MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WGNS) - Rutherford County Mayor Joe Carr is concluding his four-year term in office.
In a letter written to Rutherford Countians, Carr said he focused his administration on fiscal discipline, infrastructure investment, and managing rapid regional growth. Here is what he wrote:
Fellow residents of Rutherford County, As I am preparing to leave the office of County Mayor on September 1, after four years of service, I want to speak directly to the people of this great county that has been my home for more than six decades. It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve as your county mayor.
From the day I took the oath in September 2022, I approached this responsibility with a clear purpose: to restore fiscal discipline, protect our quality of life, invest in the infrastructure our families need, and leave Rutherford County stronger than I found it. The work required long hours, difficult decisions, and steady collaboration with department heads, employees, and citizens. There were sacrifices—time away from family, tough budget choices, and the constant pressure of managing the fastest-growing county in Tennessee. Yet the results speak for themselves, and they belong to all of us who worked together.
We inherited a record budget deficit. Through conservative financial principles and careful stewardship, we eliminated that $64 million shortfall. We delivered effectively balanced budgets year after year, something not previously achieved in consecutive fashion—and provided pay raises for county employees for four years in a row. No other county mayor in our history has done that. Those raises recognized the men and women who serve you every day in public safety, education, solid waste, and county services. Our sound fiscal management earned Rutherford County AAA bond ratings from all three major credit agencies—Moody’s, S&P, and Fitch—placing us among an elite group of counties nationwide. That rating means lower borrowing costs and real savings for taxpayers. We kept property tax rates competitive and among the lowest in Middle Tennessee, with no increases in recent budgets and even a reduction in the rate. That means no property tax increases for the foreseeable future (years).
Growth brings opportunity and challenges. We responded by investing heavily in our children’s future. Over the course of this term, we committed hundreds of millions of dollars in school capital projects—expansions at multiple high schools, a new elementary school, and a new middle school—so that the hundreds of new students arriving each year could have the classrooms and facilities they deserve.
We tackled solid waste head-on. The $17 million transfer station came in $3.3 million under budget, opened successfully, generated operating profit from the start, and moved us toward greater independence while helping stop the expansion of the Middle Point Landfill. That facility protects our land and our future. We broke ground on and advanced a state-of-the-art $15 million regional forensic center that will aid law enforcement and bring answers and dignity to families. Just like with the Transfer Station, the Rutherford County Regional Forensic Center will open two months ahead of schedule with a savings of $1.4 million in construction costs.
We invested $1.5 million in renovations to the Rutherford County Recovery Court to help people rebuild their lives. Additionally, we dedicated and named the Recovery Court after Judge Don Ash and Mary Schneider, the founders of our recovery court. We opened and staffed five new Public Health and Safety buildings that serve as Fire/EMS emergency hubs, storm shelters, and community resources. We are one of a handful of counties in Tennessee with a fulltime Fire and Rescue Department.
Throughout, we planned for the long term with initiatives like Plan Rutherford so that growth reflects our values rather than overwhelming them. None of this happened in isolation. It required the dedication of county employees, the expertise of our finance team, the leadership of our school system, and the patience and input of residents across Murfreesboro, Smyrna, La Vergne, Eagleville and our rural communities.
The accomplishments of this county would not have been possible were it not for the cooperation from the City Mayors, their Councilmen and Councilwomen and of course the Rutherford County State Delegation. To a person they always labored to put the citizens of Rutherford County first and they deserve both our thanks and our gratitude. It was a privilege to work alongside them every day. They did an incredible job for this county.
To every citizen who attended meetings, offered ideas, or simply kept faith in local government: thank you. Your engagement and encouragement made a difference. I leave office knowing the county is in a strong financial position, with a solid foundation in place for the next administration. Mayor Randy Allen has my full commitment to a smooth transition so he can hit the ground running. This is his county now and I know that Rutherford County’s best days are still ahead. I am sure we will continue to prioritize fiscal responsibility, quality growth, strong schools, and the character that has always defined this wonderful place to live, work and raise a family.
To my wife Ginny, our children, and our grandchildren: thank you for your love and sacrifice. Ginny, I know at times the vitriol and animosity of politics made us question our decision, but you never wavered or left my side. I love you. To the people of Rutherford County: it has been a privilege to serve you. May God continue to bless this county and all who call it home.
Stand Firm (Micah 6:8) Joe Carr
Carr expressed full support for incoming Mayor Randy Allen to ensure a smooth administrative transition.
