Board approves $639,830 in redesign fees for North Columbia elementary amid debate over storm shelters and timing

The Maury County Board of Education voted to approve $639,830 in additional redesign and professional services fees for the proposed North Columbia elementary prototype, a decision that followed lengthy debate about timing, code changes and whether the county commission will fund the project.

Board staff explained the fees would update the prototype design to meet the new 2021 model codes and verify product availability and budgeting. Presenter Mr. Perryman (school facilities staff) said the redesign work is based on a projected construction estimate of about $53 million to $55 million and that fees must be updated to match code and product availability. He said part of the work is required if construction is to proceed and that delaying the redesign risks higher material prices and unavailable…