(LISTEN): Columbia Mayor Barbara Buffaloe appears on “Wake Up Mid-Missouri”

Columbia Mayor Barbara Buffaloe is excited about a $2.5 million development planned at the former Boone County Fairgrounds in Columbia. It goes before the city council tonight for final approval. City manager De’Carlon Seewood is recommending that the council accept a $2.5 million grant from the state Department of Agriculture (MDA) to develop facilities at the former Boone County Fairgrounds to support the Boone County Fair. Missouri lawmakers have already approved the funding. Mayor Buffaloe joined us live on 939 the Eagle’s “Wake Up Mid-Missouri,” and praises Columbia Parks and Recreation for applying for the grant. The money would be used to build a new covered arena and livestock barn, along with a fair office. Mayor Buffaloe also discussed tonight’s public hearing on the planned $12.3 million voter-approved capital improvement project on busy Forum Boulevard between Chapel Hill and Woodrail Avenue. The mayor also discussed recent crime during the live interview. Columbia saw two brutal murders last week, and a gunman barricaded himself at the Greens apartments last night after allegedly robbing Subway. While CPD is currently 37 officers short, Mayor Buffaloe praises the recruiting efforts of police chief Jill Schlude, noting 11 officers are currently in the police academy. Mayor Buffaloe also praises the city council for recently voting to raise starting pay for officers and for addressing pay compression for officers: