Nashville City Council Rejects One-Time Water and Sewer Bill Credit Following Winter Storm

Nashville City Council Rejects One-Time Water and Sewer Bill Credit Following Winter StormThe Metropolitan Council of Nashville and Davidson County narrowly defeated an ordinance that would have provided financial relief to water and sewer utility customers impacted by a severe January 2026 weather event.

Ordinance BL2026-1294 failed on its third and final reading with a 16-18 vote, falling short of the 21 votes required for passage.

The measure aimed to authorize a one-time bill credit for Metro Water Services users affected by the January 2026 winter storm.

Prior to the full council vote, the Budget and Finance Committee and the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee had both recommended approval of the measure.

During its April 7, 2026 meeting, the Metropolitan Council of Nashville and Davidson County definitively voted against a measure designed to offer financial relief to local utility rate payers following a severe weather event. Ordinance BL2026-1294, which proposed a one-time bill credit for water and sewer users impacted by the January 2026 winter storm, failed on its third and final reading. The ordinance had previously garnered support in committee reviews. Council Member Toombs, chair of the Budget and Finance Committee, noted during the meeting that the committee had voted 6-1 to recommend approval. The Transportation and Infrastructure Committee had also previously approved the measure prior to an earlier deferral. Despite the committee-level support, the full council ultimately rejected the proposal. Following a motion to call the previous question, which passed 25-8 and ended debate on the matter, the council proceeded directly to a roll call vote. The ordinance failed to secure the 21 votes required for passage, with 16 members voting in favor, 18 voting against, and zero abstentions. As a result, the one-time credit will not be issued to Metro Water Services customers.