UPDATE: Columbia voters approve sales/use tax for public safety by less than 100 votes

By Brian Hauswirth

Columbia voters on Tuesday narrowly approved Proposition One, a proposed one percent sales/use tax that would be dedicated to public safety.

659017522 1407756034726693 6644308123874956903 n — Columbia Fire Department (CFD) personnel used ropes and other special equipment to make a March rescue at Capen Park (March 31, 2026 file photo courtesy of CFD Facebook page)

Boone County clerk Brianna Lennon’s office says it passed 15,042 to 14,957, less than 100 votes.

611804960 1296164875882015 6180230123140255487 n — Columbia police respond to a triple shooting that included one death at the Greens apartments on Clark lane on January 4, 2026 (file photo courtesy of CPD’s Facebook page)

Police chief Jill Schlude has said that a new police headquarters is planned, with the voter-approved measure. Chief Schlude says CPD will locate in the former IBM building on Lemone Industrial. The current Columbia police station downtown is 93 years old.

Columbia city manager De’Carlon Seewood says with passage of Proposition One, $38-million will be generated annually and that there would be 50 additional police officers and 40 additional firefighters over four years. There are also plans for two new fire stations with apparatus and a new police station.