Columbia Votes on Public Safety Tax

Columbia voters head to the polls today to decide whether to approve a 1% public safety sales tax.

Proposition 1 would generate an estimated $38 million annually to fund the city’s police and fire departments.

If approved, the plan includes hiring 50 police officers and 42 firefighters, building two new fire stations, renovating three others, and constructing a new police headquarters.

City leaders say the funding would improve emergency response times and expand public safety services.

Polls are open until 7 p.m.