Tonight is your next opportunity to testify about Columbia city manager De’Carlon Seewood’s proposed $558-million budget.
It calls for 31 new city positions and is an increase of $12-million from last year. Mr. Seewood tells reporters that his proposed budget emphasizes four main priorities: infrastructure, public safety, housing and social services. Mr. Seewood is proposing $46-million for about 80 capital improvements, including $4.5 million for the Forum Boulevard project.
Mr. Seewood’s proposed budget emphasizes public safety: $68-million of the city’s general fund budget would go toward public safety. That’s 51 percent of the general fund budget. It also highlights Mr. Seewood’s focus on affordable housing issues. He’s proposing the creation of an affordable housing trust fund. The Columbia Board of Realtors says the average price of a home sold in Columbia in June was $355,000. Mr. Seewood tells reporters that the fund could be used with down payment assistance or rental assistance. Mr. Seewood’s proposed budget includes $1.5 million for the affordable housing trust fund.
Mr. Seewood is also proposing a pay raise for Columbia’s 1,500 employees: the pay raise averages three-point-five percent.
New Columbia fire chief Brian Schaeffer will also be sworn-in at tonight’s meeting: Mr. Schaeffer began his new job this morning. Mr. Seewood appointed Schaeffer to the post in July. And the oath of office will be given to newly-elected Columbia first ward Councilwoman Valerie Carroll. The first ward seat has been vacant since April, when then-Columbia Councilman Nick Knoth was recalled from office.
