Listen to the entire interview with Murfreesboro Mayor Shane McFarland by clicking the PLAY above. 

RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TN - Growth seems to be a news item that someone continues to hit the repeat button on, again and again. But with the increasing population, it's a news story that is worth updating almost weekly. One reason growth is so important to highlight is because the expanding population has a direct impact on the cost of housing, s chools, roadways, police and fire protection, and the burden of taxes.

WGNS recently asked Mayor Shane McFarland to give us a better idea of how many residents live within the city limits and he stated... To calculate an estimate of the local population, McFarland highlighted...

Some residents have suggested a need to curtail the rising number of people moving into Murfreesboro...

There is a percentage of new growth that occurs just barely over the city limits that falls on Rutherford County to manage. But, McFarland says sewer systems known as STEP Septic Systems, have led way to larger, more dense subdivisions that equal a flow of traffic into the city limits... The mayor said city leaders need to be working hand-in-hand with county leaders on understanding and approving new housing. Some of the reasons why include infrastructure and road concerns... Mayor McFarland is beginning to build upon the idea of city and county planners working closer together in order to better prepare for future neighborhoods town homes and more.

There is a strong chance that land currently being eyed for future subdivisions could one day end up in the City Limits of Murfreesboro through annexation that could occur with future projects in those areas, which is another reason the mayor wants the city and county to work together on future land use approvals.

WGNS will continue to follow future changes and recommendations between the city and county. Listen to the entire interview with Murfreesboro Mayor Shane McFarland by clicking the PLAY above this article.