Columbia Council Approves Rate Increases

After a seven-hour meeting that stretched into early Tuesday morning, the Columbia City Council approved several rate increases for city services.

Electric rates will rise 6%, water rates 10%, and trash and recycling fees about 5%.

Council members also approved higher Parks and Recreation fees but delayed a vote on increasing downtown parking garage rates after business owners raised concerns.

The council also extended free Go COMO bus service for another year and approved plans for a new 305-unit student housing development near the University of Missouri.

Budget discussions will continue with a public hearing later this month.