Bessie Watson, CCN president, with her son Terry The Columbia Council of Neighborhoods met Thursday June 25. Five new officers were installed. Selena Pickens is the assistant secretary; Bruce Sanders, treasurer; Gail Baker, secretary; Mary Baskin Robins, president elect, and Alexzena Furgess, vice president. Bessie Watson was installed as the new CCN President.

Mayor Bob Coble spoke to the group about the budget that was passed for $106 million of which $2.7 million was taken out to be used primarily for public safety if needed. There will be no tax increase, even though the budget is leaner. The budget and financial statements can be found on the city's website.

Mayor Coble says that a forum will be held on July 8 at the next City Council meeting to get the public's take on what they want for a new city manager. With the budget already passed, Mayor Coble says the search for a new city manager will now take top priority.He also said the stimulus money is the primary reason so many roads in Columbia are being paved at one time. Coble says the city is also hoping for an additional $50 million from a provision in the Surface Transportation Bill.

Tige Watts, past president CCN Unfortunately, now there is a technicality that could prevent Columbia from receiving the money. Currently, the bill is funding the 70 largest regions using the "urban areas" definition. Columbia ranks 71. Coble hopes the bill will change and use the "metropolitan area" definition that holds Columbia inside the top 70.

Coble spoke about the original proposal to charge the absentee landlords an $11 fee; however, that proposal failed. The new proposal asks for landlords to register with no fee.

"We want to protect our neighborhoods as much as we can. We need to hear from the neighborhoods on this issue," Mayor Coble said.

Alexzena Furgess, vice president Gail Baker, secretary, and Bruce Sanders, treasurer