FAQs • Gallatin, TN • CivicEngage

What is the difference between the City Attorney and the District Attorney?: The City Attorney is the attorney for Gallatin in all of its functions as a municipal government. The role of the City Attorney is similar to that of the general counsel of a large private corporation. The attorneys in the Office provide legal advice and services to the Mayor, the City Council, City officials, staff, departments, boards, and commissions.

The District Attorney is an elected County official who investigates and prosecutes criminal activities throughout Sumner County. To contact the District Attorney of Sumner County call 615-451-5810.

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Attorney

1. Can the City Attorney's Office represent private citizens who do not have funds to hire a private attorney?: No, the City Attorney's Office may not represent individuals in private legal matters. The City Attorney's client is the City of Gallatin as a municipal government, not individual members of the public. There are many ways to find a lawyer to represent you. A couple of sources to consider are 1) Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee at 615-451-1880 and 2) the Nashville Bar Association's Lawyer Referral Service at 615-242-6546.

2. How do I file a claim with the City of Gallatin?: Fill out this claim form within 30 days of the incident. You may chose to mail, hand-deliver, email or fax the form. See Risk Management division for options on sending in your form.

3. How do I report a potential City of Gallatin code violation?: You can call Officer Jessica Jackson at 615-452-1313 or
report a problem online.

4. Should I report possible crimes or code violations to the City Attorney's Office?: No. Reports of possible crimes should be made to the Gallatin Police Department, 615-451-1313. Reports of possible building, housing or zoning code violations should be made to the City of Gallatin Building Codes Department, 615-451-5968.

5. How do I get a copy of the City of Gallatin Municipal Code?: The City Recorder maintains an official copy of the Municipal Code. You may view an unofficial copy of the Municipal Code by clicking this link.
Municipal Code

6. Where can I get a copy of a resolution or ordinance?: Visit the City Recorder's Office. The City Recorder maintains all ordinances and resolutions approved by City Council. Municode website.

7. How can I request a public record from the City of Gallatin?: The Public Records Act Request Form can be used to make a written request for copies of records. The more specific you are, the easier it will be to determine if such records exist in City files. The City will provide the requested documents to you, unless they are exempt from disclosure under the Public Records Act or another legal reason prevents the documents from being disclosed to the public. There may be a charge for copying. Visit the City Recorder's webpage for additional information and to obtain a copy of the request form.
Request for open records

8. What is the difference between the City Attorney and the District Attorney?: The City Attorney is the attorney for Gallatin in all of its functions as a municipal government. The role of the City Attorney is similar to that of the general counsel of a large private corporation. The attorneys in the Office provide legal advice and services to the Mayor, the City Council, City officials, staff, departments, boards, and commissions.

The District Attorney is an elected County official who investigates and prosecutes criminal activities throughout Sumner County. To contact the District Attorney of Sumner County call 615-451-5810.

9. I drove my car through a pothole in the street and sustained damage to my car. I feel the City was negligent. Will the City pay for this?: If you allege the City was negligent and you wish to pursue the matter, you must file a damage claim with the City of Gallatin Attorney’s Office.

10. A City vehicle or work crew damaged my property. What can I do?: If you believe you have a valid claim against the City, you must file a damage claim with the Risk Management Division.