Ronny Ray Daley

The City of Columbus operating budget for the fiscal year 2025-2026 includes financial plans and summaries for various governmental fund types and proprietary fund types. The General Fund, Special Revenue Funds, Debt Service Funds, and the Utility Fund are detailed, covering revenues, expenditures, and transfers. Key areas of focus include property taxes, sales tax, licenses, permits, and utility gross receipts, with expenditures broken down by department such as Administration, Municipal Court, Police, Fire, Code Enforcement, Parks, Swimming Pool, Golf Course, Library, and Public Works. The budget also outlines long-term financial plans, revenue histories, and expenditure summaries to ensure financial stability and effective resource allocation across city departments.

The City of Columbus City Council will hold a Public Hearing on the City's 2025-2026 Budget. The budget will raise more total property taxes than last year. The proposed 2025-2026 Budget is on file in the Columbus City Secretary's office at City Hall and is also on the City's website.

The transportation plan focuses on improving road safety and mobility for residents by addressing maintenance reliability, multimodal opportunities, and traffic safety. It includes evaluating existing conditions, community outreach, and future thoroughfare changes to enhance system connectivity and safety. Key goals include creating a reliable and efficient system through regular maintenance, ensuring traffic safety for all road users, and providing multimodal options and opportunities by enhancing pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure.

The City Council meeting included discussions and actions on several key areas. The City Manager's report highlighted sales tax revenues, water system flushing, and water quality testing, including addressing Coliform contamination. Citizens raised concerns about electricity bills and parking issues on Spring Street. The council considered and acted on a tax increase for tax year 2015 and fiscal year 2016, scheduled two public hearings on the tax rate, and approved an agreement with the Colorado County Central Appraisal District for assessment and collection services for the year 2016. The council also discussed future projects, including a 5-year plan on the water tank program, smoke testing, ice pigging, gas system improvements, storage tank improvements, and water wells.

The City Council meeting included discussions and actions on various topics. The council approved invoices, financial statements, and an invoice from B&D Services, Inc. They also authorized the City Manager to proceed with mediation regarding the Glidden Fresh Water District and funding issues with the Columbus Community and Industrial Development Corporation (CCIDC). The City Manager's report covered city hall construction, sewer plant renovations, river status, water pumpage history, economic indicators, and other public works updates. The council discussed the CCIDC minutes, awarded a fuel bid to Thomas Petroleum, and reviewed the May Police Report. Additionally, there was a presentation on open meetings training and announcements regarding power grids and the possibility of rolling blackouts.