NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Metro Council passed a bill that will allow other Metro employees to enforce the city's health orders, such as the mask mandate and capacity rules.
The bill passed Tuesday night after its third reading. However, the only employees that would have this power are those who already have enforcement powers – like animal control, codes inspectors and fire marshals.
In September, the council said the ordinance wasn't clear enough. A rewritten proposal said:
“After the declaration of a state of emergency for all or a portion of Davidson County by any officer authorized to do so, the Mayor may by written order appoint the employees of any Metropolitan Government department to assist in the enforcement of orders issued by the Chief Medical Director, including without limitation the issuance of citations for violations of such orders.”
Tuesday's meeting was the first time in months that council members met in person. They had been meeting virtually since April 6. However, several had to miss the meeting due to the virus.
Due to social distancing guidelines, council members met in a room at the Music City Center.
The council also passed a bill to add more money to help low-income, elderly residents pay their property taxes. Last night's vote means about $5 million will be available for the program.
