The Columbia Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has unanimously voted to endorse the Proposition 1 measure proposed by the city of Columbia for the August 6 special election.

Prop 1 proposes a renewal of the one-fourth of 1 percent sales tax for the next ten years, dedicated exclusively to funding capital improvements across the community. City leaders point out that the measure is not an additional tax but a continuation of the existing capital improvements sales tax – ensuring no increase from what residents are already paying.

“The Chamber chose to support Prop 1 due to the successful track record of the public works department showcasing the continued commitment to improving our city,” says Matt McCormick, president and CEO of the Columbia Chamber of Commerce. He noted that the city is finishing the last two projects from the last renewal, “and that will be 100 percent of all projects on the last ballot initiative completed.”

Since 1991, the city has used the Capital Improvement Sales Tax to fund infrastructure and public safety projects beyond the scope of the annual municipal budget. City leaders say the sales tax has been instrumental in allocating funds towards specific project areas such as streets, sidewalks, and public safety services.

A “yes” vote, McCormick said, will benefit those parts of the city’s infrastructure.

The news release announcing the Chamber’s endorsement lists:

Improving city streets and sidewalks: Enhance the safety and usability of our roadways and pedestrian pathways, ensuring smoother commutes and safer routes for the community.

Construct, maintain, and equip police and fire facilities: Provide first responders with the facilities and equipment they need to serve and protect Columbia effectively, including new fire trucks and essential tools.

There are approximately forty proposed projects that have been identified with input from the community and city staff for potential funding over the next ten years. That includes more than twenty-eight potential street and sidewalk improvement projects, updating and replacing aging fire trucks, and planning and constructing additional public safety infrastructure for the public works, police, and fire departments.