Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 4-14-26

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Southern Middle Tennessee Today

News Copy for April 14, 2026

All news stories are aggregated from various sources and modified for time and content. Original sources are cited.

Columbia Approves Pipeline Bond (MSM)

The Columbia City Council took several more steps last week towards realizing its new water-intake pipeline project.

On top of waiving $1.3 million in fees for the construction of the new water-treatment plant, they also agreed CPWS would borrow from the federal government’s WIFIA fund for the project and approved the sale of $285 million in bonds.

CPWS Chief Financial Officer Ashley Maddux explained that the utility wishes to lock in a low rate ceiling now, since interest rates are going down but could go up because of uncertainty in the world. While CPWS is authorized to take out $285 million in bonds, they won’t start borrowing from that until August at the earliest. Councilman Brian McKelvy likened the agreement to the Letter of Intent that a prospective home buyer signs without actually purchasing the house.

Maddux and other CPWS officials explained that they’ll also spend first from the remaining $48 million in borrowing capacity previously authorized by the city council, and only after exhausting that would they proceed to borrow from the $285 million that the city council authorized on April 9.

Mayor Chaz Molder asked whether it would be in CPWS’s best interest to close its old $48 million line of credit, but bond lawyer Jeff Oldham explained that the terms of the new loans would be easier if they spent the old ones first.

“The only way to get to a new ‘clean’ resolution… is to discharge that old debt… in order to provide the flexibility that you really need,” he told the council.

Currently, CPWS holds a little more than $3 million in debt from bonds taken out in 2014, but those debts are scheduled to be completely discharged with a new master bond resolution.

Public commenters at both the study and voting sessions expressed their reservations again with the cost and scale of the whole project. They asked the city council to defer working on it or taking further steps until the state’s Duck River Watershed Planning Partnership (DRWPP) delivers its recommendations for regional water sources and projects in the fall.

“The comptroller’s office has serious concerns about the SRF funding needed,” said Jason Gilliam, a board member for the Maury County Water System, who quoted a figure of $35 million in annual repayments that was later confirmed by CPWS CEO Jonathan Hardin. “It has now ballooned [from $135 million] to $155 million in just a few short months. What happens if CPWS cannot pay that… [or] could not get that SRF funding?”

Molder and City Councilman Charlie Huffman concurred with them in part: Molder reiterated his opinion that the pipeline is “the right project at the wrong time,” and Huffman questioned both the financial modeling and the project’s ability to serve the city’s future water needs.

CPWS officials told Huffman that they expected their models to be accurate, barring any sudden and drastic increases in demand from heavy-industry customers. Water availability is determined by the number of additional homes, businesses and industries added at the approval of the city. 

Huffman also said that his concerns, which he said were confirmed by an unnamed official at the state comptroller’s office, that city taxpayers would be on the hook for CPWS’s loans if they were to fail to repay it.

Oldham responded that CPWS’s debts would be paid from their revenues, not the city, which was confirmed by resolution 9.3’s statement that “the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the bonds shall be payable solely and secured solely by a pledge of the income and revenues of the system.”

CPWS also agreed in resolution 9.4 to verify each year that revenues will be at least 1.2 times their debt service payments, and the whole project gets scrapped if they end up needing to issue more than $560 million in bonds for it.

According to bond documents the WIFIA loan will have a fixed interest rate of .01 percent above the public debt market rate at the time the bond is executed.

“We re-run rate studies. We’re making sure it still works. You are correct, it’s $35 million a year of debt service at the highest… but we have way more than $31 million worth of revenue coming in,” Hardin responded to Gilliam. “That’s not our average bill, because you have commercial, industrial [customers, impact fees] and all the others that add into that… We have tried to break the model several times just to be sure that in any scenario we still meet our bond covenants… [and] debt service policy, and we continue to make these payments.”

Outside revenue sources such as state or federal grants, leftover American Rescue Plan Act funds and/or money remaining unspent by the governor’s partnership could be applied to the project to reduce the burden on ratepayers, according to information from CPWS.

“If we get outside revenues from the state [based on DRWPP approval]… that reduces the amount of indebtedness that has to occur… and what would otherwise have to be a higher rate increase[, right]?” asked the mayor.

Oldham confirmed that financial assistance from higher levels of the government would offset the amount of money that CPWS would have to borrow or charge its customers.

Molder also got Hardin to confirm that the DRWPP has seriously considered the prospect of extending the pipeline from the Williamsport intake to the Tennessee River, to bring water back to multiple utility districts that currently draw from the Duck River Watershed. When Hardin confirmed that this was a live option for regional water supply, the mayor asked him to advocate strongly for the Tennessee River extension in his capacity as a voting member of the Partnership.

