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City of Columbia $156 million behind on police and fire pension fund, considers public safety sales tax

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) The City of Columbia is considering a 1% public safety sales tax to help close the multi-million dollar gap in its police and fire retirement fund and support improvements across both departments. Public safety makes up nearly half of the city’s general fund spending for fiscal 2026, with about $66 million budgeted

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Columbia Regional Airport to get 600 more parking spaces to meet rising demand

Customer demand at the Columbia Regional Airport is expected to surge as American Airlines expands its flight schedule, United Airlines returns, and Allegiant Airlines adds new service.

The increasing number of passengers flying in and out of COU has sparked the need for additional parking.

To address the issue, the city is considering amending its fiscal year 2026 annual budget to expand the airport’s south parking lot.

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City of Columbia to discuss proposed Old Plank Road culvert project Monday night

Columbia, Mo. (KMIZ) Columbia city leaders will discuss design plans for the Old Plank Road culvert project during Monday night’s city council meeting. According to the council agenda, city officials said the existing culvert– originally built in 1986– has significantly deteriorated over time. In December 2020, a structural inspection determined that approximately 90% of the

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Columbia City Council to hear ordinance proposal on gaming machines

The City of Columbia is looking to crack down on unregulated gaming machines with a new ordinance set to be presented Monday.

“Gray machines” or “no-chance machines” are similar to randomized slot machines but feature skill elements or sometimes the ability to show the outcome of the next roll. This requires the player to make a decision or skill-based action to play, making the legality of the games murky.

The ordinance was initially requested by the city council in October 2025 to address concerns about gaming machines. According to city documents, more than a dozen businesses operate a gaming machine.

The ordinance would make it illegal to offer the use of an electronic gaming machine, with violations being punishable by up to a $1,000 fine or 30 days jail time.

The ordinance will be on first reading at Monday’s city council meeting. The law requires that an ordinance be read three times for public notice before the Council votes on it, according to the city’s website.

The memo adds that if approved, CPD may need to adjust arrest and processing procedures, and enforcement of the rule may be delayed.

On Feb. 10, 2026, Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway also focused on unregulated gaming enforcement by suing five businesses with gaming machines in Dunklin County.

The Columbia City Council meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday.

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Columbia man deported to Netherlands details poor conditions, abuse and homicide incidents at El Paso ICE facility

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) A Columbia, Missouri, man who was deported to the Netherlands after more than four months in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody says he endured overcrowded, unsanitary and inhumane conditions at the Camp East Montana detention facility in El Paso, Texas — a place he described as “the most horrific” he has

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