Columbus public meetings in 2025

City Council

The Mayor and City Council will discuss a resolution to levy a 2% tax on short-term rentals. The body is also reviewing several facility repairs and professional training requests.

• Proposed 2% added tax on short-term rentals within the City of Columbus
• Bid of $38,944.00 to Graham Roofing for a retrofit roof system on the East Columbus Gym
• Bid of $7,042.01 to Henry Miller Roofing LLC for the Farmer's Market annex roof
• Tourism Tax Payments totaling $224,626.26 distributed to Lowndes County, Golden Triangle Development LINK, the City, and Columbus Visitors Bureau
• Training requests including $8,000.00 for two CPD Officers to attend the North Mississippi Law Enforcement Training Center

City Council

The Columbus City Council will approve payments for police training, a fire personnel retirement, and traffic safety improvements. The body will also authorize a $1 million allocation for the Senator Terry Brown Amphitheater Phase 3 construction and approve a bid for Highway 45 South Drain work.

• Approve $1,000,000 for Senator Terry Brown Amphitheater Phase 3 construction
• Approve Temporary Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Improvements along Main Street
• Approve bid for Highway 45 South Drain project work
• Approve payment of $148,005.09 for drainage improvements
• Approve payment for CPD personnel to attend 2025 Winter Educational Conference

The council unanimously approved a $1,000,000 allocation for Phase 3 construction of the Senator Terry Brown Amphitheater. It also approved a $268,962.63 docket of claims, $238,000 of ARPA drainage funds and the award of a $238,000 Highway 45 South drainage contract. Additional approvals included traffic‑safety improvements on Main Street, a $148,005.09 payment to Collum Construction, police conference travel funds, and retirement compensation for a fire employee.

• Approved $1,000,000 Phase 3 Amphitheater allocation (5-0)
• Approved $268,962.63 Docket of Claims (5-0)
• Approved $238,000 ARPA drainage fund allocation to Pace Excavating (5-0)
• Approved award of $238,000 Highway 45 South Drainage bid to Pace Excavating (5-0)
• Approved traffic and pedestrian safety improvements ($16,215.80 North, $6,251.20 South) (5-0)
• Approved $148,005.09 payment to Collum Construction (5-0)
• Approved police chief conference travel funding ($1,323 each) (5-0)
• Approved retirement compensation for fire personnel Todd Graham (5-0)

City Council

The Mayor and City Council will consider hiring a municipal court judge, a firefighter, and a police officer. The body will also discuss the Blight Program Advisory Committee and the purchase of five properties for the Blight Program.

• Purchase of five properties for the Blight Program
• Engagement of James O. Turner for appraisal analysis at $2,500 each and testimony at $250 per hour
• Permit for 'Catfish in the Alley' on April 11, 2026
• Permit for block party at 527 Military Road on November 22, 2025
• Reallocation of Internet Sales Tax funds from roof repairs to paving projects

The council approved a Docket of Claims totaling $1,554,910.75. It reappointed Jarvis Fenster to the Planning Commission and appointed Libby Robertson to the Library Board. The council hired an entry‑level firefighter and an entry‑level police officer, engaged appraisal services for eminent‑domain cases, and approved the Blight Program Advisory Committee. A motion to purchase five properties for the Blight Program was made and seconded, though the vote result was not recorded.

• Approved Docket of Claims $1,554,910.75 (6‑0)
• Reappointed Jarvis Fenster to City Planning Commission (6‑0)
• Appointed Libby Robertson to Library Board (6‑0)
• Approved hire of firefighter Richard H. McBride (6‑0)
• Approved hire of police officer Darius Glover (6‑0)
• Approved engagement of James O. Turner for appraisal services (6‑0)
• Approved Blight Program Advisory Committee (6‑0)
• Motion to purchase five properties for Blight Program made, seconded; vote outcome not recorded

City Council

The Columbus City Council will consider several policy items, including purchasing four Stalker Dual Radar units for the police department at a cost of $6,796. Other agenda items include approving change orders for airport projects, a revised organizational chart, and applying for a state grant for terminal renovations. The council will also swear in nine new police officers and discuss updates on the Highway 45 South Drain project and city paving projects.

