The City of Lebanon is retaliating against Wilson County government because of a resolution passed on June 15, 2026, which aimed to prevent a sewer treatment plant from being constructed outside the city limits. Because of this decision, the city is now attempting to pass an ordinance to cut funding to the Wilson County Expo Center. Key figures like Tick Bryan and Phil Morehead are pushing for ordinance #26-7445 to stop this funding, solely because Mayor Bell is displeased with the county commission's resolution.

This retaliatory act not only cripples the functionality of the Wilson County Expo Center but also hurts the community at large who benefit from the center's events, resources, and opportunities. The Expo Center serves as a hub for local businesses, culture, and community gatherings. Cutting its funding is akin to cutting off a crucial lifeline for the residents of Wilson County. Tick Bryan, Ward 5 city councilman, claims that the $100,000 a year is simply a donation that was promised 10 years ago. He claims he was discussing to stop this funding two years ago. I find it strange the city passed their annual budget at a special called city council meeting on June 8th which consisted of funding the Expo. On June 15, 2026, the Wilson County Commission passed a resolution to keep the sewer treatment plant in the city limits. On June 16, 2026, Lebanon City council met and discussed retailatory measures geared at Wilson County government. Discussion centered on unhooking the sewer to County school Central Pike Elementary and then cutting funding to the Expo Center. On July 7, the city of Lebanon had ordinance 26-7445 on their agenda to rescind funding to the Expo. Tick Bryan, ward 5 city councilman, wanted to defer the ordinance to the next city council meeting since Joey Carmack, ward 1 councilor, was on vacation and not able to vote. 

The Wilson County resolution against the sewer treatment plant is a legitimate concern of the county's well-being and reflects the voices of its residents who were likely concerned about potential environmental and infrastructural impacts. However, the subsequent retaliatory actions by the City of Lebanon disregard the needs of the people and fail to represent fair and democratic governance of the two government entities working together for the community as a whole. 

We need to come together as a community to demand that the City of Lebanon cease all retaliatory measures against Wilson County. Tell them to operate in good faith, understanding of the resolution's intentions and the community's needs, rather than leveraging political pressure to achieve their goals.

Sign this petition to show your support for halting these unjust measures. Let the City of Lebanon know that their actions affect countless lives and urge them to act transparently and fairly. Your signature can make a massive difference in ensuring that government actions reflect the best interests of the people they serve.