Nashville advances water bill credits following Winter Storm Fern

Nashville advances water bill credits following Winter Storm FernThe Metropolitan Council has approved the first reading of an ordinance granting financial relief to utility customers impacted by severe winter weather.

Late Ordinance N1 authorizes a one-time bill credit for water and sewer users due to the January 2026 winter storm.

The Council suspended procedural rules to introduce and pass the measure on its first reading.

A companion resolution was adopted to waive permit fees for repairing storm-damaged property.

The legislation follows the impact of Winter Storm Fern and requires two more readings for final approval.

The Metropolitan Council of Nashville & Davidson County moved to provide financial relief to utility ratepayers on February 17, 2026, advancing legislation to issue credits on water and sewer bills following severe winter weather earlier in the year. Late Ordinance N1, sponsored by Council Members Toombs and Gadd, authorizes a "one-time bill credit to water and sewer users as a result of the January 2026 winter storm," referred to in related agenda items as Winter Storm Fern. Because the item was filed late, the Council voted to suspend the rules to allow for its immediate introduction. The ordinance passed its first of three required readings without debate. In a related measure, the Council adopted Late Resolution L1, which authorizes the waiver of certain permit fees for the repair or rebuilding of property damaged by the same storm event. This resolution was approved following unanimous recommendations from the Budget and Finance and Government Operations committees. The urgency of these measures reflects the storm's widespread toll. Winter Storm Fern caused an estimated $110 million to $140 million in damage to Nashville Electric Service infrastructure alone and resulted in 25 weather-related fatalities across Tennessee. The specific financial impact or calculation method for the water bill credits was not detailed during the introduction. The ordinance will require two additional readings before final enactment. Additionally, the Council considered a resolution urging federal assistance from FEMA for individuals affected by the storm.