Nashville Mayor Proposes New Conservator Agency

Nashville Mayor Karl Dean has proposed a new Office of Public Guardian to defend the elderly and others who are not able to care for themselves. His budget, released this week, includes $195,000 to establish the office and hire a public guardian and accountant. The office would be the first publicly funded in the state. Guardians typically are paid through fees assessed on individuals receiving the assistance. Davidson County Probate Judge David “Randy” Kennedy praised the move and said he was confident the Metro Council would approve the funding. Dean’s proposal tracks recommendations from a task force Kennedy appointed.