The City of Columbia released its fiscal year 2022-2023 budget. It’s essentially the city’s blueprint for various services that will be provided to the community via funds allocated + approved by City Council.
The budget — which focuses on everything from economic growth and improving public safety to beautification, infrastructure, and more — is set to go into effect on Fri., July 1.
We know number crunching is not everyone’s cup of tea + the FY22-23 document is not exactly light reading, so here’s a brief rundown of what’s inside.
Skyline photo of Columbia | Photo by COLAtoday team
💸 Let’s cash you up to speed
A look at amounts compared to last year
$164,810,594 — this year’s general fund, which is a 6% increase compared to last year’s budget
$141,835,914 — the projected revenue, which is a ~6.4% increase compared to last year’s budget
$75,731,932 — the amount budgeted for Public Safety, which is a 7.9% increase compared to last year’s budget
$21,080,911 — the allocated budget for Public Works, which is a 9.5% increase compared to last year’s budget
💸Let’s hit on some “budget biggies” for this year:
Ya know, the things we know you’re already scouring for
There will be no tax rate or fee increases this year.
64% of the city’s total revenue will likely come from property taxes, licenses, and permits.
The allocated parking fund is $10,238,702 and the projected revenue is $9,238,702 — which primarily comes from parking meters + city owned monthly parking garages.
💸 Let’s see a snapshot of how the city will allocate its spending:
A Father and Son Conversation with Cleveland and Bakari Sellers | Tues., June 28 | 6 p.m. | Richland Library, 1431 Assembly St. | Free with registration | Attend a father and son’s conversation about race, activism, and justice featuring Bakari and Cleveland Sellers.
Wednesday
Coffee and Canvas | Wed., June 29 | 12-2 p.m. | Painting With A Twist, 275 Harbison Blvd. | $34 | Ages 15+ are invited to attend this Calm Beach painting class 🎨
Palette Knife Painting Class | Wed., June 29 | 6:30-9:30 p.m. | NoMa Warehouse, 2222 Sumter St. | $65 | A three-hour step-by-step demonstration led by local artist Rob Shaw
Thursday
Kokedama Workshop | Thurs., June 30 | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | PlantHouse Columbia, 702 Cross Hill Rd. | $25 | The crew will share the history of kokedamas and instruct guests on how to create their very own. 🌱
Charcuterie Workshop with Salt + Oak | Thurs., June 30 | 6:30 p.m. | Gardener’s Outpost, 1211 Franklin St. | $64.2 | Learn new tips and tricks to build a beautiful + locally-sourced charcuterie platter.
We have amonthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
Spend the day shopping in the Main Street District. | Photo provided by Main Street District
If you want to shop, play, and eat, you know to go toMain Street. But did you know COLA’s famously hot summers are thebest time to find the coolestitems at Main Street District’s stores? Here’s some of our fav things to buy:
82º | Scattered thunderstorms | 50% chance of rain ☔️
Civic
Speaking of budgets,the City of Forest Acres is inviting residents to discuss the annual budgetduring a town council meeting. The meeting will take place today at City Council Chambers (5205 N. Trenholm Rd.) + begin at 6 p.m.
Coming Soon
Hokkaido Ramen House is coming soon to Lexington. The new Japanese restaurant will serve ramen noodle bowls and be located at 205 Columbia Ave. — in the shopping center across the street from Flight Deck. An opening date has not been announced. 🍜 (The State)
It’s going to be a CMG Takeover. Yo Gotti, Big Boogie, Est Gee, Deezy McDuffie, Mooski + Toosii are all coming to Colonial Life arena on Sat., July 2 at 7 p.m. Get tickets to party with these hip-hop rap artists in Cola. 🎟
Theater
Trustus Theatre is hosting auditions for upcoming musicals for the local theater’s 38th season. Auditions began yesterday and will continue into July. Come prepared to sing 16 bars of a musical song that highlights your range. Find times, locations, and musicals here. 🎭
Community
Dominion Energy is offering tips on conserving energy while keeping your home cool during one of our famously hot summers.Setting your thermostat to a higher degree, using fans, checking filters regularly, and more can help you save energy (and money) this season. ☀️
The Richland County Recreation Commission is offering various community events like family activities, back-to-school events, sports leagues, technology classes, ice cream socials, athletic programs, and more for residents of all ages. Check out its Game Plan Summer Guide for more information on how to get involved.
Giveaway
Hotel Trundle is continuing their Summer SLEEPstakes giveaway — now open to locals + non-locals for the remaining three categories. Winners get an overnight stay at Columbia’s award-winning boutique hotel. This week’s category: Military/First Responders. Nominate on Instagram.*
Family
Looking for something to do with the kids? The South Carolina State Museum is celebrating the “Dog Days of Summer” with special features, offers, and promotions all through July, featuring IMAX adventure “Superpower Dogs” in the planetarium. 🐶 *
Job
Earn while you learn. Apprenticeship Carolina is hosting an apprenticeship job fair on Thurs., July 14 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. for those looking for an opportunity to gain skills, experience, and a nationally-recognized credential. The apprenticeship fair will be held at the SC State Museum(301 Gervais St.).
Looking for a job? Nephron Pharmaceuticals currently has multiple job openings. Employee perks include education assistance, an in-house pharmacy with low-cost prescriptions, and discounts to gyms + local attractions.*
Eat
Skip the meal hassle with Sunbasket, a meal kit delivery service that makes healthy eating beyond easy. Sunbasket offers 10 different meal plans that work for those with dietary preferences and specific restrictions (think: paleo, gluten-free, veg, diabetes-friendly + more). Bonus: Sign up for $100 off your first four deliveries. 🫑 *
A wellness message from our sponsor
According to cardiologist Dr. Steven Gundry, MD, if you’re looking to improve your heart health and shed a few extra pounds along the way, you don’t need to add anything to your diet. Instead, he recommends removing one basic ingredient— which is probably in your fridge right now.*
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And she’s on her way to Miss United States. Jill Dudley, formally known as Miss Hartsville, was crowned Miss South Carolina 2022 on Sat., June 25. The 22-year-old, who currently attends UofSC, will receive a $60,000 scholarship + compete in the Miss America pageant later this year. Miss Columbia, Jada Samuel came in the top three and was the second runner up.
#DYK that your photos and quotes could be featured in our newsletter?
Editor’s pick: I went to Southeastern Salvage Home Emporium (7505 Garners Ferry Rd.) this weekend for great deals on furniture + actually found some blinds for my windows. I love the sun peeking through, but it can make my house so hot during the summers. I know it’s a giant warehouse, so steer toward the left when you pass the couches to find the right size for your windows and save on your energy bill.
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