Q&A with Kingston Springs Vice Mayor Mike Hargis

Kingston Springs voters will see three unopposed candidates for the Town of Kingston Springs Board of Commissioners on the Nov. 3 ballot. The Gazette asked the candidates about their priorities, plans for the town and goals for the next term to help residents learn more about the people seeking to represent them.

Early voting is open through Oct. 29 at Pegram City Hall, and Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3, at Harpeth High School for Kingston Springs residents.

Under Kingston Springs’ commission form of government, voters elect commissioners, who then choose the mayor and vice mayor from among the board’s members. Current Mayor Todd Verhoven and Vice Mayor Mike Hargis are both seeking reelection to the commission, but their leadership roles are not directly decided by voters. The board will determine those positions internally following the election.

Read Vice Mayor Hargis' responses below.

What are your top two or three priorities for Kingston Springs over the next four years?

My top priorities over the next four years are to fully repair the sewer system with continued progress on the lagoon repairs and pump stations repairs. We just completed a huge project to repair our manholes along the sewer line. We also need to examine our ability to match city spending with tax revenue by looking for cost savings in every area of our city budget. 

What do you see as the biggest challenge facing the town, and how would you like to see the Board of Commissioners address it?

Our biggest challenge is growing future revenue for Kingston Springs without big raises in property tax rates. We have been fortunate to increase our sales tax revenues using home delivery of goods using Amazon Prime, Walmart Plus and many others. Each local delivery adds tax revenue to 37082 instead of places like Cool Springs mall. We also benefit from sales tax collection at the Golf Club of Tennessee. Developing more tourist activity in local restaurants and stores helps our town. We formed a committee of citizens called Friends of Kingston Springs to develop ideas that increase tourism and examine development opportunities in our urban growth area. They will bring their ideas to the City Council for consideration. 

Is there a specific project, policy or initiative you hope to prioritize during the next term?

We need to continue to provide resources for our police and volunteer department in Kingston Springs. We purchased a new fire truck and we are currently refitting two more to bring them up to date for the best fire protection possible. We need to continue replacing police cars as needed and update our radio communications for both departments. 

Looking back on your current term, what do you consider your biggest accomplishment, and what work do you hope to continue?

I am really proud of the park’s changes during my last two terms. We expanded the splash pad facility thanks to a generous gift from Jake Owen and a charity golf tournament at the Golf Club of Tennessee. The new splash facility recycles it’s own water saving thousands of tax dollars each summer. We must continue to make improvements to Burn’s Park and our ballpark lights. 

With no challenger in your race, what would you like residents to know about your continued service and your plans for the town?

This will be my last term as a city commissioner. I will serve my third term if reelected in November and after 12 years, it will be time for new leadership in my seat. I hope local citizens will become more involved as we need new, young leaders for the future of Kingston Springs.