Columbia City Council to continue 2025 budget talks Monday

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Columbia City Council will continue talks of the 2025 fiscal year budget during Monday night's meeting at City Hall.

The budget has been a large conversation since the budget message was delivered last month followed by a work session. The city cited infrastructure, housing social services and public safety as its biggest priorities. The proposed budget for 2025 comes in at a $21 million deficit. The city will be bringing in roughly $537 million compared to the $558 million it expects to spend.

The city has addressed the public regarding the budget and they are encouraging Columbia residents to attend the upcoming council meetings. This includes the meeting Monday at 7 p.m., Monday Aug. 19 and Tuesday Sept. 3.

Another topic of conversation regarding the budget has been the proposal to increase water rates. According to the city, the increase rate for customers will be around a $2 increase per month.

The proposed rates are designed to implement a revenue increase to maintain adequate cash reserves and to meet the utility's debt coverage requirements.

If approved by the City Council, the water rate increases would go into effect beginning with the first billing cycle in October 2024. 

Proposed rates

                        Current            Proposed

Base Fees     $12.00                $12.48

Usage Fees: (per ccf)

  Tier 1            $3.10                $3.22

Airport            $4.46                $4.66

Summer Tier 2 $4.25                $4.44

Summer Tier 3  $6.26                 $6.89

Irrigation Summer  $6.26             $6.89

The average Columbia residential customer uses about 5 ccf (hundred cubic feet) per month, which would mean about a $1.89

City leaders want to hear the public's priorities and concerns during these meetings before the budget is adopted. The council will vote on the proposed budget on Sept. 16.