Columbia meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Council reviews fee study, notes adjustments; budget vote ahead

The Columbia City Council received a cost-of-service fee study on Aug. 17 that found false alarm fees for police and fire services recover 0% of costs, resulting in an approximate loss of $122,591.04. Council members noted that fee adjustments had already been implemented in Environmental Health, Animal Control, and Planning & Zoning. No formal votes were taken during the informational session.

City Council

The council also held a work session on Aug. 10 to review proposed revisions to the short-term rental ordinance. The agenda included a city-wide map of licensed STRs, an application flow chart, and correspondence from the Planning and Zoning Commission and the public. No votes were scheduled.

On Aug. 17, the council is scheduled to hold public hearings and votes on the FY 2027 budget, the 2026 property tax rate, and a proposed 1% public safety sales tax. The agenda also includes a public hearing on traffic calming devices on Whitegate Drive between Paris Road and Squire Circle, and a rezoning of 3000 N. Providence Road to multi-family dwelling.

Boards and commissions

The Parking Advisory Commission on Aug. 12 discussed proposed adjustments to garage and ParkLync rates, as well as modifications to rideshare policies. No votes were taken.

The Water and Light Advisory Board on Aug. 12 reviewed the FY 2027 operations and maintenance budget and capital improvement plan for both electric and water utilities, along with the monthly power cost adjustment and a quarterly disconnection update.

The Planning and Zoning Commission on Aug. 20 held public hearings on a rezoning of 26.91 acres on Route K for a 10-lot single-family subdivision, a preliminary plat for a 12-lot Remington Estates, and a request to permanently zone about 10 acres at 6000 Scott Boulevard for multifamily and mixed-use development upon annexation.

The Board of Health on Aug. 13 considered an amendment to Chapter 5 of the City Code relating to feral cat colonies and a letter to the City Council in support of a mental health provider board seat.

The Citizens Police Review Board on Aug. 12 elected officers, discussed the annual aggregate report, and entered closed session under RSMo 610.021(14) and 590.502.

The Columbia Sports Commission on Aug. 13 elected its 2026 chair and vice chair and reviewed a recap of the Missouri Basketball Coaches Association Showcase.

The Railroad Advisory Board on Aug. 13 reviewed third-quarter financial statements for railroad and transload operations and updates on grant applications.

The Bicycle and Pedestrian Commission on Aug. 19 discussed the Sidewalk Master Plan update procedure and possible additions.

The Parks and Recreation Commission on Aug. 20 considered recommending an appointment to the Fund Advisory Board and received reports on a fee ordinance and other council items.

The Tree Board on Aug. 19 reviewed its draft annual report and FY26 budget.

The Food Council on Aug. 19 discussed progress on a Findings Report and business licensing.

The Public Transit Advisory Commission on Aug. 18 reviewed July ridership data and received updates from other commissions.

The Commission on Cultural Affairs on Aug. 10 discussed a proposed program change to the FY26 Annual Grant from Vidwest.

The Substance Use Prevention Advisory Commission on Aug. 12 discussed merging into a Mental Health Commission.

The Disabilities Commission on Aug. 13 heard presentations on the CoMo Complete Streets Project and Daniel Boone Regional Library.

The Public Art Committee on Aug. 18 reviewed the Flat Branch Park artwork design.

Most of these meetings were agenda-only, with minutes not yet published.

Coming up

• **Collegiate Advisory Council** – Aug. 24: Discussion of a proposed 'family' definition in the Unified Development Code and a draft University Student Survey.
• **Climate and Environment Commission** – Aug. 25: Review of the International Energy Conservation Code and 2026 priorities.
• **Mayor's Task Force on the U.S.S. Columbia** – Aug. 26: Recommendation for a new voting member and submarine update.
• **Personnel Advisory Board** – Sept. 1: Closed session on employee matters.