• Discuss/approve purchase of four Stalker Dual Radar units for $6,796, reimbursed by a state highway safety grant
• Swearing-in of nine Columbus Police Department officers and one honorary chaplain
• Discuss/approve Change Order No. 1 for CLCA's Replacement of Terminal Windows/Doors project for $4,950
• Discuss/approve Change Order No. 1 for CLCA AWOS III Construction Phase I for $7,055.13
• Discuss/approve applying for MDOT's FY2026 SMIF grant for Terminal Renovation project

The council approved the agenda and minutes, and authorized payment of $250,956.12 in claims. It approved the purchase of four Stalker Dual Radar units for $6,796.00, the revised city organization chart, and two change orders totaling $12,005.13. Finally, the council voted to apply for a $300,000 MDOT SMIF grant for the airport terminal renovation, with a $15,000 city match.

• Approved agenda (6-0)
• Approved minutes for Oct. 15 and Oct. 21 meetings (6-0)
• Approved Docket of Claims $250,956.12 (6-0)
• Approved purchase of four Stalker Dual Radar units $6,796.00 (6-0)
• Approved revised organization chart (5-1)
• Approved Change Order No. 1 for airport terminal windows/doors $4,950.00 (6-0)
• Approved Change Order No. 1 for CLCA AWOS III Phase I $7,055.13 (6-0)
• Approved applying for MDOT FY2026 SMIF Grant $300,000 with $15,000 city match (6-0)

City Council

The City Council will consider awarding legal services and inspection contracts for the Blight Program, discuss a derelict property docket, and appoint two members to the Planning Commission. The agenda also includes a $8,000 grant for a metal detector and several routine permits and personnel items.

• Discuss/approve awarding legal services contract for Blight Program
• Discuss/approve awarding inspector contract for Blight Program
• Discuss/approve derelict property docket
• Appoint two members to City Planning Commission (terms expired)
• Accept $8,000 grant from Mississippi Office of Homeland Security for portable metal detector

The council unanimously approved the agenda amendment and the minutes from the October 1 and October 7 meetings. It then approved the Docket of Claims for $750,642.24, excluding two vouchers, and authorized payment of Voucher 235011 after a coding correction and Voucher 235371 for $10,345.50. The consent agenda, covering reimbursements, permits, software upgrades, a grant and other items, was also approved unanimously.

• Approved agenda amendment (6/0)
• Approved minutes for Oct. 1 and Oct. 7 meetings (6/0)
• Approved Docket of Claims $750,642.24, excluding Vouchers 235011 and 235371 (6/0)
• Approved payment of Voucher 235011 pending budget‑code correction (6/0)
• Approved payment of Voucher 235371 $10,345.50 (6/0)
• Approved consent agenda items—including fire‑personnel reimbursements, event permits, software proposals, and $8,000 grant (6/0)

City Council

The Columbus City Council will consider a short-term rental ordinance and a derelict property docket. They will also vote on hiring five entry-level firefighters and one police officer, and on approving multiple event permits and travel expenses for officials. The consent agenda includes a $170,469.41 workers compensation premium payment and several conference travel requests.

• Discuss/Approve Short Term Rental Ordinance (Policy Agenda item B)
• Discuss/Approve Derelict Property Docket (Policy Agenda item A)
• Approve $170,469.41 premium payment to Mississippi Municipal Workers Compensation Group (Consent item Q)
• Approve request for Mayor to attend 2026 African American Mayors Association conference, estimated cost $2,700 (Consent item A)
• Discuss/Approve hiring five Entry Level Firefighters and one entry-level police officer (Policy items E and F)

The council unanimously approved the agenda, the minutes for six prior meetings, and a Docket of Claims totaling $1,6 65,617.15. It also approved payment of two Stitch Dis & Dat vouchers for $63,933.55 and voted 4‑2 to table a motion to end the W.T. Consultants contract. The consent agenda was adopted, authorizing travel for city officials, several community event permits, and a $170,469.41 workers‑comp premium. A 15‑day extension was granted for the Grandview Investments derelict‑lot remediation.

