Columbia City Council

The city council recently heard a report on how an Oregon-based Portland Loo can prevent vandalism and keep park bathrooms clean.

The proposal comes as the city's current public information officer announced she is leaving after 5 years.

The housing development would have been built in east Columbia, adjacent to The Brooks neighborhood.

Naturalists say despite fixes to the system, wildlife downstream from it could still see adverse effects.

The construction of a pre-engineered metal building would cost the city an estimated $3.6 million.

The Columbia City Council rejected a zoning change that would have rezoned farmland.

The changes include only being allowed to look at appeals if they fell into one of four categories, the inability to host public meetings, make comments on policy and more.

The council will discuss the construction of a family aquatic center and sidewalk improvement efforts on Monday

Residents of The Brooks neighborhood say the triplexes would create traffic and parking problems.

Columbia residents can expect electric utility rates to increase by 2% starting Oct. 1, when fiscal year 2026 begins.