“When this project becomes somehow officially endorsed by that partnership, which it seems to be en route to do, then hopefully some funding will come from the state level that will mitigate the need for borrowing and… rate increases,” the mayor speculated.

Other business

The city also agreed to adopt the Maury County Basic Emergency Operations Plan; to make good on the state’s pledge of up to $75 in property-tax relief for elderly low-income homeowners; and to buy a new armored SWAT truck and 70 tasers for under $610,000, and a burn box to dispose of brush and trees for approximately $214,000.

Spring Hill Infrastructure Plan (MSM)

In continued efforts to address the city’s ongoing sewer and water challenges the Spring Hill Board of Mayor and Aldermen received the first phase of several proposed solutions last week.

This first phase was presented by Spring Hill Assistant City Administrator Dan Allen and SPARTAN Program Assistant General Manager Will Brassfield during a special meeting of the board. 

Over the past several years, Allen and city staff have worked with state officials, reviewed sewer and water infrastructure studies and evaluated available land to identify long-term solutions to the city’s growing infrastructure needs. Their findings were presented through the PureWater Spring Hill Program, an initiative designed to support future growth while modernizing the city’s water system. 

Currently, the city holds a raw water intake permit of six million gallons per day (MGD) and a discharge permit of 5 MGD. As officials plan for a projected population of 150,000 within the city’s Urban Growth Boundary, upgrades and expansion of the water system have become a priority. 

Three major projects within the Capital Improvement Plan form the foundation of the PureWater Spring Hill Program: reservoir storage, upgrades to the Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) and an Advanced Water Purification Project. 

“Reuse, Restore, Reconnect” 

The proposed reservoir project aims to serve both functional and recreational purposes. Plans include the development of a community park featuring walking and biking trails, boardwalks, educational overlooks and kayaking opportunities. 

City officials hope to transform the site into more than just a secured utility project. 

“The goal is not to create a body of water with a fence around it,” officials explained, but rather a community space residents can enjoy for generations. 

Beyond recreation, the reservoir plays a critical role in drought resiliency. Because of flow-rate restrictions on the city’s water intake permit, the city can’t exceed permitted levels during high water events such as flooding. Without storage capacity, the city must wait for water levels to decrease before increasing intake. 

A nearby reservoir would allow the city to store water when it’s available, helping prevent supply interruptions during drought or restricted flow conditions. 

Preliminary plans include approximately 200 million gallons of storage capacity along with pump stations and underground piping.

Water Reclamation 

Another key component of the program involves upgrades to the city’s Water Reclamation Facility. The facility removes solids and debris from wastewater while allowing the biological treatment process to break down remaining materials. 

Several system components are required for the process to function effectively. 

A digester increases storage capacity and manages biomass within the treatment system. An equalization basin helps balance flows by capturing excess wastewater during peak periods and gradually reintroducing it into the system. 

Additional improvements include filtration pretreatment and ultraviolet (UV) disinfection, which serve as the final treatment stage before water would move into the advanced purification process. 

The upgrades are designed to enhance nutrient removal, integrate the main lift station and support water reuse by diverting treated water for further purification. 

Construction on the project is expected to begin in 2027 and conclude in 2030, with an estimated cost of $75 million. 

Advanced Water Purification 

The Advanced Water Purification project is designed to further treat highly purified water from the reclamation facility through multiple advance treatment processes to create a safe and reusable water supply. 

The system will include a pilot package train, which allows operators to test and refine treatment methods before full-scale implementation. This process ensures the system meets all regulatory requirements while optimizing performance. 

The pilot system is expected to process approximately 34 million gallons per day, while the main facility is planned to expand capacity from 2.5 MGD to 10 MGD. The project timeline is currently projected between 2026 to 2030. 

City officials are also considering a proposed resolution for a 37-acre conservation easement with a land trust, which could potentially be donated to the city. An additional 100 acres would be purchased by the city and would serve as the future site for the Advanced Purification facility. 

Overall, the PureWater Spring Hill Program aims to support long-term growth, improve system resiliency, expand water reuse, enhance reliability and protect public health.

Spring Hill City Employee Compensation Plan (MSM)

The Spring Hill Board of Mayor and Aldermen reviewed a proposed employee compensation plan for the fiscal year 2026-2027 during the discussion portion of last week’s meeting. 

The proposal, presented by the city’s Human Resources Department and staff, aimed to improve pay equity and transparency among employees while creating a more structured compensation system. The plan would also reduce reliance on incentive bonuses by incorporating them into base salaries and help keep city wages competitive within the broader job market. 

