JOE LINTNER | COLUMBIA SPY
Shortly after being seated as the newly elected Columbia Borough Council president Monday night, Eric Kauffman suggested reopening the budget and raising taxes for 2026.
“I would like to consider reopening the budget and possibly raising taxes,“ Kauffman said, noting that reserves had fallen below the recommended 15% of the general fund. However, Kauffman had already voted to adopt the current budget at the December 9, 2025 council meeting.
Council would need to raise taxes by at least two-and-a-half mills to make up the $1.1 million it took from reserves to balance the budget. Doing so would put the total municipal tax rate at 12.5 mills. The millage increase would add $250 annually for a property assessed at $100,000. Kauffman said council will look at the issue at its next meeting on January 13, 2026.
Council adopted the current budget on December 9, 2025, with no tax increase but with a considerable drawdown of reserves.
Council voted unanimously to adopt the $17.80 million budget for 2026. The approximately $300,000 remaining in reserves is considerably lower than the recommended minimum of 15% of expenditures in general fund reserves.
Council also voted to keep the millage the same—at 10 mills—although council members Kelly Murphy and Joanne Geesey voted against the measure, without explanation.
In December 2024, council raised taxes by 2 mills —from 8 to 10 mills—for 2025. Raising taxes for this year would be the second hike in a row.
Columbia Spy 