Columbia City Council discuss violence prevention, CPD software in amended budget
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) -
The Columbia City Council held a meeting Tuesday to allow community and city council members to comment on the proposed budget for the upcoming year.
Pat Fowler proposed bringing on Cure Violence, a program used in big cities to combat violence through outreach programs. The program would cost $3 million if passed and would be funded by the American Rescue Plan Act. Members of the community voiced support for the program with one stating that spending more now to prevent violence would save money in the future.
The Columbia Police Department plans to get a new records management software. The plan has been approved by the city manager and would cost $1.5 million. The new system, if passed, will be paid for by the General Fund Reserves.
Council members have to approve the budget by its Sept. 19 meeting. The new fiscal year starts Oct. 1.
In other council business, the city discussed its Route K and Old Plank Road roundabout project. Public Works would partner with MoDOT to make possible. The $1.8 million project in south Columbia would be split between MoDOT and the city. The proposed plan would mean each side pays $902,850.
The council also denied Dollar General's proposed plan to build a new store on St. Charles Road, across the street from the Boone County Fire Station #1. All six council members present voted against it. Second Ward councilwoman Andrea Waner was absent.
Members of the community voiced their concerns for the project, including Greg Kamp. Kamp said the new building would be in his back yard, and "there is one [store] two miles down the road."
"Why do we need one in a residential area?" Kamp asked.
Kamp's neighbor Jo Ann Allen said the new building would be right next to her house, and she's worried that the traffic near the roundabout would lead to more car crashes.
