Columbia City Council Meeting Summary – August 13, 2026

The Columbia City Council met at 5:30 PM on 2026-08-13 in City Hall Council Chambers, 700 North Garden Street, Columbia, TN. All seven council members were present. The agenda was approved after removing Item 7.11, and the meeting included a quarterly economic development presentation, a Columbia Little League 8U proclamation, the consent agenda, and four resolutions. No public hearings were scheduled.

Presentations

• Maury County Chamber and Economic Alliance quarterly update – Wil Evans. Evans reported 13 active economic development projects in the pipeline, with only 2 of those automotive-related. Maury County's June unemployment rate was back in the four percent range, down from about six percent a year earlier, and the labor force participation rate continued to exceed state and U.S. averages. Year to date, Maury Alliance received 44 project leads; it responded to 17 of those 44 leads, about 42 percent, and 14 projects visited the community. Evans also highlighted: relocation of TVA power lines and an anticipated construction start at the Columbia rail site; Medacta, a Swiss medical device manufacturer, investing $85 million and creating just over 200 jobs in Spring Hill; Documotion Research expanding its Columbia facility by about 40,000 square feet; and General Motors announcing a $275 million investment to add a fifth vehicle, the Cadillac XT6. In response to council questions, Evans said job applicants should contact the Maury Alliance office, and that the Alliance selects leads based on community fit, infrastructure, and input from local officials.
• Proclamation to Columbia Little League 8U. Council recognized the team and coaches with a proclamation and led a celebratory moment with the team.

Organizational Business

• Approved the July 9, 2026 City Council meeting minutes by roll call vote.

Consent Calendar

The consent agenda, as amended, was approved by roll call with all members voting aye. Items removed from the consent calendar were 7.11 and 7.22. Approved items included:

• June 2026 disbursements in the amount of $12,160,873.02.
• Disposal of surplus equipment; annual property insurance renewal with TML Public Entity Partners at $312,778; and annual workers' compensation insurance renewal at $134,132 after a $49,160 member dividend credit.
• Payment of $121,000 to Maury County for the Animal Services Facility for the third and fourth quarters of FY 2026.
• Amendment No. 2 with Tennessee Property Management LLC at $450 per month for roundabout maintenance.
• Tourism contracts: Journal Communications ($11,070 for the 2027 Nashville Visitor Guide), Juliana & David Hollins ($4,500 for the America in 250 campaign), Chelsea Guedes ($1,800 for the fall campaign), and Cumulus Media ($500 for Fruit Tea Festival promotion).
• Purchases and contracts: commercial front-load garbage truck ($396,761.20); Temple, Inc. conflict monitors ($76,514); Utilicom Supply Associates CCTV cameras ($133,500); Toyota Tundra ($47,693); two Chevrolet Silverados ($112,604.50); First Due software renewal ($50,925); Civil & Environmental Consultants stormwater services ($135,925); CSL Services long-term flow monitoring ($107,485); Dell Technologies equipment ($145,147); 8x8 phone/fax renewal ratification ($4,951.30 per month); Five-Star Vending water unit lease ($13 weekly plus $99.50 semiannual filter fee); and one Jeep Grand Wagoneer ($65,901).
• Non-exclusive use and occupancy permits for Columbia Youth Athletic Association, Columbia State Community College, and Maury County Board of Education.

Removed Consent Items

• Item 7.11, the proposed $15,000 contract with Tuck River Touring for Fruit Tea Festival entertainment, was removed from the agenda before the vote and was not considered.
• Item 7.22, the $50,260 contract with Roof Systems, Inc. to replace the Wastewater Administrative Building roof, was pulled for separate consideration. Council approved it, with Mayor Molder abstaining.

Resolutions

• Resolution No. 26-54 – Tax corrections through July 23, 2026, submitted by Maury County Tax Assessor Bobby Daniels. Approved.
• Resolution No. 26-55 – Accepted ownership and maintenance of sewer improvements serving Marlon's Creek 1A, 1B and Pump Station, consisting of 5,105 linear feet of sanitary sewer main. Approved.
• Resolution No. 26-56 – Accepted ownership and maintenance of sewer improvements serving Marlon's Creek Phase 2A, consisting of 1,395 linear feet of sanitary sewer main. Approved.
• Resolution No. 26-57 – Accepted a donation from Sutton Circus K9 Academy of canine training service valued at $4,270 for an emotional support animal at Columbia Fire & Rescue, with the department contributing up to $500 for required equipment. The Fire Chief explained that the dog, named Blaze, would receive seven weeks of personalized training and be used in public education events. Approved.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Joshua Moore, 360 Coleman Court, a Columbia resident and Columbia Power and Water Systems customer, said his water bills increased substantially after new rates took effect in March. His March bill was 55% higher year over year, April 79% higher, and May 62% higher. After reducing use by 25% in June, his bill was still 58% higher than the prior year; after reducing use by 73% in July, his bill was still 30% higher. Moore stated that the City Council, not CPWS, approved the rate increases, and asked the Council to revert water rates to those in effect one year ago. No council action was taken in response.

Key Outcomes

• All four resolutions were approved.
• The consent calendar was approved as amended; Item 7.11 was withdrawn, and Item 7.22 was approved separately with a mayoral abstention.
• No items were considered under Administration, Ordinances, or Other Business. No executive session was needed, and the meeting adjourned after the regular agenda was completed.