McMinnville officials cannot use an ordinance to set term limits for citizens they appoint to boards that are established by state law or set term limits for themselves, says Tennessee Municipal League legal consultant Melissa Ashburn.“The attempt is contrary to general law and the governing body lacks legal authority to limit the power of appointment granted by general law,” Ashburn said in an email to the city after she reviewed the proposed ordinance.Ashburn added, “Any local regulation or legislation that conflicts with the general law is null and void. Once the state adopts laws regulating activity, local governments may not adopt any laws or regulations inconsistent with state law, as the state has effectively preempted any local action in that regard.”On Aug. 13, the McMinnville Board of Mayor and Aldermen considered an ordinance that would have set term limits for some boards appointed by the city. The measure took a step back after it failed to pass and was sent to the Finance Committee for its consideration.Mayor Jimmy Haley voted against setting term limits.