2 Charter Amendments Pass Council, Translator-Fee Bill Withdrawn

Metro Councilman Eric Crafton withdrew his proposal last night to establish a set of interpreter fees for Davidson County services. He wanted anyone needing a translator to pay for it, instead of having Metro Government cover the cost.

Metro Council members passed changes to the Gallatin Pike S-P last night. It’s a special type of zoning called ‘specific plan’ that is an attempt to clean up the major commercial thoroughfare through East Nashville.

Only eight parents attended a forum on school choice last night, despite an increased number of Metro schools required this year to give students the option of leaving.

The Metro Council approved a 50-cent tax for all Davidson County hotel rooms last night, despite ongoing objections from many hotel owners.

Last night the Cumberland County Commission made a small concession to the board of education, which is keeping schools closed while it asks for millions more in funding.

The Metro Council will vote tonight on a 50-cent hotel/motel tax that will be used to attract and retain signature events, like the Music City Bowl. A joint meeting of the budget and finance committee and the tourism committee of the Metro Council approved the hike last night.

Councilman Michael Craddock has removed an amendment proposed for the Metro charter that would have given the city authority over the NES pay plan.

Students at twenty-five Nashville schools have the option to transfer out this year, due to the schools’ performance under No Child Left Behind. Tomorrow night, Metro will address the options available to families at a School Choice Forum.

The start of the school year in Cumberland County is still postponed indefinitely, as the board of education prods the county commission for millions more in funding.

Today the Montgomery County Election Commission certified election totals from August 7th. But candidate Tim Barnes, who lost to State Senator Rosalind Kurita of Clarksville, says he will contest the results later this week.