Bolivar City Council Addresses Library Funding, Recreation Projects, Infrastructure Improvements at September Meeting

09/16/2026 Bolivar City Council

The Bolivar City Council addressed library funding, recreation projects, infrastructure improvements and several upcoming community events during its regularly scheduled September 14, 2026, meeting. Council members Caroline Miler and Tommie Woods were absent

One of the lengthiest discussions of the evening centered on funding for the Bolivar-Hardeman County Library and the financial responsibilities shared by the city and Hardeman County.

During the city’s budget process, library employee salaries were increased to bring employees closer in line with the city’s minimum pay rate. However, the county did not increase its contribution by the same amount, leaving an estimated difference of $29,779.80.

Mayor Julian McTizic said he had spoken with Hardeman County Mayor Todd Pulse about the issue. According to McTizic, Pulse said the county is not currently in a financial position to cover the approximately $30,000 difference but hopes to be able to include the additional funding next year.

Council members expressed concern about the city covering the difference this year and potentially becoming responsible for the increased amount in future years through maintenance-of-effort requirements. The council discussed several possibilities, including treating the additional funding as a one-time bonus and continuing discussions with county officials. Pulse is expected to attend next month’s meeting to further discuss the matter.

McTizic also provided an update on plans for the former National Guard Armory. Engineers are continuing to work on plans for the facility, and Parks and Recreation employees, with assistance from the Street Department, have been cleaning the property and removing debris and trees.

The mayor also announced additional grant funding connected to the project. The city previously received a $3.5 million, 50/50 matching grant through the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development. McTizic said the city has since received another ECD grant that can help provide matching funds for other funding associated with the project.

While final renovation plans are still being developed, the city is already using portions of the armory for activities, including chair exercise classes, pickleball and youth cheerleading practices.

The council also moved forward with improvements around Sand Beach Lake, selecting Performance Services for engineering work associated with the city’s Rails-to-Trails recreational trail grant. The project is expected to include asphalt improvements to the trail around Sand Beach Lake.

In other action, the council approved a $68,112 bid from R. Jones Underground of Henderson for approximately 1.2 miles of gas line extension in McNairy County. The council also approved a $100,747 bid from Carnes Recreation for a childcare grant project at First Baptist Church and approved the city utility department’s cybersecurity policy.

Building Inspector Rickey Watkins reported that the new hospital is nearing completion following a final inspection. The facility was described as largely complete, with crews addressing remaining items such as ceiling tiles and other finishing work. The hospital is currently expected to open around the first week of November.

Several departmental updates were presented during the meeting. The fire department reported 102 calls, including 91 in the city and 11 in the county, along with 213 training hours. The police department reported 668 calls for service, 119 citations, 22 property-damage accidents and 37 arrests, including 33 adults and four juveniles.

McTizic also said state crime statistics provided to the city showed decreases in nearly every reported category and commended the police department for its work.

Parks and Recreation Director Anthony Ford announced that fall youth softball games are underway, while youth soccer games are expected to begin later this month. Adult volleyball registration will continue through October. City Hall will also begin handling park reservations.

The Street and Sanitation Department reported collecting 417.01 tons of residential and commercial waste and 51.30 tons of brush. The department has also repainted school crosswalks and tiger paws. The city’s quarterly bulk-item pickup begins October 1.

The council was also reminded that the city’s Barbecue Blowout and music festival is scheduled for October 23-24. A mayor’s luncheon is planned for noon that Friday.

Due to the Columbus Day holiday, the council agreed to move its regular October meeting from October 12 to October 19, 2026.

Click here to read about the August city council meeting.

Click here to watch the full September 14, 2026, meeting.

Read more local news by clicking here.

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