protection & tie hair back.
Do not lean over fireworks when lighting.
Never look over tube to see if a firework is lit.
Never hold a lit firework item in your hand or carry them in your pocket.

Only use fireworks in a safe OUTDOOR condition:

In good weather conditions- NOT WINDY.
In a clear, open area.
On a flat, hard, and level surface (not in grass).
Away from buildings & vehicles.

Beware of a firework that:

Leaks powder.
Appears to be very old.
Has a loose fuse.
Appears to have been wet and then dried.

Prepare the Area.

Allow a minimum clear radius on a hard, flat level surface, (not grass) of 30 ft. for fountains & other ground-based items & 100 yards for aerial products.
Never shoot in metal or glass containers.
Only light with a flare, fireplace match, or an extended butane lighter (child resistant) to keep as far away as possible.
Light one at a time and move away quickly. Clear exit route of debris, hazards, and people.
Never re-light, alter, of fix a “dud”. Wait 15-20 minutes then soak it in a bucket of water.
Keep a working fire extinguisher, garden hose, and a bucket of water or sand nearby.
Use a flashlight, never a lantern or other flame producing device to see the fuse while lighting.
Be sure people and pets are out of range.
Never run or horseplay around fireworks.
Never use fireworks as weapons.
Never aim, throw, or point fireworks or sparklers at other people, property, pets, cars, or buildings.

First Aid for Fireworks Injuries.

Keep a first aid kit nearby.
Cool a burn with cool water. Wrap loosely with gauze. If severe, seek medical help immediately.
For eye injury:
1. Do NOT rub the eye; rinse the eye; or apply pressure.
2. Do Not take or apply medicine to the injury.
3. Instead, hold or tape a disposable cup or container over the eye

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Red Bank Police Department: New Laws are Set to go into effect Beginning July 1.

Following the 2024 Tennessee General Assembly session, over 200 laws are set to go into effect beginning July 1. Here is a summary of some criminal and traffic laws passed this year. This list does not include all the new laws.

Assault on a law enforcement officer increases to a Class E felony (previously a Class A misdemeanor) carrying a minimum 60-day sentence and $10,000 fine.

New criminal offense enacted for the offenses of assault and aggravated assault within a healthcare facility.

Assaults against participants in a judicial proceeding while on the premises commits a Class E felony.

Threats to commit an act of Mass Violence on school property or at a school-related activity increased to a Class E felony.

Increased penalty to a Class B felony for a person who negligently engages in conduct that places a child 8 years of age or less in imminent danger of death, bodily injury, or physical or mental impairment.

Defendants of domestic violence may be ordered to a wear GPS monitoring device.

Law enforcement agencies are required to communicate with the appropriate federal agencies regarding the immigration status of arrested persons.

Juveniles who are 15 or older may be transferred to adult criminal court for offenses of organized retail crime, theft of a firearm or attempts to commit such crimes.

Juveniles that are convicted of certain offenses cannot possess a firearm until after 25 years of age.

Bullying and cyberbullying offenses occurring in schools will carry the same penalties as harassment.

Definitions of “material” related to sexual exploitation of children now include computer-generated images, edited images and by artificial intelligence.

The Death Penalty is authorized as a punishment for rape of child, aggravated rape of a child, or especially aggravated rape of a child.

Driving and Traffic Related

Drag Racing has been increased to a Class E felony

Penalties for DUI may receive additional enhancements for BAC of .15 or higher.

Vehicle bumpers – front bumper cannot be more than 4 inches in height than the rear bumper – Class B misdemeanor.

It is illegal to possess, distribute or use a license plate flipper – Class A misdemeanor

Intentionally obstructing a highway or roadway – increases to a Class D felony from a Class A misdemeanor if a person intentionally obstructs a highway or street used for the passage of vehicles.

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AAA Research Exposes the Crash Danger of Spillover Speeding

Fast on the Freeway Can Lead to Fury on the Side Streets

Raising speed limits on highways could lead to more crashes on nearby roads, according to new research by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. This "spillover effect" creates unintended safety hazards for local communities that might not be involved in the decision-making process to raise the posted speed limit on a nearby highway. According to NHTSA, speeding is a significant safety concern, contributing to almost one-third of road fatalities in the past 20 years.

AAA Foundation researchers investigated whether changes to posted speed limits on interstate highways could cause drivers to adopt risky speeding behaviors on local streets. The study looked at crash data before and after speed limit increases on interstates in Georgia, Michigan, and Oregon. Hot spot analyses were conducted on roads within a 1-mile radius of interstates. Researchers found many instances where speed-related crashes increased on nearby roads following the interstate speed limit change, suggesting that drivers exiting the highway continued their faster tendencies.

AAA recommends a multi-pronged approach to combat speeding behavior:

Education: Public awareness campaign focused on riskiest drivers.

Technology: Equitably placed automated speed enforcement and screening tools.

Road Design: Narrower lanes, speed humps, roadway landscaping, and curb extensions.

