(Columbia, SC) – The City of Columbia held its second City Council Budget Workshop of the year, Tuesday, May 5, 2026, which is essential to plan, develop and finalize the City of Columbia’s Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget. The City of Columbia’s next fiscal year begins on July 1, 2026, and ends on June 30, 2027.
As a part of the budget workshop, Assistant City Manager Missy Caughman presented numerous budget items in relation to strategic initiatives, and continued innovations that will assist City departments with the delivery of service the City provides to all of our citizens and visitors in Columbia. In addition, City Council received an update from the Columbia Police Department, Columbia-Richland Fire Department, Emergency Management, Municipal Court and Public Works, who all outlined needs and priority items for the upcoming fiscal year and beyond.
Later in the afternoon, the City of Columbia held its regular City Council Meeting, which began with a special presentation from Assistant City Manager Clint Shealy, who recognized Mr. David A. Sharpe. Mr. Sharpe joined the City of Columbia over five decades ago, March 1974, and recently announced his retirement from the City of Columbia. It is essential to recognize Mr. Sharpe’s dedicated commitment to his job and the citizens of Columbia for 52 years, and we thank him for his professionalism, work ethic and service he has displayed for half a century at the City of Columbia. (Item #2)
After the special presentation, Mayor Daniel Rickenmann and City Council read off several proclamations. First was the “Alpha Psi Lambda Charter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. 91st Charter Day” proclamation. This proclamation recognized Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and the Alpha Psi Lambda Chapter for their longstanding legacy of leadership, service, scholarship, and commitment to uplifting the Columbia community. (Item #3)
Following that proclamation, Ayesha Driggers, Director of the Office of Business Opportunities, gave a brief presentation highlighting this week as Small Business Week, which kicked off on Monday, May 4, 2026, with a press conference and celebration at GatherCOLA in the BullStreet District. After the presentation, Mayor Rickenmann proclaimed this week as “Small Business Week” in the City of Columbia, which honors the vital role small businesses play in our City’s economy and community by driving job creation, supporting local growth, and contributing to the City’s unique character and vitality. (Item #4)
Next, Mayor Rickenmann recognized May 2026 as “National Bike Month,” “Bicycle Safety Month,” and “National Preservation Month.” National Bike Month and Bicycle Safety Month recognize the importance of bicycling in the City of Columbia as a safe, healthy, and sustainable mode of transportation and recreation, while promoting education, community engagement, and infrastructure that enhance quality of life, support economic growth, and improve overall traffic safety for all. National Preservation Month highlights the importance of protecting and celebrating the City of Columbia’s historic character, recognizing preservation as a key driver of community identity, economic development, tourism, and sustainable growth. (Item #5 & #6)
In addition, Amy Moore, Principal Planner of the Planning and Development Services Department, presented the 2026 Mabel Payne Award to the Cottontown/Bellevue Historic District. The Mabel Payne Award is given to an individual, organization, or neighborhood for their outstanding efforts in education, leadership, conservation, or stewardship that support the built environment. (Item #6)
During the Consent Agenda portion of the City Council meeting, City Council approved a new construction contract for a new public restroom facility along the Saluda Riverwalk. Requested by the Parks and Recreation Department, this restroom would be strategically located to serve a high-use segment of the Riverwalk, situated in close proximity to Boyd Island and approximately one mile from the nearest existing restroom facilities at the Candi Lane entrance. The new facility will improve user comfort, support increased recreational use, and enhance overall accessibility along this portion of the greenway corridor. (Item #11)
City Council also approved the purchase of several solid waste and recycling vehicles, requested by the City of Columbia Public Works Department. The continued investment in solid waste vehicles is critical to maintaining reliable, efficient, and safe sanitation services that protect public health, support environmental sustainability, and keep the City of Columbia clean and welcoming. (Item #12)
On Saturday, May 16, 2026, the Public Works Department, along with several other City departments, will be holding the annual Touch-A-Truck Event at Soda City Market. This interactive experience invites residents to explore and learn about some of the City’s largest trucks and heavy equipment. Featured vehicles and demonstrations will include a backhoe, mini-excavator, bomb-disposal robot, and more. City staff will be on-site to teach everyone how our trucks work and the work they do to keep the City of Columbia thriving.
One of the last items on the City Council agenda was the vote to appoint a City Councilmember to the Central Midlands Council of Governments (CMCOG). At-Large Councilman Sam J. Johnson was appointed by City Council to serve on the CMCOG, which was previously held by Councilman Peter Brown, whose term ended in May 2026. (Item #30)
To watch the full City Council meeting, visit: https://youtube.com/live/8E-Ils1SDeo.
To view all City Council agendas, visit: https://columbiasc.portal.civicclerk.com/
For more information about upcoming City Council meetings or general information about the City of Columbia, visit: www.ColumbiaSC.gov
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