Under the proposal, staff recommended implementing a step-based pay plan and adjusting pay grades to better align with the market wages. Key elements include increasing the pay grade by 6 percent to align with the 65th percentile of market wages, moving employees into a structured step-pay system based on their current default pay including incentives and eliminating most incentive pay with limited exceptions for critical positions. Staff also proposed providing a one-time payment to ensure all employees receive at least a 3 percent pay increase.

An alternative option presented to the board would increase pay grades by 10.2 percent, aligning salaries with the 75th percentile of market wages. Cost estimates for both options were applied across the city funds. 

For example, the city’s General Fund currently totals $34.6 million. Under the 65th percentile plan, the fund would increase by approximately $770,000, while the 75th percentile plan would raise costs by about $1.14 million. The 65th percentile plan would include a one-time payment of $315,000, compared to $311,000 under the 75th percentile plan. Additional initiatives tied to the proposal total $532,083.

Several board members indicated the 65th percentile plan would be the most attainable while keeping the city competitive in the job market. Alderman Jaimee Davis noted that moving to the 75th percentile could create long-term maintenance challenges, particularly while the city is operating under a sewer moratorium. She added that funding the higher option could require potentially raising property taxes, to sustain long-term costs. 

City officials said the proposed compensation structure is intended to improve transparency while remaining financially sustainable for the upcoming fiscal year. 

Spring Hill To Restore Fire Belle Firetruck (MSM)

The Spring Hill Board of Mayor and Aldermen has been asked to contribute to an effort to restore an antique city fire engine known as “Fire Belle.”

Spring Hill Fire Chief Graig Temple, City Administrator Carter Napier and Assistant City Administrator Chris Clausi, have requested $10,000 from the city toward the restoration effort. 

The historic truck, a 1957 Ford F700, was the first brand-new fire engine purchased by the city. Over the decades, it has been preserved by various city departments and remains an important symbol of the city’s firefighting history. 

In 2014, concerned citizens, donors and local business owners invested thousands of dollars to restore the truck. That restoration focused primarily on exterior body work, paint, emergency lights, modern equipment and other aesthetic improvements, helping Fire Belle regain its place as a recognizable piece of the city’s history and the fire department’s legacy. 

However, additional work is now needed to keep the engine operational. Fire Department staff have spent more than a year evaluating the vehicle, interviewing vendors and exploring fundraising opportunities to support the next phase of restoration. 

The truck requires significant mechanical repairs, including a new engine, transmission and brake system, so it can continue appearing at community events, parades and public displays. 

Deputy Chief Glenn and Temple have identified a vendor capable of completing the mechanical work, which is expected to take four to six months. The department has already received donations from the Firefighters Association, Maury County volunteers and families of former firefighters and fire chiefs. Community fundraising efforts are also expected to expand to the public as the project moves forward. 

The total cost for mechanical restoration is estimated at $65,670. Organizers hope an initial city investment of $10,000, combined with approximately $3,500 already raised, will help build momentum to secure the remaining funding needed to complete the project. 

Board members expressed appreciation for the effort, noting the importance of preserving a historic piece of the city’s past and maintaining its legacy for future generations.

Spring Hill’s Coffee With A Cop (MauryCountySource)

Community members in Spring Hill will have a chance to meet and speak with local police officers during an upcoming outreach event.

The Spring Hill Police Department is hosting “Coffee with a Cop” on Friday, April 17, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The event will take place at Target, located at 1033 Crossing Boulevard.

Organizers say the event is designed to give residents an opportunity to ask questions, share concerns, and build relationships with the officers who serve their community—all in a relaxed, informal setting.

Attendees are invited to stop by, enjoy a cup of coffee, and engage in conversation with local law enforcement.

Farm City Breakfast (Press Release)

The Maury Alliance Agribusiness Committee invites you to the annual Farm City Breakfast honoring the agriculture and agribusiness industry of Maury County.

This year's Farm City Breakfast will be held on Friday, April 17th, at the Ridley

4-H Center. The breakfast line opens at 6:45 am with the program beginning at 7:00 am and concluding by 8:30 am. 

The Keynote Speaker is Colonel Littleton, and a Maury County Century Farm will be honored.

There is no charge to attend the breakfast, however they will be collecting donations during the event for the 2026 Farm City Scholarship Memorial Fund. This year, scholarships will be given in memory of Mary Susan Kennedy.

The Agribusiness Committee invites you to become a sponsor of the 2026 Farm City Breakfast! Your contribution allows us to continue this successful event as well as provide scholarships to Maury County students.

And now, Your Hometown Memorials, Sponsored by Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home…

Randy Edward Hall, 72, retired owner and operator of R. K. R. Oxygen & Supplies, and resident of Columbia, passed away at his residence on April 5, 2026.

