Council tables $5 million infrastructure bond issue

Action on a $5 million bond issue for capital improvements was tabled during Tuesday’s Columbus City Council meeting.

Carpenter: Overlapping events helped Pilgrimage

Several overlapping events during this year’s Pilgrimage season helped increase ticket sales and hotel stays over the 16-day period, Columbus-Lowndes Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Nancy Carpenter said.

Golden Triangle city sales tax numbers up for March

All three Golden Triangle cities saw significant sales tax revenue increases in March.

No local elections featured in primaries

No local offices are up for grabs during next month’s primary elections for Lowndes, Oktibbeha, Clay or Noxubee counties.

CVB cancels monthly meeting

The Columbus Lowndes Convention and Visitors Bureau Board of Directors will not meet today as previously scheduled due to lack of a quorum.

Infrastructure issues prioritized in each ward

If a majority of councilmen vote in favor of a $5 million bond issue when they meet Tuesday, a 1.1 mill property tax increase is coming to residents and business owners in Columbus.

Contractor chosen for Old West Point Road work

Lowndes County supervisors have selected a contractor to do infrastructure upgrades on a one-mile stretch of Old West Point Road.

City, county seek grant for playground

When the soccer complex was built at the site formerly known as Burns Bottom, one feature that was nixed due to budget constraints was a playground.

City pursues grant for ‘River Island Park’

A 5-acre city-owned parcel of land on The Island now has a name and a plan.

The city’s proposed River Island Park project promises to add aesthetic enhancements to the land across the Old Tombigbee Bridge that deeded to the city of Columbus by Lowndes County last year.

County hires contractors for debris removal

Tornado debris pickup began outside of the Columbus city limits this morning after Lowndes County hired two companies for the job.

Results of economic study to be released to public

The results of a comprehensive strategic economic and community development study of the Golden Triangle will be presented to the public for review and discussion Tuesday.

Officials: Budget keeps city from using road tax from county for roads

Columbus councilmen will consider a $5 million bond issue to finance road and infrastructure renovations when they meet May 20 even though the county provides the city roughly $500,000 annually for road maintenance.

Riverwalk connector could be done by end of year

City engineering consultant Kevin Stafford said a sidewalk connecting the Riverwalk to the Columbus Soccer Complex should be completed by the end of 2014.

City Council OKs per diem in advance

Columbus employees and elected officials can now receive per diem allowances for travel in advance.

City tables request to fund shooting range cost overruns

Columbus councilmen will take more time to consider how cost overruns for the Columbus Air Force Base shooting range can be resolved.

Cable One, city agree on new contract

A renewed franchise agreement between the city of Columbus and Cable One may mean an extra $150,000 in the city coffers over the next 10 years, according to a negotiator between the two parties.

Andrews named permanent fire chief

Martin Andrews’ family broke out in applause upon learning the ‘interim’ title was removed from his job position.

“Martin Andrews: Fire Chief,” one of his supporters exclaimed.

Residents question disaster response

Two East Columbus residents informed the Columbus City Council Tuesday night that there was a lack of timely response to address issues stemming from the April 28 tornado.

Urban renewal area established

After holding a public hearing and informational session Tuesday, Columbus councilmen established an urban renewal area and will soon advertise for applicants for a five-member redevelopment authority.

MEMA opens disaster relief center in New Hope

A Disaster Recovery Center is now open at the New Hope Community Center to help those who have been affected by the April 28 tornadoes.