Columbia’s council set to vote Monday evening on proposed August public safety ballot measure

Columbia’s city council is scheduled to vote Monday evening on a proposal that would place a one percent sales/use tax for public safety on the August ballot.

If voters approve the ballot measure, the city says revenue from the tax would directly support Columbia Police and Fire operations, capital improvements and pay/benefit programs.

The city says priorities, if the measure passes, include increasing staffing with 50 police officers and 40 firefighters over four years, a new police station and maintaining competitive wages for Columbia Police and firefighters.

Monday night’s council meeting begins at 7 at city hall.