Memorial services will be conducted Thursday, April 16, 2026 at 12:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home with military honors provided by the Herbert Griffin American Legion Post 19. The family will visit with friends on Thursday from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home.

Pamela Ann McKee Smith, age 77, passed away on April 11, 2026 following a brief illness.

Funeral services will be conducted Friday, April 17, 2026 at 3:00 pm at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends beginning at 1:00 pm.

Phyllis Elaine Slusher Jennings, 75, resident of Columbia, passed away Monday, April 6, 2026, at her home.

Funeral services will be conducted Sunday, April 19, 2026, at 3:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home, with Rev. Rick Blevins officiating. Burial will follow in Maury Memorial Gardens. The family will visit with friends on Sunday from 1:00 PM until the service hour at the funeral home.

Mr. Raymond Eugene “Gene” Holt, 80, retired plant manager and farmer, and resident of Columbia, passed away at his residence on April 10. Memorial services will be conducted Sunday, April 19 at 2:00 PM at Riverside Methodist Church. The family will visit with friends on Sunday from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at the Church. Oakes & Nichols Funeral Directors are assisting the family with arrangements.

Susannah Patrick “Susie” Maddux, passed away on April 7th at her home in Riverside in Columbia.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, April 25, 2026 at 3:00 PM at Bigbyville Methodist Church. The family will visit with friends Saturday from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the church.

Mrs. Karin Lynn Kula (nee Larkin), age 55, passed away on Thursday, April 9, after a courageous battle with breast cancer. Visitation will be held at St. Philip Catholic Church in Franklin at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 17 with the Memorial Mass to follow at noon.

And now, news from around the state…

New Tennessee Brand (Press Release)

 The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) today unveiled “Tennessee: Experience High Volume,” a new statewide brand designed to more effectively showcase the scale, speed and strength of Tennessee’s economy.

From record investment and job growth to rapid expansion across key industries, Tennessee has emerged as one of the most competitive and high‑performing economies in the country. “Experience High Volume” reflects that reality, capturing the speed, scale and energy of an economy that is delivering for businesses, communities and workers across all 95 counties.

The brand comes amid significant statewide growth and investment from major national and international corporations. Of the more than 8,000 new jobs committed to last year, nearly 60% selected rural Tennessee. Additionally, 70% of the state’s 2025 capital investment stemmed from foreign-based companies, including Korea Zinc’s recent $6.6 billion investment, the single largest corporate investment in state history, which further cements Tennessee as the top destination for international businesses to locate and succeed.

This momentum also builds on decades of investment in Tennessee’s communities. Since 2019, TNECD has awarded more than $1.6 billion in grants across all 95 counties, ensuring communities not only attract jobs but also remain places where people and families live, work and thrive.

“Tennessee’s economy is the envy of the nation, and we need to make sure the world hears that story loud and clear,” said Deputy Governor and TNECD Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter. “Experience High Volume gives us a clearer, more confident way to show the world what’s happening here—how fast we’re growing, how competitive we’ve become, and why Tennessee continues to be a place where businesses and communities thrive. This brand not only reflects who we are today but also gives us a stronger, more effective platform to attract the high‑quality investments that will drive Tennessee’s growth into the future.”

The new brand positions Tennessee as a destination where everything operates at a higher level—from innovation and productivity to quality of life and opportunity. It provides a launchpad for TNECD to highlight the state’s competitive advantages, including a highly skilled workforce, world‑class research institutions, reliable energy infrastructure and strong public‑private partnerships that continue to drive growth statewide.

As part of the launch, TNECD is also unveiling a newly reimagined website designed to better serve businesses, site selectors and community partners. The updated site features improved navigation, enhanced accessibility and streamlined content and resources, making it easier to explore opportunities, connect with programs and access the tools needed to invest and grow in Tennessee.

Together, the new brand and website represent a unified, future-ready approach to economic development. In addition to TNECD’s website, the new brand will be visible across the department’s social channels, advertisements and all public-facing materials.

Final Story of the Day (Maury County Source)

This summer, Cheekwood Estate & Gardens invites guests to embark on an unforgettable journey across America—no suitcase required. From May 2 through September 6, 2026, America the Beautiful: National Parks & Landmarks By Rail will be the largest and most elaborate model train exhibition ever presented at Cheekwood.

In conjunction with Cheekwood’s ongoing celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, the immersive installation takes visitors coast to coast through some of the nation’s most treasured sites. Spanning the entire center lawn of the Bradford Robertson Color Garden, the exhibition features 10 running trains, more than 850 feet of track, and 25 intricately crafted models of iconic landmarks and national parks.

Tickets are on sale now at cheekwood.org. Reserving a timed-entry ticket in advance is required for all guests.