Columbia City Council gathers for mini retreat

The Columbia City Council met Tuesday night for a special mini retreat to discuss how taxpayers’ money will be spent next year.

Their focus Tuesday evening was on the last six month’s financial statements and the 2014 fiscal year budget.

City leaders did not release specific numbers but they are “better than anticipated.”

The current $409 million budget is made up mostly from revenues. Because of the promising outlook, city officials are hoping the council will approve salary increases for at least some of the 1,300 city employees.

The council is also expected to discuss future improvements to roads and sidewalks.

The group will meet for another mini retreat Wednesday. They are expected to discuss possible expansions to police department facilities.