Columbia City Council votes 4-3 to repeal the ban on roll carts

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Columbia City Council voted 4-3 to repeal the ban on roll carts.

The Columbia City Council has been discussing what to do about the city's trash issues for years and while some people think roll carts may solve it all, others believe it could be more costly and cause more issues for city workers.

Two new members were added to the council after the recent election, the mayor and a new council member, and the council made a motion to give them another chance to vote.

New Fourth Ward Council Member Nick Foster said he supports roll carts, but thought it was only right to leave it up to the voters on the August election and then continue the conversation on roll carts.

New Mayor Barbara Buffaloe voted in support of repealing the ban, saying it was time to do something about the city's trash issues.

The council took over 50 minutes before the vote listening to public comments, comments that came in virtually earlier Monday and comments from other council members.

Watch the meeting replay in the player below.

Council will also discuss and vote on a three percent pay raise for permanent city employees.

According to the release, city management continues to negotiate with various labor groups on how salary increases will be implemented for them. An agreement has been reached with Water and Light association employees:

• 3% across-the-board increase effective May 15
• Retention Payment Effective June 26
  • $1,500 one-time retention payment for employees that were actively and continuously employed in a permanent city position from 3/8/20 through the effective date of the payment, OR
  • $750 one-time retention payment for employees that were actively and continuously employed in a permanent city position from 1/9/22 through the effective date of the payment

Monday night, the council will also give an update on its American Rescue Plan Act fund spending.

The city had $25 million in ARPA funds to address inequalities exposed by the pandemic, so far the city has spent half.

Council will discuss using the funds for a comprehensive homeless services center, a behavioral crisis center, and community violence prevention.