The Shandon Neighborhood Association met Monday, May 4, 2009. Chief Bradley Anderson with the Columbia Fire Department reported that the budget for the Fire Department this year is $19 million dollars, which is forcing the department to make some changes to be able to match their budget. One reason for the budget crunch has to do with rising costs for worker's compensation, which has risen to $800,000, similar to the rising health insurance costs.

The Department is already implementing furlough days, and the employees are taking on their own health insurance, but the department is still short. Chief Anderson said that the decision was made to take two engines out of service. Engine 8 and 9, one from the Fire Department on Devine Street and one from the Fire Department on Atlas road, were placed out of service. One of the reasons behind this decision is because Ladder 8 and 9 have dual capabilities. As a result of this move, the crews for both Ladder Trucks were increased from four people to five. This helped the Fire Department from having to close any stations and still provide balanced coverage county wide.

"We hope we only have to use this method through June 2010," Chief Anderson said.

The budget for the Fire Department for next year is reported to be $18.2 million.

For the first time, the Shandon neighborhood will participate in the National Night Out held on the first Tuesday in August. One idea for the event is to hold an ice cream social; however, no final decisions have been made yet.

Officer Calloway with the Columbia Police Department urged the residents at the meeting to be cautious as summer approaches, due to potential rise in crime. She emphasized the importance of using the residential patrol officer. "That's why we're here. No matter how small the problem may seem, you should use your residential patrol officer. We want the residents of the neighborhood to be happy," Officer Calloway said.

The next Shandon Neighborhood meeting will be Sunday, July 12 at 4 pm at Sims Park.