NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Several Metro council members were unable to attend Tuesday night's meeting due to COVID-19.
At least three have quarantined themselves due to possible exposure to the virus. Additionally, one council member has tested positive and another is recovering. That update came just hours before their first in-person council meeting since April.
Due to social distancing guidelines, council members met in a room at the Music City Center, so they could space out more. NewsChannel 5 political analyst Pat Nolan said at least 27 members needed to be present for the meeting to take place.
During that meeting, a bill passed that will allow other Metro employees to enforce health orders, such as the mask mandate and capacity rules. The only employees that would have this power are those who already have enforcement powers – like animal control, codes inspectors and fire marshals.
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.