• Approve agenda (6‑0)
• Approve minutes for six prior meetings (6‑0)
• Approve Docket of Claims $1,6 65,617.15 (6‑0)
• Approve payment of Stitch Dis & Dat vouchers $63,933.55 (6‑0)
• Table motion to end W.T. Consultants contract (4‑2)
• Adopt consent agenda items including travel reimbursements, event permits, and workers‑comp premium (unanimous)
• Approve 15‑day extension for Grandview Investments derelict‑lot remediation (6‑0)
• Approve payment of $170,469.41 workers‑comp premium (unanimous)

City Council

The Columbus City Council will vote on a redevelopment agreement and related documents, as well as the vacation of portions of several streets. Other policy items include an Internet Sales Tax Plan, reopening the Emergency Repair Grant Program, and a bid award for Propst Park Activity Center. The council will also hear citizen input on FOIA costs and a PFAS lawsuit.

• Consider/Approve resolution approving PSA, Redevelopment Agreement, Escrow Agreement, Option to Purchase, and Real Estate License Agreement
• Discuss/Approve resolution vacating portions of First Street South, 8th Avenue South, and 9th Avenue North
• Discuss/Approve Internet Sales Tax Plan
• Consider/Approve reopening Emergency Repair Grant Program
• Discuss/Approve awarding Propst Park Activity Center bid to Turner Excavating and Erosion, LLC for $41,800

The City Council unanimously approved the meeting agenda, the September 2 minutes, and a $271,662.26 docket of claims. It also approved a large consent agenda covering training courses, event permits, a resignation, and a notary request. Council members reappointed Chris Chain to the Redevelopment Authority Board and appointed Mary Jeter to the Historic Preservation Commission. Finally, the Council authorized the Mayor to sign documents for the PFAS class‑action lawsuit.

• Approved agenda as amended (6/0)
• Approved September 2, 2025 minutes (6/0)
• Approved Docket of Claims $271,662.26 (6/0)
• Approved Consent Agenda items including training courses, event permits, resignation and notary request (6/0)
• Reappointed Chris Chain to Redevelopment Authority Board for 5‑year term (6/0)
• Appointed Mary Jeter to Historic Preservation Commission for 4‑year term (6/0)
• Authorized Mayor to sign PFAS lawsuit documents (6/0)

City Council

The Columbus City Council will discuss and vote on several items, including a request to apply for a $497,250 Mississippi Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund grant for the Recreation Department. The council will also consider adoption of flood maps and ordinance, approval of MDOT matching grants totaling $6,430, and various facility usage permits and public‑safety training expenses. Additional agenda items cover staffing vacancies, a badge‑access door purchase, and a riprap installation project.

• Approve permit for Columbus High School Homecoming Parade on Oct 9, 2025 (South Browder St → Alabama St → North McCrary → high school tennis courts)
• Approve $2,200 payment for one Fire and Rescue personnel to attend NFPA Basic Firefighter training in Jackson, MS
• Discuss/approve purchase of Badgepass access doors for Trotter and City Hall for $14,914.20 (sole source)
• Discuss/approve installation of ~225 linear feet of riprap in Gaylane Drive ditch north of Highway 182 for $64,461.77, cost split with Lowndes County
• Discuss/approve request to apply for Mississippi Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund grant of $497,250 for the Recreation Department (match $118,625 in‑kind)

The council approved the amended agenda, the August 19 minutes, and a $584,216.46 docket of claims, each with a 6‑0 vote. It unanimously approved a consent agenda covering several event permits, travel requests and a mayoral summit attendance. Councilman Spears moved and the council approved Velma Woodard’s appointment to the Columbus Housing Authority for a five‑year term (6‑0). The council also adopted orders to address multiple derelict properties under Mississippi Code §21‑19‑11, each passing 6‑0.

• Approve agenda amendment (6‑0)
• Approve August 19 minutes (6‑0)
• Approve docket of claims $584,216.46 (6‑0)
• Approve consent agenda permits and travel requests (unanimous)
• Appoint Velma Woodard to Columbus Housing Authority, 5‑year term (6‑0)
• Adopt derelict property orders for five properties (each 6‑0)

City Council

The city council will consider the derelict property docket, a right-of-entry agreement with CPKC Railroad for an ARPA drainage project, and several personnel actions including hiring three police officers and promoting four firefighters. Other items include naming the Columbus Fossil Park after Dr. John M. 'Jack' Kaye and donating surplus fire hose to Noxubee County. The meeting also includes a citizen input period regarding a Columbus Redevelopment Authority purchase and sale agreement.

