Mailer Sparks Heated Discussion Over Columbia Water Rate Proposal

Issue #640

January 06, 2026

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

⛅️ Columbia’s Wednesday Weather - Partly cloudy w/ high of 65, low of 48

📰 Mailer Sparks Heated Discussion Over Columbia Water Rate Proposal

📰 Rep. Cepicky Seeks to Revive National Fitness Test for Public Schools

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

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

Mailer Sparks Heated Discussion Over Columbia Water Rate Proposal

A mailer opposing the proposed Columbia Power & Water Systems water rate increase ignited a reaction online today, prompting public statements from city and county leaders and raising questions about ethics, safety, and the tone of local debate.

The flyer, organized by Maury County Commissioner Gabe Howard of District 8, was sent to Columbia residents ahead of the City Council’s January 8 vote on the proposed 149% water rate increase. The mailer included the home address of a Columbia City Council member and encouraged recipients to “go by and visit,” a detail that quickly drew criticism online.

Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder addressed the issue in a public post, saying that while the use of mailers to influence votes is not unusual, including a council member’s personal home address and suggesting people visit was “more than a bit odd, and even appalling.” He added that while council members’ addresses are public record, placing them in a mailer with an open invitation to visit “crosses a line” and described the consequences as “dangerous.”

Molder said the flyer went further by listing the personal cell phone numbers of himself and other officials. While he said he makes his phone number available and has been responding to calls, he emphasized that the real concern was the risk created by sharing a council member’s home address.

In his post, Molder called on the ethics officer in charge for Maury County to review the situation to determine whether ethical rules were violated and asked the elected officials involved to issue a public apology.

Maury County Mayor Sheila Butt replied in the comments, stating that she had personally contacted the council member to apologize and said the situation was “out of line.” She noted that the county has an Ethics Committee that can address the matter, but also pushed back on Molder’s remarks about “Team Maury,” saying it seemed disingenuous when the city is attempting to impose what she described as a significant financial burden on county residents for decades without many of them having representation in the decision.

Following the backlash, Commissioner Gabe Howard issued a public apology. He said he was unaware that the final version of the mailer included the council member’s home address and stated that he would never have approved it. According to Howard, the version he reviewed only listed phone numbers and encouraged residents to contact council members about the water rate proposal.

Howard said multiple community members and elected officials helped fund the mailer and that none were aware addresses had been added. He said he reached out directly to apologize once he learned what had happened and accepted responsibility for not insisting on reviewing the final proof. He also pushed back against claims that the situation involved race, saying the mailer had nothing to do with that and that turning it into a racial issue was harmful.

Howard closed his statement by saying leadership sometimes means taking ownership even when a mistake is unintentional and reaffirmed his commitment to lead with respect, transparency, and a focus on people first.

This proposal has sparked one of the most active public responses the community has seen in recent years, reflecting how deeply decisions like this affect everyday life in our community. There was a big turnout at the City Council special study session tonight, which can be viewed here.

Rep. Cepicky Seeks to Revive National Fitness Test for Public Schools

Tennessee students may soon see the return of the Presidential Fitness Test, a program that once encouraged physical activity and healthy competition in schools nationwide.

House Bill 1466, filed by State Representative Scott Cepicky, aims to reintroduce the test to public schools across the state. The legislation follows a July 31 executive order reviving the long-dormant national fitness assessment, originally created in 1956 and discontinued after the 2012-13 school year.

The test historically included a variety of activities designed to measure overall physical fitness, such as running, push-ups, sit-ups, shuttle runs, and flexibility exercises. Students who meet established standards can earn the Presidential Fitness Award.

Under the proposed Tennessee legislation, the Department of Education would guide local school districts and public charter schools on test requirements. Performance would not affect students’ academic grades, and accommodations would be provided for students with individualized education programs or those unable to safely participate.

The proposal comes as concerns over childhood obesity continue in Tennessee. Recent reports indicate that nearly 40% of students were overweight or obese during the 2023-24 academic year. State leaders have highlighted the importance of promoting physical activity and healthy habits in schools.

Earlier this year, Cepicky also supported a law to expand daily recess for students from 15 minutes to at least 40 minutes, aiming to boost overall physical activity and support a productive school day.

The second session of the 114th General Assembly is scheduled to begin January 13, where lawmakers may consider the proposed legislation.

Upcoming Local Events

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Wednesday, January 7th

Thursday, January 8th

Friday, January 9th

Saturday, January 10th

Sunday, January 11th

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🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Thursday, January 8th
Todd Ciprian - Tito’s Spring Hill, 6–9 PM
Kit Bulla - Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:30–9 PM

Friday, January 9th
Beck & Call - The Mulehouse, 7 PM
Golden Soul Revue - Grinder’s Switch Winery, 7–9 PM
Mary Lou - Puckett’s, 7:30–9 PM
Jordan Priest - Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:30–9 PM

Saturday, January 10th
Winter Series - Bourbon Gospel, 7:30 PM
Krystal Kind - Puckett’s, 7:30–9 PM

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