The Columbia City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.
The Council had second reading of Ordinance No. 220.198, which provides for the levying and collection of an ad valorem tax for the City of Columbia, KY for the year 2026. The rate for 2025 was .186, and for 2026 is .162, which is the ninth consecutive year that taxes have been lowered in Columbia.
“We are pleased to be able to lower taxes again for the residents of our community,” said Mayor Hoots.
The City Council passed Resolution No. 2026-10, which is a resolution authorizing the City of Columbia Fire Department to obtain reimbursement of cost for the City of Columbia emergency services from insurance providers when available.
A brief executive session occurred during the meeting for: discussions between a public agency and representative of a business entity and discussions concerning a specific proposal if open discussions would jeopardize the siting, retention, or upgrading of the business.
The Mayor noted that two additional fire hydrants were going to be placed in the area off of North Highway 55, in the near vicinity of Bramlett Street.
The Mayor gave an update on the Transportation Alternative Program Grant, which is for approximately $1.4 million, and will be taking sidewalks to the school campus. It will run down Greensburg Street to the campus, up Walker Street and Hudson Streets, and make improvements to the sidewalks directly in front of the post office.
Mayor Hoots also gave an update on the progression of the gas project on North Highway 61.