Columbia City Council to weigh budget, tax rate, and public safety sales tax this week

Columbia's city boards and commissions held a full week of meetings, but none have published minutes yet, so no decisions are official. The most consequential action is on the horizon: the City Council meets tonight to set the property tax rate, adopt the FY 2027 budget, and consider a 1% public safety sales tax.

City Council to set budget, tax rate, and sales tax

The City Council's Aug. 17 meeting includes public hearings and votes on the FY 2027 budget (B209-26) and the 2026 property tax rate (B208-26). The council will also introduce an ordinance to impose a 1% public safety sales tax (B226-26), following the Aug. 4 election. Other items include a public hearing on traffic calming devices on Whitegate Drive between Paris Road and Squire Circle (PH24-26) and a rezoning of 3000 N. Providence Road to multi-family dwelling (B228-26).

Earlier this month, the council met in agenda-only sessions. On Aug. 3, it reviewed the proposed FY 2027 budget and set public hearings for property tax rates. That agenda included appropriations of $8,764,800 for a deicing pad and containment facility at Columbia Regional Airport and $625,000 for Airport Drive reconstruction, plus a proposed annexation at 180 W. Brown School Road, a rezoning of 1205 University Avenue for 'Theory Sterling,' and a suspension of GoCOMO Public Transit fares from Oct. 1, 2026, to Sept. 30, 2027.

On Aug. 4, the council was scheduled to vote on authorizing $39,765,000 in Special Obligation Bonds for electric and water metering infrastructure (R154-26). That agenda also included first readings of ordinances to adopt updated building, electrical, plumbing, and fire codes, set 2026 property tax rates, and approve the FY 2027 budget. A cost-sharing agreement for I-70/US 63 interchange safety enhancements (B222-26) was also listed.

Other notable meetings

Several boards and commissions met with substantive items on their agendas, though none have published minutes.

• **Planning and Zoning Commission** (Aug. 6) reviewed a 147-lot preliminary plat, annexation, and R-1 zoning for 75.51 acres at Creasy Springs and Brown School Roads (Case 160-2026), a development plan for an office building on 19.59 acres at Discovery Parkway and Gans Road (Case 195-2026), and conditional use permits for short-term rentals at 122 N Greenwood Avenue and 2400 Chapel Hill Road. A separate work session discussed data center standards.
• **CATSO Technical Committee** (Aug. 5) considered approving the FY2027-2030 Transportation Improvement Program, the FY2027 Unified Planning Work Program, and a Major Roadway Plan amendment including a Route B access road study.
• **Historic Preservation Commission** (Aug. 4) reviewed demolition permits for seven properties and a Certificate of Appropriateness application for 910 & 912 E. Walnut.
• **Water and Light Advisory Board** (Aug. 12) reviewed FY 2027 operations and maintenance and capital improvement budgets for electric and water utilities, plus a monthly power cost adjustment report and a quarterly utility disconnection update.
• **Parking Advisory Commission** (Aug. 12) discussed proposed adjustments to garage and ParkLync rates, plus rideshare policy modifications.
• **Board of Health** (Aug. 13) considered an amendment to Chapter 5 of the City Code relating to feral cat colonies and a letter to the City Council in support of a mental health provider board seat.
• **Community Land Trust Organization Board** (Aug. 5) discussed a land donation policy and entered closed session to discuss real estate leasing, purchase, or sale.

Coming up

• **Aug. 17** – City Council pre-council session: cost of service study presentation; no votes scheduled.
• **Aug. 17** – City Council regular meeting: budget, tax rate, public safety sales tax, traffic calming, rezoning.
• **Aug. 18** – Commission on Cultural Affairs Standing Committee on Public Art: Flat Branch Park artwork design review.
• **Aug. 19** – Tree Board: annual report, FY26 budget, arborist update.
• **Aug. 19** – Food Council: findings report progress, business licensing follow-up.
• **Aug. 19** – Bicycle and Pedestrian Commission: Sidewalk Master Plan update procedure.
• **Aug. 20** – Planning and Zoning Commission: public hearings on rezoning 26.91 acres on Route K for a 10-lot subdivision, a preliminary plat for Remington Estates, and permanent zoning of 10 acres at 6000 Scott Boulevard.

