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City Manager De’Carlon Seewood

This month's Let’s Talk Local discussion, hosted by Mayor Barbara Buffaloe, will be held from 5:30-7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 15 at Missouri United Methodist Church, 204 S. Ninth St. This month’s topic will focus on the City's newly adopted Fiscal Year 2026 budget, which went into effect Oct. 1. City staff will present highlights from the budget and be available to answer community questions. The Fiscal Year 2026 budget can be found at CoMo.gov/finance/accounting/financial-reports/. Attendees are asked to register at the following link: https://forms.gle/McWp2AuZjjsuq2Tn8.

Future event dates and details will be posted here as they are scheduled. Please click

This month's Let’s Talk Local discussion, hosted by Mayor Barbara Buffaloe, will be held from 5:30-7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 15 at Missouri United Methodist Church, 204 S. Ninth St. This month’s topic will focus on the City's newly adopted Fiscal Year 2026 budget, which went into effect Oct. 1. City staff will present highlights from the budget and be available to answer community questions. The Fiscal Year 2026 budget can be found at CoMo.gov/finance/accounting/financial-reports/. Attendees are asked to register at the following link: https://forms.gle/McWp2AuZjjsuq2Tn8.

Future event dates and details will be posted here as they are scheduled. Please click the "Follow Project" tab to receive an email update. Also leave any questions or comments for our Council members below!

Background info:

The City of Columbia, alongside Council members, is hosting “Let’s Talk Local,” a monthly gathering held by one of the City’s Council members in their respective wards. This is a great opportunity for you to engage in meaningful dialogue with your fellow residents and elected council members, share your thoughts and learn about the issues that matter most to you. All residents are welcome to attend any event, regardless of what Ward you live in.

Each month, the hosting Council member will choose a topic important to residents. City staff will give a short presentation and answer questions related to that topic. Following that, we can discuss anything of interest to the group. As events are scheduled, details will be posted here, along with the focus topic for that month.

Your voice is vital to shaping our community’s future, and we encourage you to come, participate and connect with your neighbors. Together, we can address the concerns that matter most and work toward making our community the best it can be.


Members of the public may attend any open meeting. For requests for accommodations related to disability, please call 573.874.CITY (2489) or email City@CoMo.gov. In order to assist staff in making the appropriate arrangements for your accommodation, please make your request as far in advance of the posted meeting date as possible.

Questions for City Council

Write any questions for City Council.  If time allows, these will be answered at the Let's Talk Local.  Following that event, answers will be posted here as well.

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  • Share Please explain the $500+million in "pooled cash securities". How is that money accumulated i.e. the sources? What is the intent of that large a sum? What can it be used for? There is a lot of confusion and speculation about this cash reserve. on Facebook Share Please explain the $500+million in "pooled cash securities". How is that money accumulated i.e. the sources? What is the intent of that large a sum? What can it be used for? There is a lot of confusion and speculation about this cash reserve. on Twitter Share Please explain the $500+million in "pooled cash securities". How is that money accumulated i.e. the sources? What is the intent of that large a sum? What can it be used for? There is a lot of confusion and speculation about this cash reserve. on Linkedin Email Please explain the $500+million in "pooled cash securities". How is that money accumulated i.e. the sources? What is the intent of that large a sum? What can it be used for? There is a lot of confusion and speculation about this cash reserve. link

    Please explain the $500+million in "pooled cash securities". How is that money accumulated i.e. the sources? What is the intent of that large a sum? What can it be used for? There is a lot of confusion and speculation about this cash reserve.

    rockitout asked 11 days ago

    As of 9/30/25 the City has $554 million ($241.6m in Operating Cash, $103.3m in Restricted Cash, $209.2m in Capital Projects). Please see the attached document labeled "FY25 Q4 Cash Balances" for more information on the cash balances of the City.  Hopefully that will help with the confusion!  

