What’s going on at Columbia City Hall? What’s coming up?
STRs get a reprieve —for now.
Wide reaching new regulations for short-term rental (STR) properties went into effect on June 1, but those businesses, which include Airbnb and Vrbo online rental platforms, will not have to have a business license. For now.
The Columbia City Council on May 20 was unable to pass an amendment that would have required a business license and imposed a lodging tax on STRs. The council approved STR regulations in February. The action came after a few years and dozens of meetings and public hearings on the issue.
The council did pass an amendment requiring STRs to pass an inspection every three years.
As COMO Business Times continues to follow this story, what questions do our readers have? Send your questions and/or a Letter to the Editor to jodie@comocompanies.com. (Please put “Letter to the Editor” in the subject line.)
Looks like some new sidewalks?
Double Arch Construction LLC planned to begin work on a major Greek Town sidewalk improvement project on May 22. The project is expected to wrap up by August 2.
Greek Town is defined as the area bordered by Rollins Street, Tiger Avenue, Kentucky Boulevard, and Providence Road. During the project, sidewalk closures and lane restrictions will be necessary on Curtis Avenue, Tiger Avenue, Richmond Avenue, Burnam Avenue, Rollins Street, and Kentucky Boulevard.
The construction is expected to cost some $180,000. Funding is being shared equally by the University of Missouri and the city of Columbia, with the city’s funding coming from the Capital Improvement Sales Tax.
Speaking of the Cap Improvement Sales Tax …
The city council on May 20 approved a ballot measure for the August 2024 election that will give voters the option to renew the one-quarter cent sales tax for capital improvements. The sales tax generates funding for a range of projects, from street and sidewalk improvements to purchases for the fire and police departments. City officials forecast the tax will bring in $88 million over the next ten years. If the sales tax is not renewed, it will end on December 31, 2025.
So you want to get involved?
The city clerk’s office regularly posts openings for city boards and commissions on the city website. To view a brief description and eligibility requirements, visit CoMo.gov/Council/Vacancies or contact the Clerk’s Office at 573.874.7207.
Curbside Pickup Parking Meters
The city’s parking utility began installation of fifteen-minute curbside pickup parking signs and meters in downtown Columbia on May 13. Locations for the 19 curbside pickup parking meters were selected in collaboration with the Downtown Community Improvement District (CID) to provide customers with quick access to business-centric areas.
The spaces can be used for curbside pickup needs for any downtown business and are not exclusively reserved for the business located directly adjacent to the meter. Parking rates will be consistent with the standard on-street parking rate of 60 cents per hour.
Want to Know More?
The city’s website has a complete listing of city council, planning and zoning, and other meetings of city boards and commissions. You can view the city’s calendar by visiting como.gov/CMS/webcal and can view the agendas, staff reports, and other documents by clicking the listed meeting date and time. CBT