• Discuss/Approve Derelict Property Docket
• Discuss/Approve Right-of-Entry Agreement with CPKC Railroad for ARPA Drainage Project
• Discuss/Approve hiring three certified police officers
• Discuss/Approve naming Columbus Fossil Park in honor of Dr. John M. 'Jack' Kaye
• Discuss/Approve donation of surplus fire hose to Noxubee County Fire Service

The council approved the Docket of Claims for $903,775.99, moving the payment from the airport to the Recreation Department. All items on the consent agenda, including several resignations and a training request, were approved unanimously. Frances Glenn was appointed to the Historic Preservation Commission. The council granted 45‑day extensions and removal orders for three derelict properties. Four new firefighters were sworn in.

• Approved Docket of Claims for $903,775.99 (6‑0)
• Approved Consent Agenda items (resignations, training, emergency purchase ratification) (6‑0)
• Appointed Frances Glenn to Historic Preservation Commission (6‑0)
• Granted 45‑day extension for 1521 21st St N remediation (6‑0)
• Approved removal order for 2413 5th Ave S (6‑0)
• Granted 45‑day extension for 630 Oak St remediation (6‑0)
• Sworn in firefighters Zachary Anderson, Colton Birmingham, Dalton Cook, Tavonta Macon
• Approved agenda as amended (6‑0)

City Council

The City Council will discuss and vote on several policy items, including a grant application for the Senator Terry Brown Amphitheater, a beaver control contract with USDA, and a derelict property docket. The consent agenda includes travel approvals for police and fire training, resignations, and a parade permit. Board vacancies for the Housing Authority, Historic Preservation Commission, Convention & Visitors Bureau, and Redevelopment Authority are also scheduled for appointments.

• Discuss/approve $500,000 arts grant with $333,333 city match for Senator Terry Brown Amphitheater
• Discuss/approve beaver control contract with USDA up to $12,000
• Discuss/approve installation of speed hump on 18th Street North between 12th and 11th Avenues
• Discuss/approve purchase of property for Blight Program
• Discuss/approve derelict property docket

The council unanimously (6‑0) approved the August 5 docket of claims totaling $1,645,097.54. It also approved the consent agenda, including travel for personnel, permits for a veterans’ parade and the East Columbus Festival block of Lawrence Drive, and accepted two police resignations. The council appointed David Armstrong to the Convention & Visitor’s Bureau board and Robert Cooper to the Redevelopment Authority board, adopted orders for two derelict properties, and approved a 155‑foot telecommunications tower.

• Approved Docket of Claims $1,645,097.54 (6‑0)
• Approved consent agenda items (travel, permits, resignations) (6‑0)
• Appointed David Armstrong to Convention & Visitor’s Bureau board (6‑0)
• Appointed Robert Cooper to Redevelopment Authority board (6‑0)
• Adopted order for derelict property at 819 Railroad Street (6‑0)
• Adopted order for derelict property at 2611 4th Avenue North (6‑0)
• Approved 155‑foot telecommunications tower installation (6‑0)
• Approved permit to block Lawrence Drive for East Columbus Festival (6‑0)

City Council

The council will approve prior meeting minutes and a docket of claims, and consider several consent agenda items including permits for community events, travel reimbursements, and resignations. In the policy session the council will discuss and vote on a $150,000 FAA grant, a $71,243 base bid for the CLCA AWOS project, a $1,495,540 pedestrian improvement contract for 5th Street North, and other personnel and infrastructure matters.

