Lauren Raynes Buchanan

The agenda for the regular meeting includes several key areas of discussion. The City Manager's report will cover updates on City Hall, Public Works, Hurricane Beryl/FEMA status, Christmas Decorations, Police Department matters, Grants, New Development, Code Enforcement/Inspector roles, the EDC Director's activities, Citizen's Comments, Elections, and upcoming events. The Consent Agenda covers minutes approval, reports from the Treasurer, Municipal Court, Police Department (including the Racial Profiling Report), Fire Marshal, Public Works, City Engineer, and Tourism Director, as well as consideration for a pay request related to the MIT Resilient Community Program and recommendations from the Economic Development Board of Directors and the Hotel Occupancy Tax Board of Advisors. Public hearings are scheduled concerning the voluntary annexation of a 24.6967 Acre Tract of Land at the Northeast Corner of State Highway 35 and Business State Highway 35. New business items include taking possible action on the annexation, considering water and sewer requests, authorizing grant applications for the Body-Worn Camera Grant Program FY2027 and the Rifle-Resistant Body Armor Grant Program, considering the second reading of the West Columbia Economic Development Resolution for 1st Capital Meats, LLC, the first review of the Gulf Coast Christian Center Subdivision Preliminary Plat, an ordinance amending waste collection rates for commercial and residential customers due to a CPI-U adjustment, a proposal for engineering services for the Sinclair Lift Station Rehabilitation, a drainage improvement quote, and a quote for a Welcome Sign, as well as authorizing a resolution calling the 2026 City of West Columbia General Election. The Council may convene an Executive Session to discuss consultation with the Attorney or personnel matters.

The agenda for the meeting included an invocation and pledges, followed by roll call and greetings. Key presentations involved a proclamation for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and a presentation by the Lynn Group regarding a 40 Acre Development. The City Manager's Report covered updates on City Hall, Public Works, Hurricane Beryl/FEMA, Christmas decorations, Police Department activities, grants, new development, Code Enforcement, and upcoming elections/events. Consent agenda items included reports from the Treasurer, Municipal Court, Police Department, Fire Marshal, Public Works, City Engineer, and Tourism Director. Old Business focused on discussing and considering the location for the new Animal Shelter. New Business items included considering a pay request for the MIT Resilient Community Program, contracting for AWIA's Water Risk Assessment, considering bids for Well No. 1 rehabilitation, considering an Annexation Ordinance, considering Standard Operating Policies and Amendments, considering assessments and rehabilitation for Stucker, Sinclair, and Jenn Lift Stations, and considering the first reading of the West Columbia Economic Development Agreement Resolution concerning Capital Meats, LLC.

The council considered and approved an ordinance adopting the City of West Columbia General Budget for Fiscal Year 2025/26, including discussions on tax rate options, police department openings, unexpected costs tied to the sidewalks grant, potential unexpected expenses, and capital improvement projects. Additionally, they approved an ordinance adopting the city's tax rate for 2025, increasing the property tax rate by the adoption of a tax rate of $0.656503/$100.

The meeting included a presentation on the Carta Valley Market project, with discussions about purchasing the Ladybug building and creating jobs. The Columbia 1836 Project was also discussed, focusing on financial aspects and potential contributions from the city and EDC. The funding of an EDC Director position was presented, with a proposed funding model involving the EDC and the city. The EDC approved funding for the Columbia 1836 project and began drafting an agreement for Carta Valley Market.

The meeting included a public hearing on the proposed tax rate, during which no public comments were made. The council considered and approved a budget adjustment for the Utility Fund and General Fund. A budget workshop was held to discuss tax rate options, employee raises, cost of living adjustments, COPS grant funding, alarm permits, and other permitting options. The council approved a 2% employee raise in addition to cost-of-living raises.