Columbia’s city council has tabled a proposal that is aimed at slot machines in gas stations, which are often called “gray machines.”
The proposed ordinance that was tabled Monday night would make it unlawful for people in Columbia to maintain or offer for use any electronic gaming machine that provides a monetary prize. Mayor Barbara Buffaloe recommended tabling the issue. The “Missouri Independent” reports a federal judge has ruled that Missouri gas station slot machines are illegal gambling devices.
The council voted Monday night to appropriate more than $1.2 million for the design and construction of a passenger boarding bridge at Columbia Regional Airport (COU). City officials say the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will reimburse the city for 90 percent of construction costs. COU says the passenger boarding bridge is needed due to the accelerated increase in flights there. The city will have to pay about $124,000, which is the design cost and ten percent local match.
Construction will take about two years.