Columbia mayor withdraws support for property tax hike

Columbia’s mayor is withdrawing his plan to raise property taxes to pay for more police officers.

After losing support for the tax increase from the Columbia Police Officer’s Association on Tuesday, Mayor McDavid issued this statement on Facebook:

“Based on comments made by the Columbia Police Officers Association, I no longer support an increase in property tax to fund an increase in police staffing.”

Last week, Mayor McDavid pitched a 20 cent property tax increase that would provide $3.5 million to the city budget to pay for more officers.

The Columbia Police Officer’s Association said even though they also want more police, the current administration can’t handle it.

CPOA said in a public forum Tuesday night the city saved money in this year’s public safety budget after the passage of the 911 tax.

In January, the council promised to spend that money on fire and police needs.

Council members Karl Skala and Ian Thomas attended the public forum.

A Columbia resident stood and told the council members he does not trust them to spend the money like they promised.

Other residents said the property tax hike is not the answer.

“I and a lot of my friends are tired of the tax increases,” Columbia resident Roger Fries said. “We just don’t know where the money goes. It just goes.”