• Approve $1,495,540.15 contract for pedestrian improvements along 5th Street North (Burns Dirt Construction)
• Approve FAA AIP Grant of $150,000 for Phase I (site prep) of the CLCA AWOS project
• Approve base bid and Additive Alternate No. 1 of $71,243.00 for Phase I of the CLCA AWOS project to Castle Energy Group
• Approve 2% Tourism Tax Payment totaling $239,407.35 distributed to Lowndes County, Golden Triangle Development LINK, City of Columbus, and Columbus Visitors Bureau
• Approve payment of $1,650.00 each for two CPD personnel to attend Accident Reconstruction Level 1 training

The council unanimously approved the agenda amendment, the July 1 and July 3 meeting minutes, and a Docket of Claims totaling $946,295.54. It also approved a series of consent‑agenda items, including a $239,407.35 tourism tax payment to four entities, and accepted two employee resignations. Finally, the council adopted an order to remediate a derelict property on Idlewild Road.

• Approved agenda amendment adding Facilities Usage Permit (6‑0)
• Approved minutes for July 1, 2025 meeting (6‑0)
• Approved minutes for July 3, 2025 special meeting (6‑0)
• Approved Docket of Claims for $946,295.54 (6‑0)
• Approved tourism tax payment of $239,407.35 to Lowndes County, Golden Triangle Development LINK, City of Columbus, and Columbus Visitors Bureau (6‑0)
• Accepted resignation of Diesel Mechanic Nathaniel Roebuck and authorized recruitment (6‑0)
• Accepted resignation of Fire and Rescue personnel James Hays with vacation compensation (6‑0)
• Adopted order to remediate derelict property at 212 Idlewild Road (case 25‑0214) (6‑0)

City Council

The council will consider several items, including awarding a $261,340 bid for Bluecutt & Leigh Drive signal improvements, approving a $223,934 grant application for a building generator, and authorizing various personnel and permit requests. The meeting also includes routine approvals such as reappointments of interim judges and prosecutors, bond renewals, and a $3,000 expenditure for National Night Out advertising.

• Award bid to Powell Construction Services, Inc. for Bluecutt & Leigh Drive signal improvements – $261,340
• Apply for Mississippi Emergency Management Agency building generator grant – $223,934 (city match $55,983.50)
• Approve $3,000 expenditure for National Night Out advertising (five sites at $600 each)
• Approve hiring of two seasonal workers for Community Outreach
• Renew surety bonds for mayor, council members, city officials, and staff

The council approved the July 1 Docket of Claims for $371,313.55 with a unanimous vote. It also adopted the consent agenda, reappointed members to the Municipal Election Commission and the Board of Adjustment, accepted a resignation of the Court Administrator, and approved several community event permits. Additionally, the council granted a 10‑day remediation extension for a derelict property at 127 Gaylane Drive.

• Approved Docket of Claims $371,313.55 (6-0)
• Adopted Consent Agenda covering reappointments, bonds, training expenses, and event permits (6-0)
• Reappointed Penesha McDowell Harrison, Linda Harris, Josh Clemons, Gail Clark, and Irma Moore to Municipal Election Commission (6-0)
• Reappointed Quinn Brislin to Board of Adjustment & Appeals of Development Codes (6-0)
• Accepted resignation of Court Administrator Wendy Blunt and approved compensation for up to 240 hours of unused vacation (6-0)
• Approved permits for Back to School Drive, Vacation Bible School, Southside Blues Festival, and Sim Scott event (6-0)
• Granted 10‑day remediation extension for 127 Gaylane Drive property (6-0)

City Council

The Columbus City Council will vote on approving travel expenses for council members and department staff, hiring a new police officer, and amending the municipal budget for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025.

• Approve travel expenses for Mayor & Council to Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway Conference ($1,568.36/person)
• Approve travel expenses for CPD personnel to attend Mississippi Command College ($3,930.00)
• Approve resolution amending the Municipal Budget for FY ending September 30, 2025
• Approve purchase of turnout coats, pants, and boots for $31,138.88
• Approve acceptance of FAA AIG Grant ($94,297.00) for Box Hangar at CLCA

The City Council unanimously approved the amended agenda and the minutes from the June 3 meeting. It approved the consent agenda items, including the Building Official’s retirement, advertising for judicial positions, and several travel and training reimbursements. The council also approved the June 17 Docket of Claims for $1,189,065.44 and appointed Brandy Gardner to the City Utilities Commission for a five‑year term.

