Columbia explores sponsorships, property sales and market-house changes to bolster revenue

Columbia Borough officials and residents spent much of a June 3 workshop brainstorming revenue and cost‑saving ideas aimed at shoring up the borough's general fund and avoiding another property tax increase.

The conversation, billed as informal brainstorming, ranged from short‑term steps such as selling ad space on borough property and the borough website to longer‑term moves including selling excess borough land, revising the permit‑fee schedule to spur development, and pursuing a data‑center lead tied to regional activity around Three Mile Island.

Why it matters: council members said the borough's reserves are shrinking and leaders want options that could limit or reverse the need for another millage increase. The workshop combined proposals that could produce modest revenue quickly (sponsorship of trash cans, light poles, wayfinding signs, banner ads on the borough website) with proposals that would take months or years (property sales, marketing the McGinnis site, utility and permit changes).

Discussion highlights

- Advertising and sponsorships: Council members discussed letting businesses sponsor small items (trash receptacles, wayfinding signs, light poles) and selling ad space on the borough website and select borough land. Starview Brews and a local outdoor‑advertising company had inquired about signage; the fence along the Northwest River Trail was discussed as a potential location but council…