Columbia City Council to vote on $39.8M bond for utility meters, FY2027 budget

The Columbia City Council will consider several major financial items this week, including a $39.8 million bond sale for electric and water meter upgrades and adoption of the Fiscal Year 2027 budget. All meetings listed are upcoming; no decisions have been made yet.

City Council

At its Aug. 4 meeting, the council will vote on R154-26, authorizing $39,765,000 in Special Obligation Bonds for electric and water metering infrastructure improvements. The council will also introduce ordinances to adopt the FY 2027 budget (B209-26), set 2026 property tax rates (B208-26), adopt the 2024 editions of building, plumbing, mechanical, residential, fire, and other codes (B210-26 through B218-26), and authorize a cost apportionment agreement for I-70/US 63 interchange safety enhancements (B222-26). Other first-reading items include conflict-of-interest rules and parking changes on Locust and Waugh streets.

At its Aug. 3 meeting, the council discussed bond debt and will review the proposed FY 2027 budget and set public hearings for 2026 property tax rates. That agenda also included appropriations of $8,764,800 for a deicing pad and containment facility at Columbia Regional Airport and $625,000 for Airport Drive reconstruction, a proposed annexation of property at 180 W. Brown School Road, rezoning of 1205 University Avenue to Planned Development for “Theory Sterling,” and suspension of GoCOMO Public Transit fares from Oct. 1, 2026, to Sept. 30, 2027.

Transportation and Planning

The Columbia Area Transportation Study Organization (CATSO) held a public hearing July 30 on an amendment to the FY 2026-2029 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) to add two new GoCOMO transit projects. On Aug. 5, the CATSO Technical Committee will consider approving the FY2027-2030 TIP, the FY2027 Unified Planning Work Program, and a proposed amendment to the Major Roadway Plan including a Route B access road study.

The Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a work session Aug. 6 on Unified Development Code revisions for data center standards and conditional use permit criteria. That same day, the commission will review several subdivision plats and development plans, including Case 160-2026: a 147-lot preliminary plat, annexation, and R-1 zoning for 75.51 acres at Creasy Springs and Brown School Roads; a development plan for a new office building on 19.59 acres at Discovery Parkway and Gans Road; conditional use permits for short-term rentals at 122 N Greenwood Avenue and 2400 Chapel Hill Road; and a 3-lot preliminary plat for “Jefferson Cottages” at 307 Sexton Road.

Other Boards and Commissions

The Historic Preservation Commission will meet Aug. 4 to review demolition permits for seven properties (1415 Lowe St, 407 Pershing Rd, 501 W. Ash St, 3200 Northland Dr, 2101 W. Broadway, 3208 Northland Dr, and 1203 N. Garth Ave), consider a Certificate of Appropriateness application for 910 & 912 E. Walnut, and select a consultant for the Benton-Stephens NW survey.

The Climate and Environment Commission met July 28 to review the Community Action Adaptation Plan update and the 2026 CEC Priorities document. The Finance Advisory and Audit Committee met Aug. 3 to discuss the intergovernmental fee methodology, a utility assistance program audit, and the MOCAAT Local Government Investment Pool.

The Commission on Human Rights met Aug. 4 to discuss the definition of family and City Council feedback, a funding request for the Human Rights Enforcement Program, and proposed FY27 budget changes. The Community Land Trust Organization Board met Aug. 5 to discuss a land donation policy and entered closed session on real estate leasing, purchase, or sale.