• Approved agenda amendment (5-0)
• Approved June 3 minutes (5-0)
• Approved Consent Agenda items A, B, E–O (5-0)
• Approved Docket of Claims for $1,189,065.44 (5-0)
• Appointed Brandy Gardner to City Utilities Commission, 5‑year term (5-0)

City Council

The Columbus City Council will discuss and vote on several policy items, including a derelict property docket, installation of speed humps, replacement of fire hoses ($18,540), and a letter of intent for a $500,000 Mississippi Arts Commission building grant for the Amphitheater Completion Project. The consent agenda includes surplus vehicles, training expenses, and event permits. Board vacancies and a citizen input session are also scheduled.

• Discuss/Approve Derelict Property Docket
• Installation of speed hump between 11th Avenue South and 12th Avenue South and two speed humps between 15th Avenue South and 16th Avenue South
• Replace outdated fire hose for $18,540 plus freight
• Submit letter of intent for $500,000 Building Grant for Amphitheater Completion Project
• Approve surplus of two Columbus Fire and Rescue vehicles

The council unanimously approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from May 20, 2025. It approved the consent agenda, which included vehicle surpluses, training reimbursements, and several event permits. The council also approved a $322,687.88 docket of claims. Finally, it adopted orders under Mississippi Code §21‑19‑11 to allow removal and remediation of multiple derelict properties.

• Approved agenda as prepared (6‑0)
• Approved minutes from May 20, 2025 (6‑0)
• Approved consent agenda items including vehicle surplus and training reimbursements (6‑0)
• Approved docket of claims for $322,687.88 (6‑0)
• Adopted order to remove dilapidated structures and clean vegetation at 616 Peach St (6‑0)
• Adopted order to remediate vegetation at 904 7th Ave N (6‑0)
• Adopted order to allow 45‑day remediation extension for 1405 7th St N (6‑0)
• Adopted order for cleanup and debris removal at multiple listed properties (6‑0)

City Council

The Columbus City Council will vote on hiring five police officers, naming the Columbus Fossil Park after Dr. Jack Kaye, and approving a derelict property docket. Other actions include contracts for ditch cleaning and hangar construction, along with event permits and personnel items from the consent agenda.

• Approve hiring five CPD officers contingent on testing
• Name Columbus Fossil Park after Dr. Jack Kaye
• Approve cleaning of Gaylane Drive ditch for $20,065
• Approve Change Order No. 3 for CLCA Box Hangar construction
• Approve $4,000 USTA MS Community Tennis and Facility Grant

The council unanimously approved the amended agenda and the minutes from the May 6 meeting. The consent agenda was approved, authorizing several event permits, staff travel reimbursements, two police officer resignations, a custodian promotion and a donation of pickleball paddles. The Docket of Claims for $1,550,837.93 was approved by a 5‑1 vote. The council unanimously appointed Jerry Fortenberry and Emily Johnson to the Historic Preservation Commission for four‑year terms.

• Approved agenda amendment (6‑0)
• Approved minutes for May 6, 2025 (6‑0)
• Approved consent agenda items including event permits, travel reimbursements, resignations, promotion and donation (6‑0)
• Approved Docket of Claims for $1,550,837.93 (5‑1)
• Appointed Jerry Fortenberry and Emily Johnson to Historic Preservation Commission (6‑0)

City Council

The Mayor and City Council will consider several infrastructure and administrative items, including drainage improvements and a road donation for Columbus Place entry. The body will also review recommendations from the April 14 Planning Commission meeting and the derelict property docket.

• Recommendation of award for Columbus drainage improvements
• Road donation for Columbus Place entry
• Rescinding MOA with Columbus Cultural Heritage Foundation for Columbus Fossil Park project
• Payment of $3,234.00 for one CPD personnel to attend NOBLE 49th Annual Training Conference
• Permit for GTA Kickball League Tournament at Propst Park on May 10, 2025

The City Council approved a travel request for June to meet with a Washington delegation about federal funding. It also approved the consent agenda items, the May docket of claims totaling $1,220,440.92, and a $5,000 grant for fireworks on the water. Patricia Shannon Evans was appointed to the Tree Board, and a derelict‑property removal order was adopted.

