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Columbia board sets budget informational meeting, schedules referendum and approves transfer to fund dam spillway planning
Summary
The board established the FY2026-27 budget informational meeting for May 12, set a May 21 referendum date if needed, approved a $24,750 contingency-to-capital transfer for dam spillway engineering (to be voted at a May 19 town meeting), and approved several appointments including Tony Baria Baria to the Board of Assessment Appeals and multiple marine patrol officers.
The Columbia Board moved at its May 5 meeting to formally establish the FY2026-27 annual town budget informational meeting for Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at 7 p.m. at Horus Porter School Gymnasium and discussed the legal notice and referendum timeline. Members said copies of the proposed budget are available online and in the town clerk's office.
The board noted that, because a valid petition was accepted, the vote on the budget may be adjourned to a referendum. If adjourned, the transcript shows the board discussed a referendum date of Thursday, May 21, 2026 at Yonas Hall (12 p.m. to 8 p.m.), and that absentee ballots would be available beginning May 13 in the town clerk's office.
The panel also moved to set a town meeting for Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at 6:45 p.m. to consider a transfer from contingency (account 10-4800-900) to the capital budget (20-643-26) totaling $24,750 for engineering, consulting and bid specifications for Columbia dam spillway repairs; the board scheduled discussion and a vote at that meeting.
On appointments and approvals, the board approved a request for a memorial bench for Jeff Bose at Rec Park and approved appointments including Tony Baria Baria to the Board of Assessment Appeals. The board also approved appointments for multiple marine patrol officers, noting volunteer public-safety experience among appointees.
Financial approvals included motions to approve refunds as presented (transcript read the total as "$131.7") and to approve payment of bills presented totaling $110,474; members asked clarifying questions about line items (for example, fire-department boots and upcoming capital sensor purchases) before approving payments on voice vote.
What happens next: The board scheduled the May 12 informational meeting, the May 19 town meeting to vote on the dam transfer appropriation, and noted absentee ballot procedures for the May 21 referendum if needed.
