Lebanon Withholds Millions From Contractor Following Delayed Opening of New Sports Complex
City officials in Lebanon have frozen a $1.7 million payment to contractor Relyant Global following the overdue completion of a municipal sports complex, the facility is currently open to the public on Murfreesboro Road, litigation between the parties intensifies over allegations of systemic delays and performance failures.
Project Timeline Plagued by Years of Setbacks
This dispute stems from a project history defined by missed deadlines and administrative friction, the city originally purchased the land in 2018 with hopes of delivering a generational asset for local families. Construction contracts were awarded in 2022 to Relyant Global as the sole bidder, the project quickly faced setbacks that pushed the completion date nearly two years beyond the initial schedule, tensions peaked in early 2024 when the City Council considered terminating the agreement entirely. Work eventually continued under strict supervision, this lengthy saga has transformed a community celebration into a complex legal standoff regarding the proper stewardship of taxpayer funds.
Administration Refuses Funds Citing Performance Failures
The core of the current conflict involves the refusal to release the final contract balance, the total project value stands at approximately $14.3 million. Mayor Rick Bell and Public Works Director Jeff Baines maintain that the significant delays constitute a breach that justifies withholding funds, the complex features five athletic fields and walking trails but legally remains unfinished business. Relyant Global argues the city is violating the contract terms, the company points to external factors like supply chain issues for the timeline slippage, legal teams are now battling over liquidated damages clauses.
The outcome could determine financial liability for the years of stalled progress, the facility officially opened in September 2025 yet the financial books cannot be closed until a judge or settlement resolves the impasse, the city insists that opening the doors to the public does not equate to satisfied contractual obligations regarding the concession pavilion and LED lighting systems. Both parties are actively preparing for court proceedings, the contractor claims they are owed payment for work completed while the city focuses on performance bond defaults.
Future Expansion Faces Uncertainty Amid Legal Battle
The ongoing litigation places the planned second phase of the complex in limbo, city officials are unlikely to approve new construction while the current financial dispute remains unresolved. Local taxpayers face potential risks if the City of Lebanon loses in court, interest penalties could accumulate rapidly, the Wilson United Soccer League continues to use the fields, concerns linger regarding who will handle warranty repairs if structural issues arise during the lawsuit.
A trial or settlement is expected by mid-2026 as both sides dig in for a protracted legal fight, officials urge residents to focus on the available amenities while the administrative process concludes.
