Why Last Night’s Council Vote Has So Many People Paying Attention

Issue #627

December 12, 2025

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

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📰 Why Last Night’s Council Vote Has So Many People Paying Attention

📰 Columbia Academy Named National Christian School of the Year

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Why Last Night’s Council Vote Has So Many People Paying Attention

Following a packed Columbia City Council meeting and a closely watched vote to move the CPWS water rate increase forward, several local leaders are sharing their reactions. With strong public turnout and growing concern across Maury County, County Mayor Sheila Butt offered her perspective on the vote, the regional water planning process, and why she believes a pause is needed before a final decision is made.

MY THOUGHTS ON THE CITY COUNCIL VOTE LAST NIGHT TO MOVE THE CPWS RATE INCREASE FORWARD.

The Council room was packed with people, interestingly, not one of whom stood up to request a “yes” vote.

There was one representative from Spring Hill water who spoke positively of their good relationship with CPWS, and that was the closest it came to something positive.

People were given the courtesy of speaking, however, it did not appear that they were really heard. Disappointingly, it looked like the dye was cast before anyone spoke.

I encourage everyone who possibly can to watch the meeting if at all possible. 

CPWS started their project years ago. At that time, it looked like the only game in town. That was until the Governor created the Duck River Water Planning Partnership by Executive Order last year and we have been working diligently for over a year looking for the best, most affordable solutions for every rate payer in the region.

Several great options have been brought forward in just the last year that could greatly mitigate some of the cost of water in the future, including an option for MCWS to receive up to 7 million more gallons of water from HB &TS.

Also, it will take about nine months for the Regional Water Authority studies commissioned by the Partnership to be completed. Due to the present circumstances, we do have time to wait for that information.

Spring Hill is under a sewer moratorium until at least 2030 and Maury County is under a moratorium until October. This is the perfect time to pause before seven people make a huge financial decision that will cost Maury County residents dearly for water for years to come.

I also want to clear up something that seems to be mentioned a lot here on FB. The County Commission has NO INPUT on the development voted on by the cities.

If we truthfully care about affordability and sound financial management then it is a no brainer to wait nine months.

If the DRWPP studies show that this is our ONLY option for Maury County to have great water for the next 25 years, then I will work as hard as anyone to make it happen. I will explore every option for more help with funding so the cost is not on the backs of Maury County residents who have lived here for many years and should not be paying a huge cost for water for new development.

There will be another Public Hearing in January before the final vote. I hope it will be a true “hearing” of all of the people whom this drastic rate increase and debt will affect.

For the City Council to vote “yes” in January would be jumping the gun and unwisely ignoring any of the other possible, more affordable solutions.

Please contact your City Council Member, and the Vice Mayor, and urge them to vote “No” or least postpone the final vote until the studies are completed.

There is a proverb that says ““Patience can conquer destiny.”

In this case, it’s true for Maury County.

-SKB

News Channel 5 is also covering this story. You can also read Maury County Commissioner District 4 Mike Kuzawinski’s post here and Maury County Commissioner District 2 Eric Previti’s comments here. Previti also announced his candidacy for Mayor of Columbia today.    

Columbia Academy Named National Christian School of the Year

Columbia Academy has been named the National Christian School Association (NCSA) School of the Year for 2025, a recognition that reflects the school’s exceptional commitment to academic excellence, faith-based education, and community engagement. This announcement was made on November 21, during an assembly attended by the entire Columbia campus student body and staff. 

Regarding the school, NCSA President Dr. Andrew Baker says, "What shines brightest at Columbia Academy is not simply their academic achievement or impressive growth, but their unwavering commitment to forming students who reflect the heart of Jesus. This award is well-deserved, and the entire NCSA family celebrates with them. Their story is a testimony to what faithful teachers, engaged families, and mission-driven leadership can accomplish together." 

The NCSA, which represents over 70 schools nationwide, opened nominations for the award in April 2025, with voting taking place in May. The School of the Year title was determined by a vote from member schools within the association, making this recognition particularly significant as it reflects the support and admiration of Columbia Academy's peers nationwide. 

"We are deeply humbled and incredibly honored to receive this recognition from our fellow schools within the National Christian School Association," said Dr. James A. Thomas, President of Columbia Academy. "This achievement is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and unwavering faith of our faculty, staff, students, and families."

Columbia Academy’s journey to receiving this award has been marked by a continued dedication to providing an environment where students grow academically, physically, socially, and spiritually. Established in 1979, Columbia Academy serves 1235 preK - 12th grade students, a record enrollment for the 13th consecutive year. 

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Saturday, December 13th

One Christmas Evening - The Mulehouse, 7 PM
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