  • Share Within any personal budget or business budget when income is exceeded by expense, we not only look at increasing streams of revenue, but when that fails, we’ve always constricted our budgets and cut items that weren’t essential in order to move forward. Will the city look at cutting their expenses instead of raising fees and taxes? You have added 26 administrative positions in the last three years. Most of us believe it’s time to reevaluate this expansion. Also, why has a city accumulated 500,000,000+ dollars in savings that could be used to weather an income deficit . I believe by law you only need to have $120 million in reserves. Thank you for your response. on Facebook Share Within any personal budget or business budget when income is exceeded by expense, we not only look at increasing streams of revenue, but when that fails, we’ve always constricted our budgets and cut items that weren’t essential in order to move forward. Will the city look at cutting their expenses instead of raising fees and taxes? You have added 26 administrative positions in the last three years. Most of us believe it’s time to reevaluate this expansion. Also, why has a city accumulated 500,000,000+ dollars in savings that could be used to weather an income deficit . I believe by law you only need to have $120 million in reserves. Thank you for your response. on Twitter Share Within any personal budget or business budget when income is exceeded by expense, we not only look at increasing streams of revenue, but when that fails, we’ve always constricted our budgets and cut items that weren’t essential in order to move forward. Will the city look at cutting their expenses instead of raising fees and taxes? You have added 26 administrative positions in the last three years. Most of us believe it’s time to reevaluate this expansion. Also, why has a city accumulated 500,000,000+ dollars in savings that could be used to weather an income deficit . I believe by law you only need to have $120 million in reserves. Thank you for your response. on Linkedin Email Within any personal budget or business budget when income is exceeded by expense, we not only look at increasing streams of revenue, but when that fails, we’ve always constricted our budgets and cut items that weren’t essential in order to move forward. Will the city look at cutting their expenses instead of raising fees and taxes? You have added 26 administrative positions in the last three years. Most of us believe it’s time to reevaluate this expansion. Also, why has a city accumulated 500,000,000+ dollars in savings that could be used to weather an income deficit . I believe by law you only need to have $120 million in reserves. Thank you for your response. link

    Within any personal budget or business budget when income is exceeded by expense, we not only look at increasing streams of revenue, but when that fails, we’ve always constricted our budgets and cut items that weren’t essential in order to move forward. Will the city look at cutting their expenses instead of raising fees and taxes? You have added 26 administrative positions in the last three years. Most of us believe it’s time to reevaluate this expansion. Also, why has a city accumulated 500,000,000+ dollars in savings that could be used to weather an income deficit . I believe by law you only need to have $120 million in reserves. Thank you for your response.

    Edward Portell asked 12 days ago

    For the fiscal year 2026 budget, staff made a concerted effort to decrease expenditures to make way for budget priorities which included: Public Safety, City employees and Housing. Staff reduced Materials and Supplies by 9.1% and Training and Travel by4.6% city wide. 

    From 2019 to 2025, governmental fund employees totals (which excludes all utility funds) have increased by 129 positions. General administration for the City has seen a decrease in staffing of 2.5 full time equivalent (FTE) positions. Over that same time period we have seen an increase of 48 Police Officers, and 39 Firefighters. Please see the chart below.


    		FY19FY20FY21FY22FY23FY24FY25FY19-FY25 Difference
    General Administrative246.56242.03219.33229.98234.83236.48244.08-2.48
    Convention & Tourism10.2511.2512.2512.11213132.75
    Police21122523323924825325948
    Fire145148148153167183.5183.538.5
    Municipal Court11.7511.759.759.758.758.758.75-3
    Health & Environment128.35128.85133.65155.15171.05169.3165.336.95
    Parks & Recreation828279808286886
    Public Works69.4271.5263.6266.6766.6767.6371.632.21
    Totals904.33920.4898.6945.65990.31017.661033.3128.93

    As of 9/30/25 the City has $554 million ($241.6m in Operating Cash, $103.3m in Restricted Cash, $209.2m in Capital Projects). Please see the document labeled "FY25 Q4 Cash Balances" for more information on the cash balances of the City. 

  • Share How do we go work about getting middle school and high school students in school uniforms in our community? on Facebook Share How do we go work about getting middle school and high school students in school uniforms in our community? on Twitter Share How do we go work about getting middle school and high school students in school uniforms in our community? on Linkedin Email How do we go work about getting middle school and high school students in school uniforms in our community? link

    How do we go work about getting middle school and high school students in school uniforms in our community?

    emb asked 12 days ago

    Thank you for your question.  School policy is set by the administration of Columbia Public Schools, not by the City.  We recommend reaching out to CPS with your question.  A good contact email for them is cpscomm@cpsk12.org.  

  • Share Please help me understand why we have the “no mow” zones on Scott Blvd? I have yet to see a butterfly sanctuary. The invasive weeds will only continue to crack the concrete work and it frankly looks bad. on Facebook Share Please help me understand why we have the “no mow” zones on Scott Blvd? I have yet to see a butterfly sanctuary. The invasive weeds will only continue to crack the concrete work and it frankly looks bad. on Twitter Share Please help me understand why we have the “no mow” zones on Scott Blvd? I have yet to see a butterfly sanctuary. The invasive weeds will only continue to crack the concrete work and it frankly looks bad. on Linkedin Email Please help me understand why we have the “no mow” zones on Scott Blvd? I have yet to see a butterfly sanctuary. The invasive weeds will only continue to crack the concrete work and it frankly looks bad. link

    Please help me understand why we have the “no mow” zones on Scott Blvd? I have yet to see a butterfly sanctuary. The invasive weeds will only continue to crack the concrete work and it frankly looks bad.

