Water Rate Hike Passes by Just One Vote — Final Decision Still Ahead

Issue #626

December 11, 2025

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

⛅️ Columbia’s Friday Weather - Partly cloudy w/ high of 58, low of 30

📰 Water Rate Hike Passes by Just One Vote — Final Decision Still Ahead

📰 County Approves 10-Month Pause on Major Subdivisions to Complete Land-Use Plan

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Water Rate Hike Passes by Just One Vote — Final Decision Still Ahead

From Maury County Commissioner Gabe Howard’s post this evening…

Disappointed to share that the water rate increase passed by a single vote on first reading tonight. One vote.

There will be another reading and another vote next month — and your voice still matters. Stay aware, stay informed, and stay engaged.

Never be afraid to stand up for what you believe is right. Our community deserves transparency, accountability, and a plan that protects the people who call Maury County home.

— Gabe Howard

Maury County Commissioner

County Approves 10-Month Pause on Major Subdivisions to Complete Land-Use Plan

The Maury County Commission has approved a 10-month moratorium on certain types of new construction within the county’s zoning area, aiming to pause activity long enough to complete a long-awaited Comprehensive Land-Use Plan.

The measure passed 16–4 and was met with strong support from many residents who spoke at the meeting, though several local developers and a handful of commissioners argued that it would create unnecessary delays and economic strain. Others noted that the vast majority of new growth is happening inside city limits, not in the county areas affected by the moratorium.

The pause applies only to major subdivisions with five or more lots under five acres each. It stops construction but still allows developers to apply and move forward through the permitting process. It does not impact projects inside municipalities or annexed areas, where most current building is already taking place. The moratorium is scheduled to end October 1, 2026.

Many commissioners said the temporary pause is needed to give staff enough time to fully complete the Comprehensive Land-Use Plan. Some described the planning process as complex and time-consuming, emphasizing the need to proceed carefully because the county will only have one chance to shape its long-term development strategy.

Others pushed back, saying the county lacks consensus on zoning standards, faces potential legal risk, and may harm builders who rely on consistent project timelines. Some commissioners argued that without clear guidance on minimum lot sizes — whether one acre, three acres, or five — local builders are left in limbo for nearly a year.

County legal counsel advised that the moratorium should stand up to legal scrutiny due to its limited scope, clear timeline, and stated purpose. A few commissioners stressed that the moratorium does not prohibit smaller-scale construction and will not shut down local homebuilders who work on individual houses.

Commissioners advocating for the moratorium also pointed to data showing that the overwhelming majority of development pressure is coming from municipal jurisdictions. Columbia alone has more than 10,000 housing units either approved, under review, or currently being built. Hundreds more are moving forward in Spring Hill. By comparison, only 153 subdivision units have been built in county-zoned areas over the last three years.

Because counties have no authority over municipal annexations under state law, several officials urged residents to avoid framing this as a county-versus-city issue. They argued that positive relationships with cities are crucial in managing growth and avoiding further overdevelopment.

Most public commenters supported the moratorium. Some highlighted that the county’s population has grown far faster than expected, surpassing the levels projected for 2030. Others raised concerns about traffic, road conditions, and neighborhood impacts from rapid development near their homes. Several residents also saw the moratorium as aligned with their efforts to oppose municipal projects they believe will strain infrastructure.

Local developers, however, expressed strong concerns. Data presented by Shaw Enterprises showed that most building permits in the past three years went to individual homeowners rather than subdivision developers, with developers accounting for less than a third of all permits issued. Developers argued that the county’s previous septic rules had already deterred large-scale builders, leaving mainly small, local developers who now risk being squeezed out.

Some developers also said they prefer to build on one-acre lots rather than the larger lot sizes some commissioners appear to favor. They contended that the proposed limitations do not reflect the kinds of properties most county residents actually own.

Others warned that the moratorium could push growth farther outward, disrupt builder livelihoods, and accelerate development inside municipalities. Some asked for a short delay in implementation to complete ongoing projects, arguing that residential permits are already down and that annexations from county areas into cities have been minimal in recent years.

Across the discussion, developers emphasized the risk of losing local builders permanently if the moratorium proceeds as written.

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Friday, December 12th

Saturday, December 13th

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🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Friday, December 12th

Open Mic Night - Grinder’s Switch Winery, 6–9 PM
The Def Leprechaun Band - McCreary’s Irish Pub, 7–9 PM
Troy Castellanos - Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:30–9 PM
Justen Harden - Puckett’s, 7:30–9 PM
Escape - Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8–11 PM

Saturday, December 13th

One Christmas Evening - The Mulehouse, 7 PM
Kirwan! - McCreary’s Irish Pub, 7–9 PM
Southbound Crows - Turnpike Tavern, 7:00 PM
Michael Rix - Puckett’s, 7:30–9 PM
The Open Range Band - The Boondox, 8:00 PM
Benji & The Jets - Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8–11 PM

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