• Approved consent agenda items (training travel, permits, resignations, etc.) – vote 6/0
• Approved Docket of Claims for May $1,220,440.92 – vote 6/0
• Appointed Patricia Shannon Evans to the Tree Board (3‑year term) – vote 5/1
• Approved $5,000 support for fireworks on the water – motion passed
• Reallocated $2,500 leftover funds to tournament advertising – vote 6/0
• Approved trip to Washington in June to discuss federal funding requests – vote 4/2
• Adopted order to remove dilapidated structures under Section 21‑19‑11 – vote 6/0

City Council

The City Council will consider splitting $1.1 million allocated for paving improvements and approve several contracts, including a drainage easement agreement for $64,954.61 and Sandfield Park improvements up to $45,000. A consent agenda includes police training expenses, permit requests, and $15,000 for Juneteenth Festival funding. The council will also swear in six new police officers and review monthly department reports.

• Split of $1.1M for 2025 paving improvements
• Professional services contract for drainage easement creation ($64,954.61)
• Sandfield Park improvements not to exceed $45,000
• Juneteenth Festival Funding of $15,000
• Approve derelict property docket

The council unanimously approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from the April 1 and March 31 sessions. They approved the consent agenda items, including permits, police training expenses, and Juneteenth Festival funding of $15,000, with a 6‑0 vote. The council also approved a $1,660,710.64 Docket of Claims (5‑1 vote), appointed Birney Imes to the Tree Board (6‑0), and granted a 30‑day remediation extension for a derelict property (6‑0).

• Approved agenda amendment (6‑0)
• Approved minutes for April 1 and March 31 meetings (6‑0 each)
• Approved consent agenda items, including permits and police training expenses (6‑0)
• Approved Juneteenth Festival funding $15,000 (6‑0)
• Approved Docket of Claims $1,660,710.64 (5‑1)
• Appointed Birney Imes to Tree Board for 3‑year term (6‑0)
• Granted 30‑day extension for derelict property remediation (6‑0)

City Council

The Columbus City Council will consider multiple action items at its April 1, 2025 meeting, including a request to hire 10 police officers (six entry-level, three certified, one lateral transfer), a $64,954.61 professional services contract for drainage easement creation and acquisition, and approval of $15,000 in annual funding for the Market Street Festival. The consent agenda includes training travel for fire and police personnel and permits for several community events. Policy items also cover speed humps on 11th Avenue, grants for fossil parks at Columbus Recreation Department and Propst Park, and a derelict property docket.

• Discuss/Approve request to hire 6 entry-level, 3 certified, and 1 lateral-transfer police officer
• Discuss/Approve $64,954.61 professional services contract for drainage easement creation and acquisition
• Discuss/Approve installation of two speed humps on 11th Avenue between North 18th and North 20th Streets
• Discuss/Approve applying for Mississippi Recreational Trails Grant ($90,353 with 20% match) for Propst Park Fossil Park
• Approve $15,000 annual Market Street Festival funding via inter-local agreement

The City Council unanimously approved the meeting agenda and the March 18 minutes. It then approved the Consent Agenda, which included dozens of event permits and $15,000 funding for the Annual Market Street Festival. The Council also approved a Docket of Claims for $763,333.80 and took actions on several derelict‑property cases, granting an extension for one, tabling another, and ordering abatement for two.

• Approved agenda as presented (6/0)
• Approved March 18, 2025 minutes (6/0)
• Approved Consent Agenda, including event permits and $15,000 festival funding (6/0)
• Approved Docket of Claims totaling $763,333.80 (6/0)
• Approved 7‑day remediation extension for 212 INVESTMENTS LLC property (case 25‑0064) (6/0)
• Tabled action on Robert Turnipseed property (case 25‑0069) until April 15, 2025 (6/0)
• Approved abatement order for Charlie/Tamaka Johnson property (case 25‑0063) (6/0)
• Approved abatement order for Cana Properties (case 25‑0065) (6/0)

City Council

The Columbus City Council will meet for regular business, including a consent agenda with several event permits and personnel resignations, followed by reports, citizen input, and policy items. Key decisions include a resolution for the 2025 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) payment, multiple grant applications, and personnel matters.

