City of Columbia City Council Meeting - April 9, 2026

The Columbia City Council held its regular meeting on April 9, 2026 at 5:30 PM. All council members were present: Mayor Chaz Molder, Vice Mayor Randy McBroom, and Council Members Carl McCullen (Ward 1), Charlie Huffman (Ward 2), Cheryl E. Secrest (Ward 3), Kenny Marshall (Ward 4), and Brian McKelvy (Ward 5). The invocation was led by Fire Chief Chris Cummins. The Mayor recognized the life and legacy of longtime educator and public servant Eddie Hickman.

Consent Calendar

The council approved the following items collectively under the consent agenda (Items 7.1 – 7.11):

• February 2026 disbursements ($8,642,801.90).
• A separate vision plan with BCBS of Tennessee, effective July 1, 2026.
• A Non-Exclusive Use Permit for the Smyrna Adult Softball League at Ridley Sports Complex.
• A $948,803 bid to B.A.M.2, Inc. for the Royal Oaks Sewage Pump Station Replacement.
• Adding Teladoc Health Services for active BCBS of Tennessee members ($0.74 PEPM).
• A $550,000 contract with J.R. Wauford & Company for Pumpkin Creek Sewershed Improvements engineering.
• $151,596 for the annual renewal of Microsoft Office 365 for all 489 city employees.
• A $5,500 contract with AIRDNA for monthly lodging performance data reporting.
• The sole source purchase of a 2025 Armored Pointer SWAT van from Alpine Armoring ($259,200, VCIF Grant).
• The sole source purchase of 70 Axon Taser 10 Conducted Energy Weapons ($349,986, VCIF Grant).
• The purchase of an AirBurners burn box and certification training ($213,862.53) to manage brush volume from the January 2026 ice storm and March 2026 tornado.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Eric Provetti (Maury County Commissioner, District 2) spoke on the water project resolutions (9.1-9.4), requesting a pause on the debt authorization until the Governor's Duck River Regional Partnership report is released, and asked the council to consider a Tennessee River water source. He also spoke on the property tax relief resolution (9.9), commending the program and suggesting the city consider a funding match similar to the county's program.

Discussion Items

• Water System Revenue Indebtedness (Resolutions 9.1-9.4): Council discussed a series of resolutions to authorize the financing framework for the long-term water supply project. CPWS staff (Ms. Maddox) and bond counsel (Jeff Oldham) explained that the resolutions set the terms for senior lien debt, incorporate existing notes, and authorize the WIFIA loan. Councilmember Huffman expressed strong opposition based on economic timing and rate implications. Vice Mayor McBroom stated the project was the 'right project at the wrong time'. Councilmember McKelvy discussed locking in a low interest rate ceiling with the option to refinance and explored the potential of a Phase 2 connection to the Tennessee River. The resolutions were approved on 5-2 votes, with Councilmember Huffman and Mayor Molder dissenting.
• Property Tax Relief for Elderly and Low-Income Homeowners (Resolution 9.9): City Recorder Thad Jablonski presented the resolution establishing a $75 maximum relief amount for 2026. He noted 602 applications were processed in the last tax year, including 71 new applicants. The program is entirely state-funded. The resolution was approved unanimously.
• AutoZone Planned Unit Development (Ordinance 4583): The council approved the second consideration of a PUD Master Plan for a 7,000 square foot AutoZone retailer on Lot 8A of the Beechcroft Plaza PUD. The Planning Commission recommended approval on a 5-0 vote. Mayor Molder abstained from the vote.

Key Outcomes

• Approved:
  • Organizational Business (Items 6.1-6.3)
  • Consent Agenda (Items 7.1-7.11)
  • Administration (Item 8.1, CPWS fee waiver)
  • Resolutions 26-29 through 26-32 (Water Project Financing, 5-2 majorities)
  • Resolutions 26-23 through 26-28 (Miscellaneous acceptance, tax, and administrative matters)
  • Resolution 26-27 (Property Tax Relief)
  • Ordinance 4583 (AutoZone PUD)
  • Ordinance 4584 (Electric Easement Termination)
• Presentations:
  • Retirement plaque presented to Fire Captain Elmer Riggs Jr. for 21 years of service.
• Upcoming Events:
  • Mule Day Reception and Parade on April 11, 2026.