Coming up

• **Commission on Cultural Affairs** – Aug. 10: Consider a proposed program change to the FY26 Annual Grant from Vidwest and a Small Request Application.
• **Substance Use Prevention Advisory Commission** – Aug. 12: Discuss combining or creating a new Mental Health Commission at the request of City Council.
• **Food Council** – Aug. 19: Review progress on a Findings Report and follow up on business licensing.

Columbia boards weigh trail bridge, rezonings, and airport spending as budget season arrives

Columbia's City Council and advisory boards held a packed schedule of meetings the week of July 20, but minutes have not yet been published for any of them, so outcomes — including votes and dollar approvals — cannot be confirmed from the available agendas. Residents should watch the city's official meeting portal for finalized minutes.

City Council — July 20

The Council scheduled a public hearing and vote on authorizing replacement of Bridge #9 on the MKT Trail (item PH20-26). Also on the agenda: a real estate contract with Make Holdings LLC to acquire land on West Gillespie Bridge Road for greenspace (B158-26), a conditional use permit for a short-term rental at 3303 Timberhill Street (B154-26), and a rezoning of property north of Diego Drive and east of Bethel Street to Mixed-Use Neighborhood (B155-26). The Council also listed a tourism development sponsorship agreement with Supreme Tournaments, LLC, for the 2027-2028 NXTPRO sports events (R127-26). A separate Council agenda included labor group presentations from CPOA, Local 1055, and Local 955, a motion to enter closed session for negotiation preparation and real-estate matters, and applicant interviews for the Citizens Police Review Board. Future agenda items noted a bond debt discussion on August 3 and a short-term rental ordinance discussion on August 10.

Planning and Zoning Commission — July 23

P&Z scheduled public hearings on five rezoning applications. The largest was Case #159-2026, seeking to rezone 75.51 acres from R-S to R-1 at the southeast corner of Brown School Road and Creasy Springs Road following annexation. Other cases included a 6.4-acre change to R-MF at 3000 N. Providence Road (Case #185-2026), a 1.98-acre rezone to R-1 at 4200 Rock Quarry Road (Case #170-2026), a 1.97-acre rezone to R-1 east of 4200 Rock Quarry Road (Case #171-2026), and permanent M-C zoning for 3.78 acres at 7208 I-70 DR SE (Case #174-2026). A separate work session listed a Complete Streets presentation by Crawford, Murphy, and Tilly (CMT).

Other Boards and Commissions

The Public Transit Advisory Commission scheduled a review of June 2026 transit ridership figures and a Complete Streets policy presentation. The Airport Advisory Board listed a discussion of a proposed conflict of interest policy for boards and commissions and an airport mural discussion, with its next meeting set for August 26. The Building Construction Codes Commission scheduled a public hearing on Application Case #001-2026 and an election of officers for the 2026-2027 calendar year. The Convention and Visitors Advisory Board meeting on July 27 was canceled; no business was conducted. The Climate and Environment Commission listed a review of the Community Action Adaptation Plan update and the 2026 CEC Priorities document. CATSO scheduled a public hearing on an amendment to the FY 2026-2029 Transportation Improvement Program to add two new GoCOMO transit projects.

Coming up

• **Aug. 3, City Council:** Discussion of the proposed FY 2027 budget, public hearings for 2026 property tax rates, and votes on ordinances amending electric, water, sanitary sewer, and solid waste utility fees. The agenda also includes an appropriation of $8,764,800.00 for a deicing pad and containment facility at Columbia Regional Airport, $625,000.00 for Airport Drive reconstruction, a proposed annexation at 180 W. Brown School Road, rezoning of 1205 University Avenue to Planned Development for "Theory Sterling," and suspension of GoCOMO transit fares from October 1, 2026, to September 30, 2027.
• **Aug. 3, Finance Advisory and Audit Committee:** Intergovernmental fee methodology review, utility assistance program audit, and MOCAAT Local Government Investment Pool discussion.
• **Aug. 4, Historic Preservation Commission:** Demolition permit reviews for seven properties, a Certificate of Appropriateness application for 910 & 912 E. Walnut, and consultant selection for the Benton-Stephens NW survey.
• **Aug. 6, Planning and Zoning Commission:** Work session on Unified Development Code revisions for data center standards and conditional use permit criteria, plus a 147-lot preliminary plat at Creasy Springs and Brown School Roads and a development plan for a new office building on 19.59 acres at Discovery Parkway and Gans Road.

