Columbia City Council expected to approve fiscal year 2018 budget

The Columbia City Council has been working on the city’s budget for fiscal year 2018 since Aug. 7. The city manager and finance staff set Monday as the final night for public comments and adjustments to the budget before the council approves it at the meeting.

There are a few items on the budget that some council members continue to debate, such as utility rates and public transportation.

Columbia Water and Light asked for rate increases for all five utilities. The proposed electricity and water rate increases created the most discussion, primarily about the amount of the increase and where the additional revenue would go.

Public transportation has been another issue debated due to the original proposed route cancellations and fee increases.

Ever since the cancellation of routes were introduced, the Columbia Public Works Department offered different options, such as flex routes, to reduce transit expenses.

The city council meeting starts at 7 p.m. Monday in City Hall.