The Missouri State Highway Patrol says mid-Missouri roads remain treacherous this morning, and they’re urging you to stay off the road. Columbia Police are also urging you to slow down, saying hazardous driving conditions have caused them to implement the delayed crash report protocol. Columbia Police Officers Association (CPOA) president Matt Nichols joined us live on 939 the Eagle’s “Wake Up Mid-Missouri”. Mr. Nichols discusses CPD’s delayed crash report protocol and also weighed in on efforts to recall Columbia first ward councilman Nick Knoth. It’s been 33 years since a Columbia city council member was recalled. Recall organizers say Knoth’s job as a lobbyist with the Missouri Realtors is a conflict of interest with his elected position. Councilman Knoth disputes that, as does the CPOA. CPOA president Matt Nichols is urging listeners to vote no on the recall, saying Councilman Knoth is being targeted by those who support defunding and abolishing the police:
Recall election for Columbia’s first ward councilman to take place in April
Columbia’s city council is expected to vote this evening to call an April special election for the recall of first ward city councilman Nick Knoth.
The Columbia city council’s two-page report says the recall petition circulated by resident Pamela Cooper has a sufficient number of signatures from registered voters in the first ward. That means the recall election will take place on April 2, which is a municipal election day. There are two potential outcomes of the recall election, according to the council packet. If a majority of voters cast ballots against the recall, Councilman Knoth remains in office. If a majority of voters cast ballots for the recall, there will be a temporary vacancy in the office.
Tonight’s council meeting begins at 7 at city hall.
(AUDIO): Columbia councilman supportive of Seewood’s pay raise proposal
Columbia’s city manager will unveil his budget priorities for the next fiscal year today at noon at city hall.
De’Carlon Seewood will deliver the annual budget message in the council chambers. First ward councilman Nick Knoth is encouraging public input on the budget.
“We cannot focus on priorities that we don’t know are important to folks if they don’t communicate that to us, right. Now we have a general understanding of what people care about whether that’s infrastructure (or) public safety, right. But the details within that is what matters, right,” Knoth says.
Columbia’s current budget is about $506-million. City manager Seewood tells 939 the Eagle that he’ll propose the creation of a new city department that involves affordable housing and residential home ownership.
Mr. Seewood will also propose $10-million in pay increases for Columbia’s 1,500 city employees. City employee pay is a top priority for Councilman Knoth, who tells 939 the Eagle he supports the proposal.
“Unfortunately our city staff have been neglected historically in terms of their pay and especially going up as it should periodically. And so we’re trying to make up for lost time. Really that’s symbolic of this current council and city leadership is we’re trying to make up for the mistakes of the past,” says Knoth.
Councilman Knoth says it’s important to not just be competitive with the marketplace but to lead the marketplace in some cases. He and Mr. Seewood say that will lead to more people wanting to work for the city of Columbia.
Today’s budget message will be delivered at noon in the city council chambers. You’re invited to attend.