Columbia boards weigh budget, utilities, and housing; Council set to vote on MKT Trail bridge and land-use actions

Columbia's advisory boards and commissions spent the past two weeks reviewing the city's fiscal year 2027 budget, utility rates, housing proposals, and public health ordinances. Minutes have not yet been published for any of the recent meetings, so only agenda items — not outcomes — can be reported. The City Council has a packed agenda scheduled for July 20, including votes on replacing an MKT Trail bridge and several land-use decisions.

City Council budget sessions

The City Council held three budget work sessions between July 13 and July 17. On July 13, the council received a General Fund presentation as part of Columbia/Boone County Public Health & Human Services sessions. On July 15, the council reviewed the Enterprise Fund. On July 17, the council received a presentation of the proposed fiscal year 2027 budget for all city funds. No formal votes or public hearings were scheduled at any of these sessions.

Water and Light Advisory Board

The Water and Light Advisory Board met July 7 to discuss utility rate changes, a council request to freeze property taxes for Water Treatment Plant upgrades, and an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) board recommendation. The board also reviewed updates to the Integrated Resource Plan and a comparison of Missouri electric projects. Outcomes are not yet available.

Board of Health reviews feral cat ordinance

The Board of Health met July 9 to review proposed amendments to Chapter 5 of the City Code regarding feral cat colonies and Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return (TNVR) provisions. The board also discussed an inclement weather policy. No vote results have been published.

Office of Violence Prevention Advisory Committee

The committee met July 9 to review updates from the National Office of Violence Prevention Network, discuss a draft community violence intervention landscape analysis, and consider grief and loss trauma-informed training titled "What in the Grief am I Doing?" The agenda also included an initial draft strategy and pillars from the NICJR and a NoCAP update.

Board of Adjustment hears cottage subdivision proposal

On July 14, the Board of Adjustment held a public hearing on Case #181-2026, in which RAA Holdings, LLC sought approval to use optional development standards for a 3-lot cottage subdivision called Jefferson Street Cottages at 307 W. Sexton Road. The outcome is not yet published.

Conley Fund Advisory Committee

The committee met July 14 to review a Fund Assets Report covering December 1, 2024 through April 30, 2026, and to make a decision on the 2026 fund distribution to Public Health and Human Services. The decision has not been published.

Parks and Recreation Commission

The commission met July 16 to hold public hearings on the FY'27 budget and improvements to the Rainbow Softball Center. The agenda also included council items on a Northeast Regional Park grant application and a Boone County Historical Society agreement.

Coming up

July 20 — City Council: The council will hold a public hearing and vote on authorizing replacement of Bridge #9 on the MKT Trail (PH20-126). Other items include a real estate contract with Make Holdings LLC to acquire land on West Gillespie Bridge Road for greenspace (B158-126), a conditional use permit for a short-term rental at 3303 Timberhill Street (B154-126), rezoning north of Diego Drive and east of Bethel Street to Mixed-Use Neighborhood (B155-126), and a tourism sponsorship agreement with Supreme Tournaments, LLC for 2027-2028 NXTPRO sports events (R127-126). A separate council meeting the same day includes labor group presentations from CPOA, Local 1055, and Local 955, a motion to enter closed session for negotiation preparation and real-estate matters, and Citizens Police Review Board applicant interviews.

July 20 — Finance Advisory and Audit Committee: The committee will discuss the city budget as new business and approve draft minutes from June 1, 2026.

