QUESTION OF THE DAY: Should Columbia city leaders consider tax increases amid projected deficits?

Inflation and slow sales tax growth are catching up with Columbia's city budget.

City leaders project that without more revenue, the city will have to draw down $31.1 million from its cash reserves over the next six years. Columbia's city manager has warned that expenses could outpace revenue as soon as Oct. 1 -- the start of the 2026 fiscal year.

Several options for tax increases have been put on the table to address the budget gap.

Do you think the city should consider tax increases to deal with projected budget deficits? Let us know by voting in the poll.