Columbia public meetings in 2025
5 substantive meetings from 2025, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Board of Aldermen
The Columbia Board of Aldermen approved the consent agenda, which included minutes and two water/sewer fee adjustments. The board heard a law‑enforcement report and a status update on the Harbor Towns Ferries project. Additional items discussed were a request for a commemorative roadside sign for Brian Rowsom and the advertisement of two surplus vehicles.
- Water/sewer downward adjustment for Shenita Jones – $15.00
- Water/sewer upward adjustment for Lake Phelps Grain – $83.56
- Harbor Towns Ferries project update – board had no questions
- Request for commemorative roadside sign for Brian Rowsom – manager to obtain DOT specifics
- Advertisement of surplus 2001 Chevrolet Impala and 2006 Ford F450
Board of Aldermen
The Board of Aldermen approved several funding requests for town services and infrastructure. The board also voted to discontinue the use of fluoride in the water system.
- Approved $35,000 for the Fire Department
- Approved $25,000 budget amendment for W/S fund Capital Outlay for a new metal building
- Approved $4,100 for plywood walls to protect insulation in the new metal building
- Approved $3,000 purchase of a mosquito sprayer from the County
- Voted to discontinue Fluoride
Board of Aldermen
The Board of Aldermen approved several new town policies regarding nondiscrimination, record retention, procurement, internal control, and allowable costs. The board also discussed local infrastructure concerns and received reports on law enforcement and tax collection.
- Adoption of Nondiscrimination, Record Retention, Procurement, Allowable Cost and Principles, and Internal Control policies
- Approval of up to $125.00 to sponsor lunch for a new business workshop
- Water/Sewer downward adjustment for Robert Cave in the amount of $18.93
- Law enforcement report citing 36 charges and 9 investigations for July
- Tax Collector's report showing 94.80% collection versus 89.15% last year
Board of Aldermen
The Board of Aldermen approved water and sewer downward adjustments for six accounts. The meeting included reports on law enforcement activity, tax collection, and the start of the 2025-2026 fiscal year.
- Water/Sewer downward adjustments including $1,431.57 for Shamari Spencer and $478.44 for United Methodist Church
- Alligator River bridge restoration project valued at $110,000.00 has restarted
- June Law Enforcement Report citing 47 charges and 3,841 patrol miles
- Municipal election filing period for Mayor and three Alderman seats from July 7 to July 18, 2025
- CDBG-NR funds to be returned to Raleigh on August 14
Board of Aldermen
The Board of Aldermen approved the 2026 Fiscal Year Budget and a tax rate of $.54 per $100.00 of taxable property. The body also decided on employee retirement policy changes and rejected a modified permit for the Inner Banks RV Park.
- 2026 Fiscal Year Budget Ordinance approved for $1,736,973.36
- Tax rate set at $.54 per $100.00 of taxable property
- General Fund amendment approved for $3,200.00
- Rejected request for a modified permit for the Inner Banks RV Park
- Adopted Resolution opposing the proposed shrimp fishing ban in coastal waters