Columbia City Council Approves CPWS Water Rate Increase

Issue #642

January 09, 2026

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

☁️ Columbia’s Friday Weather - Cloudy w/ high of 70, low of 55

📰 Columbia City Council Approves CPWS Water Rate Increase

📰 Columbia Remembers Dean Dickey, Mayor and Community Leader

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

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

Columbia City Council Approves CPWS Water Rate Increase

In a 5-2 decision Thursday night, the Columbia City Council voted to raise water rates by nearly 150% over the next five years to fund an expansion project that would allow the city to draw more water from the Duck River. The increase will bring monthly costs for the average residential customer from approximately $7 to $14, though CPWS has indicated the projected ceiling may not be reached if the project progresses favorably.

The vote came after months of public pushback and a marathon meeting that lasted over five hours. The chambers were filled to capacity, with public comments extending for hours as residents, business owners, and regional stakeholders voiced their positions on the rate hike. There are over 8,000 views on the YouTube livestream video - not normal for a City Council meeting.

Community members expressed a range of concerns about the proposal. Some residents acknowledged the looming water supply challenges facing the region due to rapid growth in Maury County and expressed confidence in CPWS's track record of reliable service over decades. However, many business owners and homeowners raised alarm about the financial impact of the steep increase.

A significant theme throughout the public comment period was the perception that residents were being asked to shoulder the primary financial burden of addressing growth-related infrastructure needs. Multiple speakers challenged city leadership on whether sufficient consideration had been given to resident feedback, with some arguing the decision process had left many in the community feeling unheard and blindsided.

During both Tuesday's study session and Thursday's vote, several speakers urged the council to postpone action. The Duck River Watershed Planning Partnership, created by Governor Bill Lee last winter, released initial findings in November 2025 that included recommendations for further research into potential long-term solutions. Among the options being studied are a pipeline from the Tennessee River, raising the Normandy Dam reservoir, or revisiting the abandoned Columbia Dam project.

Some community members argued the council should wait to see what solutions might emerge from the Planning Partnership's ongoing work before committing to the current proposal. However, CPWS has maintained that its project is the only "shovel-ready" option available, with completion possible by 2029 compared to a decade or more for alternative solutions. A TDEC representative also told the council that the necessary permits have been approved and that no other option of comparable readiness is available for the next several years.

A Few Highlights From the Meeting…

Maury County Mayor Sheila Butt: “In all transparency, I have been an advocate of this project, of the possibility of going to this project for the past two years while I’ve been on the Duck River Agency. This short-term solution has never been my option for a regional solution when only one entity has a voice and control.

However, the big surprise to me — people will say, ‘Sheila, you were on the Duck River Agency, you were on the Duck River Planning Partnership, why is this a surprise to you?’ The surprise to me is that CPWS decided to place the huge cost of this project solely on the people of Maury County for 20, 30, or 40 years, many of whom are disenfranchised by this vote with no representation. They should have a voice.” Hear her full comments here. 

State Representative Scott Cepicky told the council he had recently been tasked by one of its members on Tuesday to explore potential funding options and said he is the chairman of the Tennessee Israel Caucus. He said he has visited Israel twice in the past six months and toured its advanced water treatment facilities, and believes there may be an opportunity to partner with Israeli entities on water treatment and delivery for Maury County and southern Middle Tennessee. He asked the council to delay action to give him time to pursue that possibility, saying it could potentially save the city hundreds of millions of dollars and that if no partnership materializes, the city would be no worse off than it is now. He also shared more later in the meeting here.

Dustin Kittle told the council he believes the proposed rate increase would disproportionately impact customers living outside the city limits, who he said already pay about 30% more than city residents. He argued that applying the increase as a percentage rather than a flat fee unfairly shifts more of the cost to county customers, and he raised concerns about county residents paying higher rates while lacking representation in city government. Kittle also said the funds would be used to purchase city assets and pay down city debt, which he believes places an unfair burden on non-city ratepayers. He closed by saying, “If you vote yes tonight, you are voting yes to a lawsuit against the City of Columbia — and it is a lawsuit you will not win.” Readers can watch his full remarks at this timestamped video.

Councilman Charlie Huffman made a motion to defer the vote for 90 days “to let Duck River partners and our representative to see if they can get CPWS some help so it won't be on all of the people, the ratepayers of Maury County.” There was not a second to the motion. 

Mayor Molder’s remarks before the vote took place…  

“Some of you, depending on how the vote goes tonight, may leave here unhappy. I have myself attended a number of city meetings, county meetings, and school board meetings where I’ve left very happy and where I’ve left very disappointed, feeling like my voice was heard and feeling like my voice was not heard. That is the beauty of this system — the beauty of this political system and this representative democracy that we have… 

My vote tonight is not a vote that reflects a lack of confidence in CPWS. Indeed, I believe this is the right project at the wrong time. I believe it’s the right project because the experts, including our federal and state partners, have said it’s the right project. The US partners say it’s the right project, and it has been planned for decades.

I just happen to believe personally, for the one vote that I have on this council, that the costs are at a point today where they’re skyrocketing, and those on fixed incomes have been scared into oblivion over the fear of the potential increases here.

That is why I cannot tonight justify a vote in favor. But it is not an indication of my lack of confidence in the project itself — it’s the timing of the project that I have concerns with.” See his full remarks at this timestamped video.

Result of the Vote

Yes votes: Carl McCullen, Cheryl Secrest, Kenny Marshall, Brian McKelvy, Randy McBroom

No votes: Charlie Huffman, Chaz Molder

Over 100 people stood up Thursday night to speak—working families, seniors, parents, and neighbors from across the community. The hours of public comment demonstrated the kind of engagement that happens when local decisions hit close to home.

Columbia Remembers Dean Dickey, Mayor and Community Leader

Former Columbia Mayor Dean Dickey passed away on January 8 at the age of 92.

Dickey’s public service in Columbia began in 2008 when he was elected to the City Council. He later served two terms as mayor, from 2010 to 2019, leaving a lasting impact on the community through a variety of city initiatives.

In addition to his time in office, Dickey was a U.S. Army veteran who served during the Korean War. He was also a dedicated member of Columbia Kiwanis for more than 40 years. His contributions to the city extended beyond politics, with many noting his commitment to helping Columbia grow while maintaining its character and integrity.

Dickey moved to Columbia in the 1970s to manage a chain of local grocery stores, including Giant Food and Piggly Wiggly locations. Over the years, he became known for advocating “smart growth” that focused on creating quality jobs, supporting healthcare access, and improving residents’ quality of life.

In 2024, the city honored Dickey by dedicating Championship Field at Ridley Park to him, recognizing his role in championing major city projects and supporting local sports and recreation. His leadership left a mark on Columbia and Maury County, with many remembering him as a community-minded statesman who genuinely cared about people.

Upcoming Local Events

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Friday, January 9th

Saturday, January 10th

Sunday, January 11th

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🎵 This Week’s Live Music

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
Alderson Jazz Collective - McCreary’s Irish Pub, 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Krystal Kind - Puckett’s, 7:30–9 PM

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