The story: Arlington’s Board of Mayor and Aldermen had a busy night on Oct. 5. The big one: up to $21 million for upgrades at the town’s wastewater treatment plant. Every item on the agenda passed unanimously, according to the town’s recap.

Wait, $21 million for sewage? Yep. Not glamorous, but important. The board approved:

  • An initial resolution letting the town borrow up to $21,000,000 for plant improvements
  • A loan from the Tennessee Municipal Bond Fund, capped at $21,000,000
  • A contract with J. Cumby Construction Inc., which won the bid to build it

Will my sewer bill go up? The town says no. A rate study shows no sewer rate increase will be needed for residents.

What’s actually getting built: The published resolution (Resolution 2026-33) lists a new SBR basin, a new disinfection system, a sludge thickener, a new sludge pumping station, two sludge digesters, a new sludge dewatering building and a new storage building. Plus site work, piping and electrical.

The fine print: The public notice says the debt may be repaid from sewer revenues and, if needed, property taxes. Residents have 20 days from publication to file a petition protesting the debt.

Also: a new fire engine. The board approved a capital outlay note of up to $1,146,195 for one. The town says it’s been in production for several years and should be done shortly.

What else passed:

  • A development agreement for a land disturbance permit for Hawthorne Partners II
  • A one-year extension for the Donelson Farms planned development (first approved in December 2024)
  • Updates to the town’s capitalization thresholds and debt management policies
  • A separate fund for the Arlington Tennis-Pickleball Center expansion
  • First reading of an ordinance swapping First Citizens Bank for Park Bank as an official town depository

What’s next:

  • Mon., Nov. 2, 5:30 p.m.: Public hearing and final vote on the bank switch (Ordinance 2026-09) at Town Hall, 5854 Airline Road.
  • Wed., Nov. 4, 3:30–7 p.m.: Board business retreat at TownPlace Suites, 1425 W. Poplar Ave. in Collierville. On the table: town projects, facilities, long-range plans, budgeting, outdoor commercial uses and town policies. No votes, the town says.

Want the full agenda, minutes or video? They’re on the Town of Arlington website.

Sources: Town of Arlington live feed (BMA recap, retreat notice), Public notice: Resolution 2026-33, Public notice: Ordinance 2026-09 hearing.

Photo: Town of Arlington