July 21 — Public Transit Advisory Commission: The commission will review June 2026 transit ridership figures, a draft City Budget Letter 2026, and a Complete Streets policy presentation.

July 23 — Planning and Zoning Commission: The commission will hold public hearings on five rezoning cases, including Case #159-2026 to rezone 75.51 acres from R-S to R-1 at Brown School Road and Creasy Springs Road, and Case #185-2026 to rezone 6.4 acres to R-MF at 3000 N. Providence Road. A separate work session will include a Complete Streets presentation by Crawford, Murphy, and Tilly.

July 28 — Climate and Environment Commission: The commission will review updates to the Community Action Adaptation Plan, including implementation summaries and long-term actions, and consider the 2026 CEC Priorities document. A public comment period of up to 10 minutes per request is provided.

Columbia boards set utility, arts funding talks; Conley Fund distribution decision on tap

Columbia advisory boards and commissions spent the past two weeks lining up discussions on utility rates, feral cat ordinance revisions, and violence prevention strategy — though minutes have not yet been published for any of those meetings, so outcomes are not yet confirmed. Meanwhile, several consequential decisions are scheduled for the week ahead, including a fund distribution to Public Health and Human Services and ratification of FY27 arts grant funding levels.

Recent meetings: agendas only, no minutes yet

All six recent meetings listed on public agendas between June 29 and July 9, 2026, are classified as "agenda only (minutes not yet published)." That means the items below reflect what was scheduled for discussion, not confirmed actions or votes.

The Water and Light Advisory Board met July 7 with a utility rate discussion on the agenda, along with a City Council request to freeze property taxes for Water Treatment Plant upgrades, an AMI Board recommendation, and an Integrated Resource Plan update. No vote tallies or dollar amounts are available from minutes.

The Commission on Human Rights also met July 7, with a discussion on the definition of family and a City Council feedback request regarding a Mental Health Board/Commission on the agenda. The agenda included a motion to enter closed session regarding pending legal actions or litigation.

The Board of Health met July 9 to review proposed amendments to Chapter 5 of the City Code relating to feral cat colonies and TNVR (trap-neuter-vaccinate-return) of feral cats, plus discussion of an inclement weather policy.

The Office of Violence Prevention Advisory Committee met July 9 with updates from the National Office of Violence Prevention Network, a draft community violence intervention landscape analysis, and grief and loss trauma-informed training on the agenda.

The Convention and Visitors Advisory Board met June 29 with updates scheduled on the Unbound Book Festival and Northeast Regional Park, plus staff and partner reports from The District and the Boone County Commission.

The Mayor's Council on Physical Fitness and Health met July 9 to discuss Mayor's Awards marketing and date changes and review Bike, Walk and Wheel Week activities including the Mayor's Mile.

Coming up

July 13 — Commission on Cultural Affairs: Public hearing and ratification of FY27 Annual Arts Grant scores and funding levels, plus a report on FY26 funding status.

July 13 — City Council: Budget work session on the General Fund, part of Columbia/Boone County Public Health & Human Services sessions.

July 14 — Conley Fund Advisory Committee: Members are scheduled to make a decision regarding the 2026 fund distribution to PHHS, following review of a Fund Assets Report covering December 1, 2024 through April 30, 2026.

July 14 — Board of Adjustment: Public hearing for Case #181-2026, in which RAA Holdings, LLC seeks approval to use optional development standards for a 3-lot cottage subdivision known as Jefferson Street Cottages at 307 W. Sexton Road.

July 15 — Bicycle and Pedestrian Commission: Review of the Columbia Complete Streets Policy update, Missouri long-range transportation plan updates, a Ballenger Lane walking audit, and Fiscal Year 2027 budget discussion.

July 15 — Tree Board: Update on a potential City Tree Fund, discussion of the annual report to City Council, and a city arborist update on current issues and upcoming projects.

July 15 — Food Council: Review of Findings Report progress, with coalition building and food news discussions also planned.