The Columbia city manager’s proposed $533-million budget has been introduced and first-read by the city council. It was first-read during Monday night’s meeting.
City manager De’Carlon Seewood’s proposed budget is highlighted by $10-million in pay raises for the approximately 1,500 city employees. Mr. Seewood also emphasizes that the city prides itself on excellent benefits. He notes health insurance premiums are increasing by 11 percent.
“In order to reduce some of the burdens on our employees, the city will cover that cost completely within the city. This is another way that we want to just say thank you to our staff,” Seewood says.
The proposed $533-million budget is a $27-million increase from the current $506-million amount. The Columbia Water Utility’s budget would increase by $1.1 million, under Mr. Seewood’s proposed budget. That’s primarily due to what he describes as the drastic price increase for treating water.
“The water utility will also be adding three water distribution technicians. These positions will assist with responding to customer requests, installing and replacing water meters and investigating and locating water leaks. Two of those positions were previously eliminated during budget cuts in fiscal year ‘21,” says Seewood.
Mr. Seewood’s proposed budget also adds three utility locator positions.
The city council will hold two August public hearings and a final one in early September, before voting on the budget on September 18. The city’s fiscal year begins on October 1.