• Discuss/approve Resolution for 2025 COLA Payment as per Mississippi Code Annotated 21-29-247
• Discuss/approve applying for T-Mobile Hometown Grant ($50,000) for Propst Park Fossil Park amenities
• Discuss/approve applying for Hazard Mitigation Assistance Grant ($62,500 match) for generators
• Discuss/approve awarding Farmers' Market Renovations to the lowest responsive bidder
• Accept resignation/retirement of the Municipal Judge and discuss interim replacement

City Council

The Columbus City Council will consider approving permits for community events, training for police and fire personnel, and the use of community centers by the school district. The body will also discuss and vote on several capital improvement projects, including paving at the Senator Terry Brown Amphitheater and the Alexandria Lot.

• Approve permit for St. Patrick's Day Fun Run on Second Avenue North
• Approve paving Alexandria Lot for $70,000
• Approve paving Propst Park Pickleball Courts Parking Lot for $13,000
• Approve use of Sim Scott Community Center by Columbus Municipal School District
• Approve payment of $37,891.38 for ESCO Project Debt

City Council

The Columbus City Council will discuss and vote on several contracts and staffing items, including a historic resources survey contract for up to 700 parcels. It will also consider a lobbyist contract not to exceed $72,000 for the 2025 legislative session and approve travel and training expenses for police, fire, and public works personnel. Additional agenda items include routine reports, a derelict property docket, and a request to hire two certified police officers pending testing.

• Approve Historic Resources Survey Contract: $58,500 for up to 700 parcels, $85 per additional parcel, max $64,450.
• Approve Lobbyists Contract with W.T. Consultants, not to exceed $72,000 for the 2025 session.
• Approve $4,260 payment for two CPD officers to attend the 2025 MLEOA Motor Officer Class in Flowood, MS.
• Approve $1,147.78 payment for Public Works Office Manager to attend the Administrative Professional Day Conference in Athens, GA.
• Discuss/Approve hiring two certified police officers contingent upon successful preliminary testing.

City Council

The Columbus City Council will consider a consent agenda including firefighter training, a fundraiser permit, and payments. Under policy, they will discuss a historic resources survey contract up to $64,450, a $250,000 grant application, a flooring bid for East Columbus Gym, and installation of a speed hump on Maple Street. They will also swear in four police officers and fill board vacancies.

• Approve $15,000 for Townsend Park Blues-Southside Festival via 2% Restaurant Tax
• Award $82,952 flooring bid for East Columbus Gym to Covington Flooring Company
• Discuss/Approve historic resources survey contract up to $64,450
• Discuss/Approve applying for $250,000 Municipal Investment Fund Market Building Grant with no match
• Discuss/Approve installation of one speed hump on Maple Street between Lawrence Drive and Poplar Street

City Council

The Mayor and City Council will review several professional service contracts and funding requests. The body is also deciding on board vacancies and legislative funding priorities for crime and flooding initiatives.

• Resolution to prioritize $2,000,000 for North East Mississippi Area Crime Center and $2,000,000 for watershed-based flooding
• Historic Resources Survey Contract not to exceed $64,450
• Cyber Security Insurance payment of $19,240.65
• Payment of $12,688.44 to Waggoner Engineering
• Permit for 'Brews and Blues' event on June 14, 2025, blocking Third Street North

City Council

The council will discuss and vote on training reimbursements for fire and police personnel, including payments of $400 and $500 for fire training and tuition and clothing allowances for four officers attending a law‑enforcement course. It will also consider hiring one certified police officer pending testing, promote two fire personnel to certified status, and approve replacement of LED street lights on 7th and 14th Avenue. Additional items include a $658.34 payment for webmaster services and moving three exempt employees to hourly status for FLSA compliance.

• Approve $400 payment for one fire personnel to attend Haz‑Mat Awareness and Operations in Jackson, MS
• Approve $500 payment for one fire personnel to attend NFPA 1021 Fire Officer course in Jackson, MS
• Approve tuition reimbursement of $4,000 per officer (four officers) and up to $350 clothing allowance per officer for CPD officers attending training in Tupelo, MS
• Discuss/approve hiring one certified police officer contingent upon successful preliminary testing
• Discuss/approve replacement of seventeen low‑voltage LED bulbs on 7th and 14th Avenue for $7,142.04