    Chuck asked 25 days ago

    Thank you for your concern regarding the look of our no mow zones. Your comments about a butterfly sanctuary are valid: if we’re not seeing more insects, then that strays from the programs' intent! While we don’t yet have concrete numbers about insect visitation, we have plans in 2026 to launch a citizen science study of these plantings to get a better understanding of how they’re functioning. As for your concerns about invasive species, that would be an issue as well since these areas are meant to house native plants. Can you provide more specific information of where you encountered these "invasive weeds" on Scott Blvd.? That would give us a better idea of what we’re working with and how to mitigate them. Thank you!

  • Share Is there anything that can be done about the state of Rock Quarry Road? Theres tons of potholes and I popped a tire yesterday, it also feels incredibly narrow and unsafe to drive on in general. on Facebook Share Is there anything that can be done about the state of Rock Quarry Road? Theres tons of potholes and I popped a tire yesterday, it also feels incredibly narrow and unsafe to drive on in general. on Twitter Share Is there anything that can be done about the state of Rock Quarry Road? Theres tons of potholes and I popped a tire yesterday, it also feels incredibly narrow and unsafe to drive on in general. on Linkedin Email Is there anything that can be done about the state of Rock Quarry Road? Theres tons of potholes and I popped a tire yesterday, it also feels incredibly narrow and unsafe to drive on in general. link

    Is there anything that can be done about the state of Rock Quarry Road? Theres tons of potholes and I popped a tire yesterday, it also feels incredibly narrow and unsafe to drive on in general.

    olivialumma asked about 2 months ago

    Thank you for sharing your concern about Rock Quarry Road. We have informed the Public Works department of the need to patch potholes in this area. If you have information about the location of a specific pothole, please let us know. Otherwise, crews can drive the length of the road and repair potholes as they encounter them.

    For future concerns, you can report issues directly to Public Works by emailing PubW@CoMo.gov or sending a message through their social media accounts on Facebook or X. They receive pothole reports regularly and have a goal of repairing them within 1-3 business days after receiving a road concern report.

    Regarding your concern about the road feeling narrow and unsafe, due to the length and nature of Rock Quarry Road there are limited options for physical improvements.

  • Share For Nick Foster's presentation: We’re seeing concerning health and safety issues at some extended stay motels where unhoused families reside. What accountability measures are in place to ensure these sites meet basic standards of sanitation and safety? on Facebook Share For Nick Foster's presentation: We’re seeing concerning health and safety issues at some extended stay motels where unhoused families reside. What accountability measures are in place to ensure these sites meet basic standards of sanitation and safety? on Twitter Share For Nick Foster's presentation: We’re seeing concerning health and safety issues at some extended stay motels where unhoused families reside. What accountability measures are in place to ensure these sites meet basic standards of sanitation and safety? on Linkedin Email For Nick Foster's presentation: We’re seeing concerning health and safety issues at some extended stay motels where unhoused families reside. What accountability measures are in place to ensure these sites meet basic standards of sanitation and safety? link

    For Nick Foster's presentation: We’re seeing concerning health and safety issues at some extended stay motels where unhoused families reside. What accountability measures are in place to ensure these sites meet basic standards of sanitation and safety?

    Gay Litteken asked 4 months ago

    All hotels/motels in the City are inspected by our Environmental Health Department. If there is a concern, please call the health dept. and leave a message for our Environmental Health manager:  573.874.7346

    The police department patrols areas around the extended stay motels each night.  If they witness any suspicious behavior, they will respond accordingly.  Please call 911 for emergencies and 311 for non-emergency police response.

    To clarify, the City doesn't pay for hotel/motel rooms. Some social service agencies do, and some families pay on their own. It is not a long-term solution, but it does provide access to an economical, safe space for families.

  • Share Most services are geared toward individuals, not families. What steps is the city taking to ensure family-centered shelters or transitional housing programs exist and and are trauma-informed and accessible? on Facebook Share Most services are geared toward individuals, not families. What steps is the city taking to ensure family-centered shelters or transitional housing programs exist and and are trauma-informed and accessible? on Twitter Share Most services are geared toward individuals, not families. What steps is the city taking to ensure family-centered shelters or transitional housing programs exist and and are trauma-informed and accessible? on Linkedin Email Most services are geared toward individuals, not families. What steps is the city taking to ensure family-centered shelters or transitional housing programs exist and and are trauma-informed and accessible? link

    Most services are geared toward individuals, not families. What steps is the city taking to ensure family-centered shelters or transitional housing programs exist and and are trauma-informed and accessible?

