Council splits on appointing city employee to Planning Commission, tables issue instead
Following a 3-3 vote on a Planning Commission appointment Tuesday evening, Columbus City Council decided to table the issue because of confusion over whether city employees can be appointed to the board.
Sumrall appointed to Municipal Election Commission
By a 4-2 vote Tuesday, Columbus City Council members appointed George T. Sumrall to the Municipal Election Commission.
Columbus, Brooks collaborate for Crime Prevention Task Force
Columbus has formally joined forces with Lowndes County District 5 Supervisor Leroy Brooks on a multi-faceted initiative aimed to prevent crime.
Shelton named permanent police chief
The first Columbus city council meeting of 2018 concluded Tuesday evening with a familiar face in a fresh role as chief of the Columbus Police Department.
City-passed bill kills CVB, seeks new restaurant tax
The Columbus City Council approved a resolution for a 2-percent food and beverage tax Tuesday that its attorney said will not require agreement from the Lowndes County Board of Supervisors.
New reward program offers little anonymity
With the city’s new reward program for criminal information, more money comes with more responsibility.
Judge: Closed council gatherings in Columbus broke Open Meetings Act
A judge says the city of Columbus can’t hold split meetings of its city council to avoid open meetings requirements.
Miss. Justice Institute to represent newspaper in Open Meetings case
The Dispatch is seeking to take the place of former reporter Nathan Gregory in an ongoing civil case involving the city of Columbus and a violation of the state’s Open Meetings Act.
Our View: When becoming a part of the story is an obligation
As a rule, the media rarely seeks to become part of the stories they report. It is a long-established tenet of the profession that the media works best when it is an impartial observer.
Columbus planning commission OKs amphitheater rezoning
The Columbus Planning Commission has approved a request to rezone a section of The Island for the Sen. Terry Brown Amphitheater.
Columbus street paving progressing
The Columbus City Council will consider the first project in an expected expansion to Phase 1 of the city’s street improvement program during its regular meeting Tuesday.
Public hearing set for redistricting
Columbus City Council is moving through a few final steps before formalizing a redistricting plan.
Sanders, Smith appoint Moore to CVB
The city and county’s tourism board has a full nine members for the first time in nearly 16 months. The newest member of the Columbus Lowndes Convention and Visitors Bureau Board of Trustees is Thomas “Tango”
Seven apply for spot on Columbus school board
Seven people have applied to be on the Columbus Municipal School Board. The Columbus City Council will make the appointment at Tuesday night’s council meeting.
Council could demand quarterly reports from school board
Other than appointing officials to the school board, Columbus councilmen are limited when it comes to what they can legally do to facilitate improvement in the school district.
Our view: A tale of two business owners
Tuesday night, the Columbus City Council considered a request for a 30-day extension on its agreement to bring bus service to the city.
Council approves millage, sets budget for FY ’14
The Columbus City Council set the city’s operating budget and millage for the next fiscal year Tuesday.
City millage rates will remain 40.13 mills. The city also approved the millage for the school district, which is set at 65.87.
Council to hold public hearing on ’14 budget
The Columbus City Council will hold its first public hearing on its proposed 2014 budget at 5 p.m. today at the municipal complex.
Voice of the People: A project for J5/Broaddus
I completely oppose the city’s creation of a Project Manager position and the appointment of J5/Broaddus, a firm owned by the Mayor’s campaign advisor and employing the Mayor’s son, to that position.
Our view: Dispelling any ambiguity
Since the Columbus City Council created a new position and handed it to mayor Robert Smith’s campaign manager on July 2, there has been much discussion about The Dispatch’s reporting on the subject. More accurately, there has been much discussion about The Dispatch’s editorial position on the topic.