The City of Columbia approved the fiscal year 2025–26 appropriation ordinance on first consideration Monday and attached two immediate funding amendments: boosting Murray Alliance annual support from $100,000 to $140,000 and increasing the city’s contribution for Murray County Animal Services to $242,000.

The action came after several public comments urging greater municipal support for the county-run animal shelter and a council discussion about regional partnerships. Mayor Charles M. Mulder moved the motion to approve the budget ordinance on first consideration subject to those two amendments; the motion was seconded and passed.

The vote advances Ordinance 45 44 to a public hearing and second reading on June 12, 2025. The mayor said the amendments reflect requests raised during one-on-one meetings and public comment, and he stressed the need for coordinated, “team Murray” responses across municipal and county governments.

Public speakers pressed the council for more funding and collaboration on the animal shelter. “The shelter is desperately busting at the seams,” said Kim Ratliff, director of Murray County Animal Shelter. Ratliff described rising intake tied to evictions and increased costs for vaccines and operations and asked the council to consider a capital contribution or other partnership for a new shelter.

Resident Gabe Howard urged a joint session between city council and the Murray County Commission and an open house at the shelter so elected officials could see conditions firsthand. Commissioner Kathy Grody also asked the city to consider capital involvement in a new shelter project.

City staff told council the proposed budget already includes $220,000 for the shelter, a 10% increase from the prior year; the motion will add another 10% on top of that increase, bringing the city’s annual appropriation to $242,000. The city manager confirmed the Murray Alliance request seeks an increase to $140,000 annually as part of that organization’s campaign and existing contractual services for economic development and chamber functions.

Council members and the mayor said they welcomed continued county engagement and joint work sessions, and staff noted that council could amend the ordinance again on second reading if more information or different allocations are agreed. The first-reading approval moves the budget forward while leaving time for additional deliberation ahead of the June public hearing.

The council recorded the ordinance for a June 12 public hearing and will consider final adoption at second reading pending any further amendments.