Maury County Animal Shelter Faces Overcrowding as Population Grows

Issue #271

14 Nov

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

☁️ Columbia Weather - Cloudy with a high of 60

🐶 Maury County Animal Shelter Faces Overcrowding as Population Grows

📰 Nashville's Home Turnover Among Nation's Highest as Rest of U.S. Slows

📌 Saturday: Muletown Flea Market

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

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

Upcoming Local Events

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Thursday, November 14th

Friday, November 15th

Saturday, November 16th

Sunday, November 17th

Monday, November 18th

Maury County Animal Shelter Faces Overcrowding as Population Grows

Maury County Animal Services is set to undergo significant changes to address severe overcrowding and aging infrastructure, which have become challenges as the county's population has surged to over 110,000 since the shelter's original construction in 2003. Current shelter conditions struggle to keep pace with the demand for space, with kennels often overcrowded and dogs kept in split or half spaces to accommodate the growing number of animals.

Overcrowding in the shelter’s facilities is largely due to the combined intake of owner-surrendered animals and strays. With limited kennel space, local residents sometimes end up housing found animals until shelter space becomes available. Alongside space constraints, the physical condition of the shelter has deteriorated. Kennel walls and doors have suffered significant wear, including holes and bending, as animals react to the confined environment. Noise issues and flooring damage add further difficulties, making it uncomfortable for both animals and volunteers.

Since taking the role of director in February 2024, Kim Raffauf has pursued a comprehensive renovation plan aimed at improving the shelter’s condition and livability. Her proposed upgrades include constructing kennels with more durable block walls to reduce noise, creating split cage areas, and enhancing sanitation to promote animal welfare. The shelter's first sterilization-vaccination drive in September was a notable success, and they hope to install portable microchip scanners in the lobby to help reunite lost pets with their owners before they enter the shelter system.

Securing funding has been one of Raffauf’s primary objectives. While the County Commission initially pledged $140,000, it falls short of what is needed for the planned improvements. Additional funds from the City of Columbia, which increased its support by $20,000 this year, still fall below the amount required to begin extensive repairs.

The two-phase renovation plan includes initial updates to the interior of the existing facility, with anticipated construction to begin in early 2025 during a period when dog intake is typically lower. Solomon Construction was selected for the first phase with a bid of $717,183, pending final approval. The second phase involves constructing an extension to house additional kennels and a dedicated cat area. For this expansion, the County Commission allocated $150,000 to cover the cost of planning and design, ensuring the new space is appropriate for the county’s projected growth.

To support ongoing needs, Animal Services has initiated a kennel sponsorship program, allowing businesses or individuals to sponsor a kennel in exchange for a donation. This approach has already received a positive response from the community, including support from several county commissioners.

While the shelter project has gained approval from county committees, some commissioners expressed concerns regarding financial specifics and requested further contributions from the City of Columbia, given that most animals are collected within the city. Raffauf, with detailed plans and continued community support, remains hopeful that these enhancements will soon transform the shelter into a safer and more suitable space for its animals.

Maury County Animal Services is hosting a Fall Open House on November 16th from 1-3 PM. Join them for donuts and cider, meet adoptable pets and sign up for their holiday foster program. Find more information here. 

Nashville's Home Turnover Among Nation's Highest as Rest of U.S. Slows

A recent Redfin analysis reveals that home turnover rates have hit a historic low, marking the lowest levels seen in over three decades. The report highlights that 2024 home sales dropped by 37.5% from the peak of 2021's pandemic-driven buying surge and are 31% lower than in 2019. Key factors contributing to this slowdown include high mortgage rates, rising property prices, limited inventory, and broader economic and political uncertainties.

Despite a slight decrease in mortgage rates this year, the housing market has yet to see a significant rise in transactions. Many homes on the market have lingered unsold, particularly those needing extra renovations or repairs. Experts suggest that with most homeowners locked into favorable mortgage rates from prior years, a substantial drop in current rates may be necessary to incentivize owners to consider selling.

Interestingly, the report found a subtle difference in home turnover rates between suburban and rural areas compared to urban ones. About 25 out of every 1,000 single-family homes and condos in suburban and rural settings sold during the first eight months of 2024, versus roughly 24 out of every 1,000 homes in urban areas.

Nashville stands out as an exception to the national trend, ranking third for the highest turnover rates among major U.S. cities, just behind Newark and Phoenix. Redfin attributes Nashville’s sustained activity partly to a steady demand from remote workers seeking more affordable living options, a trend that began during the pandemic and has continued to fuel the local market.

Saturday: Muletown Flea Market

Join us for the Muletown Flea Market in the Columbia Arts District YEAR ROUND every 3rd Saturday!

Free to attend

Local vendors

Live music at noon

Loyalty Card Program

More shopping in the Columbia Arts Building!

On the lawn at Glover’s 1200 S High St. from 10am to 5pm you will find tons of unique local art, vintage and secondhand clothing, handmade items, baked goods, and more!

Come support small businesses and meet some amazing vendors! For vendor info email [email protected]

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Thursday, November 14th

Kyle Matthew, Puckett's, 6-7:30 PM
Todd Ciprian, Tito's Spring Hill, 6-9 PM
The Alderson Jazz Collective, McCreary's Irish Pub, 7-9 PM
Wendy Moten, Cherry Street Theater at Columbia State, 7 PM

Friday, November 15th

Nicholas Graham Hall, August Sage, 5:30 - 7:30 PM
Nick Bentley, Meat Social, 6-8 PM
Kiana Renae, Grinder's Switch, 7-9 PM
Tom Saffell & Robert Johnson, McCreary's Irish Pub, 7-9 PM
Golden Soul Revue, Puckett's, 7:30-9 PM
Smokin' Peas, Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM

Saturday, November 16th

Rick Armentrout "The Unforgettables", Puckett's, 10 AM-2 PM
TBD, Natchez Hills Vineyard, 4-7 PM
Stevierock, McCreary's Irish Pub, 7-9 PM
The Turntables, The Rebel, 7-10 PM
Karli & James, Puckett's, 7:30-9 PM
The Wentzel Brothers Band, Ember’s, 8-11 PM
Bald Kernal, Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM

Sunday, November 17th

TBD, Natchez Hills Vineyard, 1-4 PM
Kenny Durham, Puckett's, 6-7:30 PM
Nicholas Duhe, The Rebel, 4 PM

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