Columbia city councilman proposes basic needs funding

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Columbia city councilman Ian Thomas is proposing a property tax increase to help provide basic needs for those in Columbia facing financial hardship.

In a letter to voters Sunday, Thomas said the increase would amount to roughly $10 per month more in property taxes for Columbia homeowners, if it were passed by voters.

He said the funds raised would help thousands in Columbia with rental assistance, homelessness services, workforce development and more. He added that the biggest need in the short-term and the long-term is utility assistance.

Thomas wrote in the letter that roughly 8,000 Columbia Water and Light accounts are behind on their payments totaling roughly $4 million since the city suspended disconnections in March. The city planned to restart disconnections Monday.

Thomas said he has advocated internally for other solutions to avoid utility shut-offs that will be discussed at Monday's city council meeting. That meeting is set for 7 p.m. at City Hall.