Leading up to the Aug. 4 election, the city has scheduled six information sessions to talk about the public safety sales tax that will appear on the ballot. The sessions will be held from July 9 to 17, with one in each ward.
Columbia voters will decide Aug. 4 whether to add 1% to the local sales tax to support the city's Police and Fire departments. If approved by voters, the tax would generate an estimated $38 million to benefit the two departments.
The income would be used to increase staffing; build a new police facility and two new fire stations; purchase new vehicles and equipment; renovate three fire stations; develop police and fire plans; and maintain competitive wages for police and fire personnel.
Colin Imhoff, a public information specialist with the Columbia Police Department, said Chief of Police Jill Schlude and Fire Chief Brian Schaeffer will be present during all of the sessions.
Ward 1: 6 to 7 p.m. July 16, Columbia/Boone County Public Health Department, 1005 W. Worley St.
Ward 2: 9 to 10 a.m. July 10, Molly Bowden Neighborhood Policing Center, 1204 International Drive
Ward 3: 1 to 2 p.m. July 13, American Legion Building, 3669 Legion Lane
Ward 4: 10 to 11 a.m. July 17, Daniel Boone Regional Library, 100 W. Broadway
Ward 5: Noon to 1 p.m. July 15, Thornbrook Clubhouse, 4300 Thornbrook Terrace
Ward 6: 7 to 8 p.m. July 9 Sports Fieldhouse, 4251 Philips Farm Road
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