    Gay Litteken asked 4 months ago

    The majority of the folks experiencing homelessness right now are individual adults. Salvation Army Harbor House provides shelter for families and True North provides shelter for those who have experienced domestic violence.  These environments are a better fit than the low barrier overnight shelter as they allow families to stay together.

  • Share What has the city found to be effective in dealing with the homeless problem , while protecting the private property rights of landowners, the environment and our streams? on Facebook Share What has the city found to be effective in dealing with the homeless problem , while protecting the private property rights of landowners, the environment and our streams? on Twitter Share What has the city found to be effective in dealing with the homeless problem , while protecting the private property rights of landowners, the environment and our streams? on Linkedin Email What has the city found to be effective in dealing with the homeless problem , while protecting the private property rights of landowners, the environment and our streams? link

    What has the city found to be effective in dealing with the homeless problem , while protecting the private property rights of landowners, the environment and our streams?

    Alan Wessler, DVM asked 4 months ago

    While we work with community partners to provide resources for those experiencing homelessness, those resources are still limited. We encourage all unhoused individuals to reach out to our Health Department to get connected to the services and programs they need.  

    We have found that the best strategy for property owners is to be diligent in monitoring their property and marking it clearly with no trespassing signs. Owners have the option to sign a letter of enforcement to allow CPD to assist in arresting trespassers. Cameras can also be a tool to monitor. The CPD Homeless Outreach Team are great resources to help private property owners. 

  • Share could you subscribe us to the Let's Talk Local email list? on Facebook Share could you subscribe us to the Let's Talk Local email list? on Twitter Share could you subscribe us to the Let's Talk Local email list? on Linkedin Email could you subscribe us to the Let's Talk Local email list? link

    could you subscribe us to the Let's Talk Local email list?

    Tracie Vangel asked 4 months ago

    Absolutely!  Please email Shawna.Johnson@como.gov to confirm the email address you would like us to add.

  • Share Where can I put a request in to get speed bumps on my street? I live on demaret and people are constantly speeding through here. There are a lot of kids on this street and just this morning someone sped past a group (including 2 of my own) of kids waiting for the bus. As well as someone just wrecked right in front of my house not too long ago because they were speeding It's getting ridiculous on Facebook Share Where can I put a request in to get speed bumps on my street? I live on demaret and people are constantly speeding through here. There are a lot of kids on this street and just this morning someone sped past a group (including 2 of my own) of kids waiting for the bus. As well as someone just wrecked right in front of my house not too long ago because they were speeding It's getting ridiculous on Twitter Share Where can I put a request in to get speed bumps on my street? I live on demaret and people are constantly speeding through here. There are a lot of kids on this street and just this morning someone sped past a group (including 2 of my own) of kids waiting for the bus. As well as someone just wrecked right in front of my house not too long ago because they were speeding It's getting ridiculous on Linkedin Email Where can I put a request in to get speed bumps on my street? I live on demaret and people are constantly speeding through here. There are a lot of kids on this street and just this morning someone sped past a group (including 2 of my own) of kids waiting for the bus. As well as someone just wrecked right in front of my house not too long ago because they were speeding It's getting ridiculous link

    Where can I put a request in to get speed bumps on my street? I live on demaret and people are constantly speeding through here. There are a lot of kids on this street and just this morning someone sped past a group (including 2 of my own) of kids waiting for the bus. As well as someone just wrecked right in front of my house not too long ago because they were speeding It's getting ridiculous

    Jessica c asked 5 months ago

    Thank you for alerting us to this concern!  This link will take you to a document that explains our traffic management process: https://www.como.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Neighborhood-Traffic-Management-Program-2016-Revisions.pdf

    To get the ball rolling, print pages 14-17 of that document, which is a petition that you can have signed by at least 10 residents (limit two per household) who would like to see some form of traffic calming on your street. Once you have those 10 signatures, either email the form to PubW@CoMo.gov, bring it to City Hall, or mail it to City of Columbia Public Works, 701 E. Broadway, Columbia MO 65201. Traffic engineers with Public Works will contact you back and perform a traffic study with their recommendations.

    Please reach out directly to our Public Works staff if you have additional questions or need more information. Contact John Ogan at John.Ogan@como.gov or 573.239.1837.

Page last updated: 16 Oct 2025, 12:01 PM