$63 Million Approved for New North Columbia Elementary School

Issue #005

22 Feb

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

📆 List of Upcoming Events

🌧 Columbia Weather - Light rain with a high of 62

🏫 $63 Million Approved for New North Columbia Elementary School

📰 Third Time’s the Charm: Mount Pleasant Bid Accepted for Downtown Revitalization Project

🇺🇸 Early Voting Encouraged for March 5th Primary Election

Upcoming Local Events

February 22nd

February 23rd

February 24th

February 25th

February 27th

February 29th

March 1st

$63 Million Approved for New North Columbia Elementary School

Credit: Maury County Board of Education

The Maury County School Board has greenlit $63 million in funding for the upcoming North Columbia Elementary School, scheduled to open its doors in the fall of 2025. During their regularly scheduled meeting on February 6, the board also approved $1.6 million for bus replacements in the fiscal year 2024-25.

Last July, the commission sanctioned a $4 million land acquisition for the new school, situated near Carters Creek Road in North Columbia. Eric Perryman, the Superintendent of Operations for Maury County Public Schools (MCPS), emphasized the necessity of the new school due to substantial growth in the area.

Addressing the issue, Perryman stated, “We’re at a point with our elementary schools in the county that movement and growth at Battle Creek Elementary, our fastest-growing elementary school, means we’re going to have to rezone.”

In the February 6 meeting, Perryman announced plans for public bidding to be ready by early March, presenting a six-week budget with an actual price estimate expected by early to mid-April.

However, concerns were raised by District 10 member Wayne Lindsey about putting the project out for bid before obtaining an estimated price. Lindsey argued for obtaining an educated estimate from industry professionals before seeking funding, suggesting that bidders are more likely to provide accurate numbers if the project is confirmed.

Perryman responded, expressing that if funding is secured early in the budget season, the school is projected to open in the fall of 2025.

The board also deliberated on the school's five-year capital request breakdown, which includes plans for an elementary school addition in Mount Pleasant, an administrative complex at McDowell, an elementary school in the Columbia Baker or Brown Zone, an elementary school in the Culleoka Zone, and a renovation and replacement of Mount Pleasant High School.

The administrative complex is currently in the planning stage, with a comprehensive plan set to be reviewed by both the board and the county commission in the fall.

Third Time’s the Charm: Mount Pleasant Bid Accepted for Downtown Revitalization Project

Credit: City of Mount Pleasant

The Mount Pleasant Commission successfully accepted a bid for its Downtown Revitalization Project during a specially convened meeting on Monday, Feb. 12, marking the project's third attempt at approval.

In both July and October of 2023, the commission had previously rejected bids, deeming the costs too high. This time around, the city received two bids: one from Floyd & Floyd & Nickell Brothers for approximately $6.567 million and another from Adams Contracting, LLC for roughly $6.760 million.

Commissioners unanimously approved the bid from Adams, citing Floyd's lack of responsiveness to certain bid requirements, which raised concerns about the state's approval of their bid.

City Manager Kate Collier informed the board that the mindset for the third attempt was to exclude light poles from the bid to allow for direct purchase, potentially saving about a 30 percent markup. While the cost reduction was not as substantial as desired, it was deemed acceptable.

The approval also granted authorization for the mayor to execute a contract with Adams Contracting.

In 2018, the city secured $1.25 million in grant funds from the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT). Last year, an additional $1.825 million in state funds was awarded to complete Phase 2 of the project.

The commissioner's packet, accessible via the city’s website, outlines the financial plan, including an additional $1.5 million in bonds, $500,000 from the State Street Aid fund balance, a committed $569,000 from Mount Pleasant Power System, and an expected $800,000 in state Transportation Alternative Programs (TAP) funding.

City Manager Collier mentioned anticipated State Street Aid funds of approximately $85,000 for the current fiscal year, with a similar amount expected for the 2024-25 fiscal year.

Expressing satisfaction with the project's progression, Mayor Bill White acknowledged the extensive effort and investment involved over the past 12 to 14 years. He emphasized the significance of the available funds and the decision not to walk away from the project.

The Downtown Revitalization Project encompasses improvements from the front of the Mount Pleasant Grille to Church Street on both sides, including the square in front of City Hall. Sidewalk upgrades are also planned from 3rd Avenue to Gray Lane along North Main Street.

Although the construction start date and completion timeline were not immediately available, City Manager Collier expressed readiness to move forward with the project.

Early Voting Encouraged for March 5th Primary Election

Maury County voters still have a few days left to participate in the upcoming March 5 Presidential Preference Primary and County Primary Election. Early voting commenced on February 14 and will continue until February 27, offering convenient hours from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays. Early voting is exclusively available at the Maury County Election Commission's main office located at 1207 Tradewinds Drive.

On the ballot, voters will find various offices, including U.S. president, Maury County Public School Board Districts for even seats 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, Republican delegates, Constable District 7, and 11. The Election Commission approved the use of paper ballots in 2022, providing voters with the option to fill out their ballot before feeding it into a tabulator machine for counting and processing. While the process involves a paper ballot, it closely resembles the familiar routine of using a typical voting machine.

For additional information on early voting, a sample ballot, or inquiries, residents can visit the Maury County Election Commission's website at www.MauryCounty-TN.gov or contact them at (931) 375-6001. A sample ballot can be accessed here.