Columbia budget approved with 4-2 vote

A divided Columbia city council passed the City Manager De’Carlon Seewood’s fiscal 2025 year budget last night. It takes effect Oct. 1. It includes the addition of 35 new staff positions, an increase to water rates, another year of free public transit, creation of an Affordable Housing Trust Fund and a new Office of Violence Prevention. Council members Lisa Meyer and Don Waterman voted no.