By taking a proactive approach, transportation officials can create safer road networks for all communities. The AAA Foundation’s research reinforces the importance of the Safe System Approach (SSA). The SSA is a strategic way of leveraging the engineering and behavioral countermeasures proven effective at preventing traffic crashes and the injuries that can result from them. Explore the Foundation’s guide for implementing the SSA in your community HERE.

Previous speeding research by the AAA Foundation found that raising posted highway speed limits is associated with increased crash frequencies in some situations. At the same time, changes in travel times were small in response to both raised and lowered speed limits.

Summer Weather Increases Risk for Children, Pets, and Vehicles

AAA offers the following safety tips to help avoid dangers:

Don’t Leave Children Alone, Even for Short Amounts of Time - Never leave children unattended in a vehicle - even if the windows are open or the air conditioning is running.
Teach Children That Vehicles Are Not Play Areas - Don’t let children play in an unattended vehicle. Teach your children that a vehicle is not an appropriate hiding spot in hide-and-seek.
Keep Your Vehicle Locked - lock your vehicle doors and trunk even in driveways and garages, and keep keys out of children's reach.
Make it a Habit to Check Your Vehicle– Before locking your vehicle and walking away, make it a habit to always check the front and back seats.
Create Caregiver Reminders - If you normally drop your child off at a babysitter or daycare, ask the caregiver to call you if your child doesn’t show up as expected.
Add Reminders in Your Vehicle- Put your purse, wallet or cell phone in the back seat. This way, you are reminded to look in the back seat before leaving the vehicle. You can also keep a stuffed animal in your child's car seat. When the child is with you, move it to the front seat as a reminder that your child is in the back.
Never Leave an Animal in a Parked Car, Even if the Windows are Partially Open - Even on pleasant days, your vehicle can quickly reach a temperature that puts your pet in danger.
Call for Help - If you see a child or pet alone in a locked car, call 911 immediately and follow the instructions of emergency personnel.

Extreme heat can also pose risks to your vehicle. AAA recommends drivers check these five key areas to help their vehicle safely survive higher temperatures:

1. Battery

2. Engine Coolant

3. Tires

4. Engine Fluids

5. Air Conditioning

A Record-breaking 1.6 Million Tennesseans will Travel During the July 4th Week

AAA projects Independence Day travelers will set new records both nationwide and in Tennessee. More than 70.9 million people around the U.S. are expected to travel 50 miles or more away from home. Nearly 1.6 million of those will be Tennesseans.

“The summer travel season is off to a hot start and we expect to set new travel records on the road and in the sky during the week of Independence Day,” said Debbie Haas, Vice President of Travel for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “There will be 3.5 million more travelers than last year. That means even more people at airports and popular attractions like beaches, lakes, and theme parks.”

Independence Day Holiday Travel Period

AAA’s Independence Day travel forecast measures domestic trips of 50 miles or more during a 9-day period from Saturday, June 29 to Sunday, July 7.

Economic trends influencing the travel forecast

Despite concerns about inflation, total travel is increasing on growth in consumer confidence, wages, and continued strength in consumer spending.

Consumers are expected to increase spending by 5.5% compared to a year ago.
Real GDP growth will remain modest, rising by 2.5% from last year.
After falling steadily since January, consumer confidence moved up in May.
Gas prices for May averaged $3.62, seven cents higher than a year ago.

Get the full report HERE

The Auto Club Group has provided the Tow to Go program for more than 25 years, removing nearly 30,000 impaired drivers from U.S. roadways. When someone calls Tow to Go, a tow truck is dispatched to transport the vehicle and its owner to a safe location within a 10-mile radius. This service is free, regardless of whether the caller is a AAA member.

Tow to Go is active from 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 3^rd to 6 a.m. Monday, July 8^th.
Free confidential rides are available to AAA members and non-members.
Phone number (855) 2-TOW-2-GO or (855) 286-9246

Guidelines

Provided from 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 3^rd to 6 a.m. Monday, July 8^th.
Free and available to AAA members and non-members.
Confidential local ride for one person and their vehicle to a safe location within a 10-mile radius.
Appointments cannot be scheduled in advance to use Tow to Go. It is designed as a safety net for those that did not plan ahead. Always choose a designated driver before celebrating.
In some situations, AAA may need to make other arrangements to get an impaired individual a safe ride home.

Tow to Go may not be available in rural areas or during severe weather conditions.

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Come and support some of our Red Bank locals as well as our local Tennessee farmers without leaving the comfort of Red Bank. Check out these amazing vendors who will be featuring fresh flowers, farm-raised eggs, meats, produce, a gorgeous selection of flowers, and freshly baked breads!

"Just keep swimming, just keep swimming"

Take a dive into a fun family movie night! This event will be featuring Disney PIXAR movie, "Finding Nemo".

Admission is FREE and there will be some delicious food trucks on site for dinner and dessert along with FREE popcorn (while supplies last)!

Invite your friends and neighbors and bring the family!

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Looking Ahead

July 16th - Regular Commission Work Session - 5 PM

Regular Commission Meeting - 6 PM

July 10th - Planning Commission Work Session - 12 PM

July 24th - Regular Planning Commission Meeting - 6 PM

*City offices will be closed July 4th in observance of Independence Day.