Columbia public meetings in 2024
11 substantive meetings from 2024, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Board of Aldermen
The Board of Aldermen reviewed November law enforcement reports and current tax collection rates. Mayor Cahoon requested a future session to discuss the implementation of radio reader meters for the town's water system.
- Tax collections reported at 33.83%
- General Fund income at 39% of budget with expenditures at 43%
- Water/Sewer revenues at 52% of expectations with expenditures at 31%
- Law Enforcement Report: 36 citations, three investigations, and two arrest warrants served
- Water/sewer downward adjustment for Elaine Young of $1.00
Board of Aldermen
The Board of Aldermen adopted recommendations from an ad hoc work group to advance harbor projects, authorized a new storage building at the wastewater treatment site, and amended the sewer agreement with Tyrrell County to increase the maximum number of customers from 60 to 65. The board also held a closed session for attorney-client privilege and heard an announcement about a local business opening.
- Adopted ad hoc work group results to move forward with projects for review by Harbor Towns Committee and State Office of Budget and Management
- Directed town manager to proceed with new storage building at Columbia Wastewater Treatment site
- Amended Tyrrell County-Town of Columbia Sewer Agreement to allow a maximum of 65 homes (up from 60)
- Went into closed session under attorney-client privilege without report
Board of Aldermen
The Board of Aldermen granted permission to renovate the tennis courts for pickleball and upgraded surfaces, and agreed to provide a letter of support for a T-Mobile grant. They also approved $8,500 for demolition of the old workshop building and declared two vehicles surplus for sale. The annual audit was accepted, and the sheriff reported 25 traffic citations and 5 arrests in October.
- Tennis court renovation request approved, including pickleball and court surface upgrades, with letter of support for T-Mobile grant
- Demolition of old workshop approved at cost of $8,500
- 2024 annual audit accepted, with two findings noted
- Two vehicles declared surplus and authorized for sale: 2000 Ford F-150 and 1994 Ford Club Van
- Town population estimated at 596, continued decline from previous year
Board of Aldermen
The Board of Aldermen voted 4-1 to reject a proposal for a new municipal building and maintain the existing facility at 103 Main Street. The board also approved budget ordinances for five water, sewer, and well projects and authorized seeking quotes for a new storage building and the demolition of an old shop building.
- Rejected proposal for new municipal building
- Approved budget ordinances for five water, sewer, and well projects
- Authorized quotes for a new storage building and demolition of old shop building ($8,000 quote received for demolition)
- Approved a $192.28 tax release for W.C. Harrell heirs
- Approved a supporting letter for a Tyrrell County Tourism Development Authority planning grant
Board of Aldermen
The Board of Aldermen approved a $87,725 contract with Magette Well and Pump Company for drilling a test well at Well Site #4, and discussed a list of 17 proposed projects for Harbor Towns funding to upgrade the waterfront and downtown. The Board also considered demolishing an old shop building for $8,500, replacing it with a metal building for $150,000, and discussed prohibiting auto mechanical work in residential neighborhoods. A new alderman, Clydette Overton, was appointed to fill a vacancy.
- Approved $87,725 test well contract with Magette Well and Pump Company
- Discussed $8,500 demolition of old shop building and $150,000 replacement metal building
- CAMA permit obtained to remove three piles at boardwalk for cruise boat docking
- Reviewed 17 proposed projects for Harbor Towns funding, to be pared down by Ad hoc Work Group
- Appointed Clydette Overton to fill vacant alderman position
Board of Aldermen
The Board of Aldermen discussed the allocation of a $500,000 Congressional appropriation and $2,000,000 in Harbor Town funding, prioritizing the boardwalk and waterfront. The board also approved a work group for Harbor Town Ferries and a boat lease agreement.
- Approved lease of a new pontoon boat to the Partnership for the Sounds for $1 per year
- Voted to remove three pilings at the waterfront to accommodate the Dinner Boat
- Approved the Harbor Town Ferries Work Group
- Water/sewer downward adjustments for Jennifer Scott ($264.00) and Marilyn Basnight ($118.19)
- Reported 2023 tax collection rate of 89.18%
Board of Aldermen
The Board of Aldermen unanimously approved a resolution objecting to a proposed 22.23% increase in Dominion NC Power rates and also objected to an 11.7% natural gas rate increase. They discussed plans for $2 million in state Harbor Town Ferries funds for waterfront improvements, including a possible town hall relocation and new park. The board heard law enforcement reports, approved a budget amendment accepting $371,368 in state funds for renovations and a pontoon boat, and discussed flood mitigation and drainage projects.
- Resolution objecting to 22.23% Dominion NC Power rate increase (unanimously approved)
- Discussion of $2 million in state Harbor Town Ferries funds for boardwalk and waterfront repairs
- Budget amendment accepting $371,368 state grant for Free 'n Easy renovation and pontoon boat
- Sheriff's report: 109 citations issued in June, 86 in July; murder investigation in July
- Tax collection rate at 89.15%; flood mitigation selection for 20 homes in Columbia
Board of Aldermen
The Board of Aldermen discussed the use of a $2 million Legislative appropriation and other federal funds for town improvements. The body focused on infrastructure and waterfront enhancements rather than new attractions. The Board voted unanimously to direct the Mayor and Town Manager to meet with Peter Thompson of Harbor Towns Ferries to address these issues.
- Direction for Mayor and Town Manager to meet with Peter Thompson (Harbor Towns Ferries)
- $2 million Legislative appropriation for town use
- $500,000 Congressional allocation for boardwalk repairs
- $1.7 million federal appropriation to USFWS for nature trail improvements
- TDA recommended improvements focusing on existing needs over new attractions like a ZIP Line
Board of Aldermen
The Columbia Board of Aldermen approved budget amendments to increase salaries for town employees and authorized the purchase of a pontoon boat using Town funds. The Board also voted to rezone the 25-lot Kendall Court subdivision from multi-family to single-family residential. Discussions were held regarding drainage improvements at Bridge Street and Virginia Avenue.
- Rezoned the 25-lot Kendall Court Subdivision from Multi-Family to Single Family Residential
- Approved a $23,400 General Fund Budget Amendment for employee salary increases
- Approved a $7,400 Water/Sewer Budget Amendment
- Authorized the purchase of a pontoon boat using Town funds pending state reimbursement
- Approved five water/sewer downward adjustments
Board of Aldermen
The Board approved a $26,050 General Fund budget amendment to cover expenses for building demolition, the Scuppernong River Festival, and cemetery maintenance. They also approved a $42,575 Water/Sewer budget amendment. Additionally, the Board directed staff to investigate salary adjustments to align town pay with Tyrrell County scales.
- Approved $26,050 General Fund budget amendment
- Approved $42,575 Water/Sewer budget amendment
- Directed investigation into employee salary adjustments
- Discussed status of Friends of Oakwood Cemetery group
Board of Aldermen
The Board unanimously approved the 2024-25 Budget and scheduled a follow-up meeting for June 17 to address end-of-year budget items. The Town Manager also reported on building inspector vacancies and pending legislative funds for a pontoon boat.
- Unanimous approval of the 2024-25 Budget
- $53,000 in funds for a pontoon boat currently tied up in Raleigh
- Scheduled recessed meeting on June 17 to address end-of-year budget items
- Report of 88.65% property tax collection rate with $41,915.49 remaining