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Maury County Commission Approves $100K Judicial Center Upgrades Amid Debate

Issue #384

20 Mar

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🌧️ Columbia’s Weather - Rain showers w/ high of 48 & low of 29

📰 Maury County Commission Approves $100K Judicial Center Upgrades Amid Debate

📰 Mersen Workers Push Back, Seek Job Security After Layoffs

🎸 3/22-3/23: Amigo Nashville Guitar Show at Ag Expo Center in Franklin

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

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

Upcoming Local Events

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

Thursday, March 20th

Friday, March 21st

Saturday, March 22nd

Sunday, March 23rd

Maury County Commission Approves $100K Judicial Center Upgrades Amid Debate

The Maury County Commission debated a nearly $100,000 proposal for upgrades to the Maury County Judicial Center on Monday, with commissioners expressing differing views on the necessity and cost of the improvements.

The proposed enhancements include adding tinted film in the lobby, frosted film on courtroom doors, and roller shades in conference rooms. Additionally, plans call for installing a new gate and extending a four-foot, ADA-compliant sidewalk with stairs in the lower outdoor lot.

The estimated cost for these upgrades totals $98,868.87, which falls within the commission’s existing budget, according to Resolution 03-25-22. The motion for approval was introduced by District 2 Commissioner Eric Previti and seconded by District 3 Commissioner Gary Stovall.

Despite the proposal staying within budget, some commissioners raised concerns, particularly about the $63,609.19 allocated for the sidewalk extension. They questioned whether the project was being rushed and if the funds could be better utilized.

Earlier this year, commissioners rejected a $600,000 plan to acquire land next to the existing South Main Street facility to expand parking, citing cost concerns. Some officials argued that the broader discussion on parking and long-term infrastructure should be resolved before committing to additional expenses.

Others expressed frustration that modifications were being proposed so soon after the judicial center opened, emphasizing the need for more careful planning.

Despite the debate, the commission approved the funding by a vote of 16-4.

Mersen Workers Push Back, Seek Job Security After Layoffs

As 2025 began, a significant number of workers at the Mersen plant in Maury County found themselves without jobs following the company's announcement on December 15. The decision led to furloughs affecting roughly 80% of the workforce, while a smaller percentage faced permanent layoffs as certain operations were moved to another facility.

Mersen, a French multinational specializing in electrical power and advanced materials, established its Maury County plant in 2023, investing $70 million at the site previously occupied by Union Carbide and Graphtech Advanced Tech. The company had planned additional investments of up to $30 million by 2027.

The timing of the workforce reductions raised concerns among employees, as the announcement came just weeks after workers had officially joined the Industrial Division of the Communications Workers of America Union in November. Some viewed the decision as an attempt to undermine the newly certified union, adding to the distress of affected employees, particularly during the holiday season.

In a statement, Mersen attributed the layoffs and furloughs to a downturn in the electric vehicle and semiconductor industries, resulting in decreased demand for isostatic graphite. The company emphasized that it had to adjust its operations accordingly, including shifting production to its St. Mary's, Pennsylvania facility, where workers are also represented by the IUE-CWA.

The furlough process began in late November, initially affecting nearly half the workforce for a week, with a small portion remaining on furlough until early January. While employees retained their benefits, many faced financial strain due to the unpaid leave. The union has since filed an Unfair Labor Practice complaint, alleging that Mersen violated labor laws by failing to negotiate with the union before implementing the layoffs.

Despite the dispute, some employees have since been recalled, and others received severance packages that were not initially offered. The union has continued efforts to strengthen worker solidarity, including wearing "Union Proud" shirts on-site and pushing for improved recall rights. Mersen has responded by stating that it remains committed to its Columbia facility and intends to continue investing in its operations.

As negotiations between Mersen and the union progress, workers remain hopeful for a fair resolution that ensures job security, better workplace conditions, and long-term stability.

3/22-3/23: Amigo Nashville Guitar Show at Ag Expo Center in Franklin

Amigo Guitar Show Nashville, the fastest growing guitar show in the country, returns to Franklin on March 22-23, 2025 for the sixteenth time. Recent shows have been bursting at the seams with vendors and attendees.

The Amigos are very happy with this permanent home for the event at the newly-remodeled Williamson County AgExpo Park, south of Franklin just off Interstate 65. This year’s show has again been enlarged and improved, and all booths are located in the huge main exhibit area at AgExpo Park.

The extravaganza is an international buy-sell-trade event featuring vintage, used, new, old and rare guitars and amplifiers. Meet dealers, musicians, stars, top cash buyers, appraisers, authors, editors, collectors, builders, manufacturers and repair persons. Also, see pedals, effects, banjos, mandolins, violins, ukuleles, parts, books and audio gear. Talk with the builders who craft custom guitars for Nashville’s biggest stars.

On display will be Martin, Gibson, Fender, Gretsch, Epiphone, National, Dobro, Rickenbacker and others. Attendees may bring all the music-related items you can carry to sell or trade at no extra charge. Bring a small cart with up to 8 pieces to move your items around the hall to show to vendors. Prices are on the rise and the world’s best buyers will be on location to purchase your musical items. Admission is $20 at the door, with children eleven and under admitted free with adult.

Co-sponsored by Vintage Guitar Magazine

Saturday: 10 AM - 5 PM
Sunday: 10 AM - 4 PM
Location: Ag Expo Center
4239 Long Ln, Franklin, TN

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Thursday, March 20th

Rhonda Funk, Puckett’s, 6-7:30 PM
Todd Ciprian, Tito's Spring Hill, 6-9 PM
Murph Ridge, McCreary's Irish Pub, 7-9 PM

Friday, March 21st

Kenny Durham Trio, Puckett’s, 6-7:30 PM
Josh Keas, Grinder's Switch Winery, 6-8 PM
Tom Saffell & Robert Johnson, McCreary's Irish Pub, 7-9 PM
L'80s Night, Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM

Saturday, March 22nd

Band Masters, The Rebel Bar & Grill, 5:30  PM
Johnny Jameson & The Empty Pints, McCreary's Irish Pub, 7-9 PM
The Road Crew, Puckett’s, 7:30-9 PM
South Bound Crows, Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM
Laura Drake, The  Boondox, 8-11 PM
Stranger Than Fiction, Ember’s Tavern & Grille, 8 PM - 12 AM

Sunday, March 23rd

Todd Ciprian, Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 4-7  PM
Phoenix Rising, The Rebel Bar & Grill, 4 PM
Jay Hoppus, Puckett’s, 6-7:30 PM

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