93.9 The Eagle – The News and Talk of Columbia, MO
Funding for a new fire station in fast-growing southwest Columbia is included in the city manager’s proposed budget, which is now before the city council.
Columbia fire chief Randy White says the land has been obtained.
“The fire station that’s going to be located in the (Columbia’s) southwest is all the way at the bottom of Scott Boulevard where it meets K, right in that general area. We already have the land procured,” White says.
The city manager’s proposed budget also includes 12 new firefighters for that station.
“Nine of those will be permanently assigned to the station. There’s one per shift that is what we call a floater basically. Helps with the increased staffing. You have to add additional floaters for vacations and sick leave and that kind of thing,” Chief White tells 939 the Eagle.
We’ll learn more details about city manager De’Carlon Seewood’s proposed $506-million budget at Saturday morning’s city council work session. Mr. Seewood says 75 percent of Columbia’s general fund is for public safety, emphasizing that public safety is a top priority for residents.
Mr. Seewood’s proposed budget also increases staffing for Columbia Police, including money for three airport safety officers, a new police sergeant and a crime scene investigator.
You’ll have your first opportunity to testify about the proposed budget at Monday evening’s city council meeting.
