Columbia City Government Archives

Breaks of City of Columbia water mains could cost property owners

February 20, 2024 11:33 AM Morgan Buresh

The City of Columbia had almost 170 water main breaks in 2023, but what happens when one damages personal property?

City of Columbia files response in lawsuit over recycling pickup

February 15, 2024 9:47 PM Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) The City of Columbia on Thursday filed a response to a lawsuit over the city’s recycling program. In May 2023, the city halted its recycling services indefinitely, citing staffing issues. The petition– filed in December by Christine Gardener, who was seeking a class-action lawsuit — alleges a breach of contract by the city, as well

Columbia deputy city manager to retire April 12 after 37 years working for city

February 13, 2024 9:43 PM Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) Mike Griggs, deputy city manager and former Parks and Recreation director of the City of Columbia will retire from the City April 12, according to a Tuesday press release from the city. According to the release, Griggs worked in the Parks and Recreation department for 35 years, including 10 years as the parks

Columbia Police Department reorganizes to streamline processes

February 8, 2024 11:47 AM Morgan Buresh

The Columbia Police Department has gotten city council approval to reorganize its department and create a Professional Standards Bureau.

Columbia City Council finalizes short-term rental regulations

February 5, 2024 5:30 PM Nia Hinson

The Columbia City Council is expected to vote Monday on changes to the city’s code regarding short-term rentals such as Airbnb and VRBO.

Columbia City Council to vote on $8.1 million sale of former IBM building to Veterans United on Feb. 19

February 5, 2024 7:24 PM Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) The Columbia City Council will vote on the sale of the former IBM/Kyndryl Building to Veterans United at its Feb. 19 meeting, according to a Monday press release from the city. A first reading took place at Monday night’s meeting. The building – located at 2810 LeMone Industrial Boulevard – is an

Tuesday trash routes in Columbia start receiving roll carts

February 1, 2024 6:57 PM Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) Columbia utilities customers who have their trash picked up on Tuesdays began receiving their roll carts on Thursday, the city wrote in a social media post. Distribution began on Monday. Back in March 2023 the city decided to switch its refuse pickup to an automated system that involves roll carts. The new collection system will

Ethics complaint filed against mayor, Columbia City Council members

January 23, 2024 8:00 PM Mitchell Kaminski

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) An election violation complaint has been filed against multiple Columbia City Council members and Mayor Barbara Buffaloe after comments that were made during a Jan. 16 council meeting. Anthony Willroth, of Hold Como Accountable, said he has filed complaints to the Missouri Attorney General and Ethics Commission over comments made by Mayor

Curbside recycling in Columbia could resume by the end of February

January 22, 2024 3:51 PM Nia Hinson

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) Curbside pickup for recycling in Columbia could resume as early as next month. The Columbia City Council and Solid Waste Utility held a work session on Monday and the topic of recycling was included on the agenda. According to the Utilities Director Dave Sorrell, staffing for the department needs to be at

Firefighters’ union shows support for Knoth after recall election placed on April 2 ballot

January 17, 2024 5:07 PM Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) The Columbia firefighters’ union gave support to embattled Ward 1 Councilman Nick Knoth after the City Council put his recall on the April 2 ballot Tuesday night. The action was on the agenda after residents gathered enough signatures to put the recall on the ballot. The question of whether Knoth should be

Biden administration awards funding for 44 electric vehicle chargers in Columbia

January 11, 2024 10:56 AM Matthew Sanders

The City of Columbia is getting $3.6 million from the federal government to build 44 electric vehicle chargers.

Two running for Columbia Ward 2 Council seat, Peters files for reelection in Ward 6

January 10, 2024 4:59 PM Ryan Shiner

Two people have filed to run for the Ward 2 Columbia City Council seat, according to an email from City Clerk Sheela Amin.

Cost holding up water filter updates after forever chemicals found in Columbia well water

January 5, 2024 11:55 AM Morgan Buresh

The City of Columbia found traces of so-called “forever chemicals” in its water after testing the city well field for the first time.

City of Columbia continues to work on plans to end traffic deaths with Vision Zero

January 3, 2024 3:48 PM Jazsmin Halliburton

The city received a $1.4 million grant in February 2023 to help implement Vision Zero — its policy of working toward eliminating deaths on the roads. In December, the city received another grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation for $1.5 million for road improvements.

Columbia spent more than $8,000 clearing homeless camps in 2023

January 1, 2024 5:03 PM Hannah Falcon

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) The City of Columbia spent $8,066.08 on clearing homeless camps in 2023, according to records ABC New 17 acquired through a Sunshine request. Columbia cleared two homeless camps in 2023. In March, the city cleaned out a camp near the Columbia Mall and cleared out another near the Interstate 70-Highway 63 connector

Petition against Columbia Councilman Nick Knoth gains enough signatures for recall vote

December 28, 2023 3:42 PM Mitchell Kaminski

COLUMBIA, Mo (KMIZ) A petition submitted by First Ward residents to recall Columbia City Councilman Nick Knoth was determined to have enough signatures for a vote on a ballot, according to an email from city spokeswoman Sydney Olsen. Olsen said the petition was submitted to the city on Dec. 15, and said she did not

QUESTION OF THE DAY: Should more workers have paid family and medical leave?

December 20, 2023 3:27 AM ABC 17 News Team

The Columbia City Council voted Monday to give its employees six weeks of paid medical and family leave.

Recall petition for Columbia Councilman Nick Knoth submitted to city

December 19, 2023 6:42 PM Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) The City of Columbia received a recall petition from residents for Ward 1 Councilman Nick Knoth, according to an email from City Clerk Sheela Amin. Amin told ABC 17 News that the petition is being reviewed to determine if it is sufficient for a recall. Residents in Columbia’s first ward started collecting

Columbia City Council approves paid family and medical leave for city employees

December 19, 2023 3:11 PM Jazsmin Halliburton

Columbia City Council members on Monday approved paid family and medical leave for city employees. As a benefit, the 30-day waiting period for new employees to use sick leave will be removed.

Columbia clears homeless camp as advocates notice increased need at overnight shelters

December 18, 2023 3:09 PM Hannah Falcon

Columbia city workers were seen Monday morning clearing what appeared to be a homeless camp near the Interstate 70 and Highway 63 connector.