Maury County School Board Advances Wage Increase Plan Despite Dissent

Issue #087

14 May

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

⛈ Columbia Weather - Thunderstorm with a high of 74

🏫 Maury County School Board Advances Wage Increase Plan Despite Dissent 

📰 Lucky Ladd Farms Sustains Significant Damage From Tornado

🎸 Thursday: Muletown in the Round

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

📌 Columbia’s Best Kept Secret: Is Your Business One of Them?

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details! 

Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

Tuesday, May 14th

Wednesday, May 15th

Thursday, May 16th

Friday, May 17th

Saturday, May 18th

Sunday, May 19th

Monday, May 20th

Tuesday, May 21st

  • May Meeting of Marine Corps League LCPL Andrew P. Carpenter Detachment 1286 - All Marine, Navy veterans & spouses welcome. (Memorial Bldg, 308 West 7th) Email w/ any questions. - 6:00 PM

Thursday, May 23rd

Saturday, May 25th

Maury County School Board Advances Wage Increase Plan Despite Dissent

The Maury County School Board approved salary hikes for all staff members during their session on Tuesday, to be included in the 2024-25 fiscal year budget. The proposal included a 2.5% raise for all employees, with an additional 50-cent raise for certain staff members, totaling $154.1 million.

Some board members, like Michael Fulbright, expressed reservations about differential raises, citing potential confusion and dissatisfaction among employees. Alternately, a flat 2.5% raise for all was suggested as a simpler solution, which garnered support from Vice Chair Jackson Carter, echoing concerns about equity and clarity. However, Chair Will Sims argued that a flat percentage raise could disproportionately benefit lower-wage workers, widening the income gap.

Despite divided opinions, the motion passed, albeit with four opposing votes. Subsequently, the board deliberated on the food services budget, facing challenges regarding existing deficits. While attempts to approve a flat raise for nutrition employees failed, a compromise motion for either a 2.5% increase or a 50-cent raise passed, subject to the individual's benefit. These proposals, along with the entire school operational budget, now await approval from the county commission, which retains the authority to make further adjustments.

Lucky Ladd Farms Sustains Significant Damage From Tornado

Credit: @luckyladdfarms Instagram

Lucky Ladd Farms in Eagleville took a direct hit from the tornado on Wednesday. They sustained significant damage but, thankfully, no people or animals were hurt. They have closed temporarily in order to repair and rebuild.

They posted this update on Saturday:

“Just a reminder we are closed due to significant damage from the tornado on Wednesday. We thank everyone for your outpouring of support. This all is very overwhelming and we are still taking everything hour by hour. Many have asked how you can help and really what will make the biggest impact is just to please visit us again once we are able to reopen. We are shooting for June 1, but honestly not sure it if that’s feasible so it’s still a very much wait and see. We are also going to organize a scratch and dent sale from our farm market as many of our jar good items and toys are still good but the labels or boxes were ruined from water damage. More information coming as we get to that point.

We lost our computers, still do not have internet access, and cell service is spotty so we have very limited means of communication right now. We hope to be able to have a temporary office set back up by Monday or Tuesday so we can start responding to emails and addressing ticket refunds. We appreciate your patience and thank everyone for your continued support!!”

Thursday: Muletown in the Round

Muletown in the Round is an ongoing series that showcases a variety of singers and songwriters "in the round" who take the stage to share their songs and tell the stories of how the songs came to be. 

Homestead Hall at Hardison Mill
4544 Highway 431, Columbia

Gates open at 5PM, Doors open at 6PM, Show at 7PM

🎵 This Week’s Live Music 🎵

Columbia’s Best Kept Secret: Is Your Business One of Them? 

We ❤️ love local businesses!

We know our community is brimming with businesses that have fascinating stories and big hearts. If you're a local business owner making waves, crafting unique experiences, or simply putting a smile on our faces, we want to chat with you! "What’s Up Columbia!" is eager to shine a light on the unsung heroes of our town. Let's collaborate and let the community know what makes your business special. Send us a message, and let's celebrate the spirit of Columbia together!

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