Columbia City Council

The fiscal year 2027 budget projects about $574 million in revenue, $547 million in operating expenditures, $56 million in capital improvement projects and $603 million in total expenditures, according to council materials.

Sharon Geuea Jones rose from her seat in the audience after Monday night’s Columbia City Council meeting began, and walked over to the podium in the front of the room.

The Columbia City Council is set to consider rezoning property to build a new 305-unit student housing development during Monday's regular meeting.

The council approved a Renewable Energy Plan, a Capital Improvement Plan and the replacement of a bridge on the MKT.

The council also accepted a 2026 Renewable Energy Plan and its capital improvement plan for the upcoming year.

This current budget proposal was created without including a proposed public safety tax, which will go before voters next month.

The council will also hear about constructing a new Fire Station 5 and introduce a one-year data center ban.

In an upset for Fifth Ward incumbent Don Waterman, his challenger Christina Hartman won a seat on 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.