Columbia’s city manager is recommending that the council vote tonight to approve the $91,000 sale of the Kirklin building on Switzler for future public use.
City manager De’Carlon Seewood describes the home at 107 Switzler as an important part of local African-American heritage, noting the property was the homestead of Henry Kirklin, a well-known horticulturalist in the early 20th century. Supporters say the aim is to preserve the home for public use. The council’s packet notes Mr. Seewood says the Columbia Center for Urban Agriculture and others have raised about $50,000 to purchase the property.
The house was built in 1871, according to the council’s packet. Mr. Kirklin earned a medal at the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis, and Mr. Seewood notes he is now recognized as the first African-American instructor at the University of Missouri-Columbia.
Meantime, Columbia’s Water and Light advisory board is recommending proceeding with an increase in water rates in fiscal year 2025, which begins in October.
Columbia’s city council will hear a discussion on the issue at today’s pre-meeting at 5 pm. The board is recommending proceeding with increasing the base charge for water rates by four percent. The board is recommending increasing the irrigation rate by ten percent.
