Bolivar City Council Discusses Property Cleanup, Downtown Mural, and Park Rental Policy at July Meeting
The Bolivar City Council held its regularly scheduled monthly meeting on July 13, 2026, addressing neighborhood blight, approving public safety measures, and receiving updates on community projects.
Following an opening prayer led by Ricky Watkins and the Pledge of Allegiance, council members unanimously approved minutes from three previous meetings held in June. Council members Todd Lowe and Tommy Woods were absent.
Mayor Highlights Community Events
Mayor Julian McTizic thanked council members who attended the Tennessee Municipal League Conference in Kingsport, saying the event provided valuable opportunities for municipal training and networking.
The mayor also announced that Camp Bolivar would begin the following day. The annual youth camp concluded with a water day celebration featuring fire trucks, water slides, and outdoor activities.
McTizic also thanked city employees, department heads, volunteers, and residents for making the city’s Red, White and Bolivar Independence Day celebration another successful event with strong community participation.
Resident Raises Concerns About Overgrown Property During Public Comments
During public comments, resident Ms. Golden voiced concerns about a vacant property near Union and Butler Street that she said has remained overgrown for approximately five years after a home was vacated and deemed unsafe.
Golden described ongoing issues with tall grass and wildlife, saying she has often paid to have the neighboring property mowed herself.
Mayor McTizic acknowledged the problem and explained that recent changes in state law will allow the city to address neglected properties much more quickly than in the past.
Previously, the city had to complete a lengthy court process before entering private property for cleanup. Under the new procedures, city officials expect code violations to move through city court in a significantly shorter timeframe, allowing the city to clean properties or demolish unsafe structures when authorized.
McTizic said they will soon meet to finalize how the new enforcement process will be implemented.
Department Reports
City departments provided monthly activity updates to the council.
The Bolivar Utilities Department reported completing its annual fire hydrant flushing program while continuing repairs at the water treatment plant.
The Bolivar Fire Department responded to 100 calls during the month, including 89 within the city and 11 in the county. EMS had 65 total runs. Firefighters also completed 278 hours of training and installed 25 smoke alarms and three carbon monoxide detectors and preformed 15 fire code inspections.
Bolivar Police Chief Mike Jones reported:
- 579 calls for service
- 138 citations issued
- 18 traffic accidents, including 12 involving injuries, 6 property damage
- 28 arrests – 2 juveniles, 26 adults
- 478 training hours completed
Jones said the city’s Fourth of July festivities were largely uneventful, noting there were no major incidents during holiday celebrations.
Parks and Recreation Director Anthony Ford announced that fitness and line dance classes have temporarily moved from the armory to the Municipal Building gym because of excessive summer heat. Youth soccer registration has opened and will continue through August 28, while youth softball registration will begin in the coming weeks. The youth summer golf league concludes on August 29.
Public Works Director Jerry Mayfield reported the city collected more than 447 tons of residential and commercial trash during the month while continuing mowing, weed eating, brush removal, and preparations for city events.
The Bolivar-Hardeman County Library report included, 14 programs with 284 in attendance, 1,533 items circulated and 341 computer users.
Hospital and BEA Projects Progressing
Building Official Ricky Watkins reported construction continues on the new Bolivar Energy Authority building, where crews are completing foundation work and underground utilities.
Watkins also provided an update on the new hospital, saying city officials have not received a projected opening date. He said the facility could receive a certificate of occupancy by late summer but is not expected to begin accepting patients until approximately October as administrative work continues. {Click here to read more about the new Bolivar Hospital}
Downtown Mural Project Begins
Tourism and Community Development Director Dylan Hill announced the city has begun accepting bids for a new downtown mural funded through Tennessee’s America 250 initiative.
The project includes a $25,000 grant, and Dylan Hill said the city may be able to complete two murals depending on bid prices.
Council members discussed the importance of selecting artwork that reflects Bolivar’s identity and expressed interest in involving local artists whenever possible.
Potential mural locations are still being evaluated, with several downtown buildings under consideration.
Fire Department Grant Approved
The council unanimously approved a resolution authorizing the city to apply for the annual Safety Partners Matching Grant.
If awarded, the grant will help purchase new turnout gear for the Bolivar Fire Department.
K-9 Officer Buddy Retires
Council members also unanimously approved the retirement of K-9 Officer Buddy after years of service with the Bolivar Police Department.
Police Chief Jones said Buddy has assisted officers in locating suspects, firearms, ammunition, and evidence during investigations but is beginning to experience arthritis associated with age.
Under the approved action, Buddy will be transferred to his longtime handler, Investigator Sides, who will assume full responsibility for the dog’s future care.
Jones said the Jackson Police Department has agreed to assist Bolivar with K-9 services while the department evaluates future replacement options.
Park Rental Policy Updated
The council reviewed a new park pavilion rental policy designed to reduce reservation cancellations and encourage users to leave facilities clean.
Under the new policy, individuals reserving pavilions at city parks, including Sand Beach Lake, will pay a $100 rental fee. Half of that amount will be refunded after the facility is inspected and found to be clean.
City officials said the policy will help prevent people from reserving facilities they do not use while ensuring parks remain well maintained for future visitors.
With no additional business before the council, the meeting adjourned.
Click here to watch the full meeting.
Click here to read about the June city council meeting.
Read more local news by clicking here.
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