Columbia Borough Council Advances Key Projects Amid Financial Concerns — February 10, 2026

COLUMBIA, PA — Columbia Borough Council convened Tuesday evening, February 10, 2026, addressing a wide range of municipal issues including the long‑awaited McGuinness property RFP, significant public works equipment repairs, upcoming community events, and escalating financial pressures that may require a short‑term revenue loan.

The meeting opened with an invocation from Pete Petroski, chaplain of Manos House, followed by standard business items and unanimous approval of previous meeting minutes.

McInnes Property RFP Approved; Bidding Set to Open March 30

Council approved the long‑developed Request for Proposals (RFP) for the McInnes property after months of planning.
Key dates include:

• RFP release: March 30, 2026
• Mandatory pre‑bid meeting: Early April (exact date forthcoming)
• Proposal deadline: May 15, 2026
• Minimum bid: $2 million

Council members highlighted the importance of the scoring rubric—designed to prioritize community benefit, realistic development plans, and zoning compliance.

Borough Engineer Derek Holtzman explained how mandatory pre‑bid meetings help filter qualified bidders, answer early questions publicly, and prevent costly misunderstandings later in the process.

Dump Truck Transmission Repair Approved Amid Financial Strain

A major point of debate centered on a $14,139 transmission replacement for a 2005 Freightliner dump truck essential to borough operations, including snow removal.

The borough currently has:

• Three large public works trucks
• Two out of service (one transmission failure, one electrical issue)
• Only one operational

Council members expressed deep concern about finances. Borough Manager Jack Brommer confirmed that general fund balances are at their lowest point in years.

Still, Council approved the repair 4–1, citing public safety and operational necessity.

Borough to Pursue Short-Term Revenue/Tax Anticipation Loan

Given the borough’s cash‑flow challenges and delays in expected BIOS grant disbursements, Council voted to authorize staff to begin the process for:

• A Revenue Anticipation Note (RAN)
• Or a line of credit
• Estimated at approximately $2 million

No funds may be used without separate Council approval. Terms will be presented at a future meeting.

Critical IT Security Upgrade Approved

Facing an imminent loss of software security support in March, Council approved a $23,000 contract renewal with Sidium for essential network firewalls and switches across borough operations, including police and public works.

Council acknowledged the timing was poor but agreed that security risks—including police data exposure—made delay impossible.

Multiple Spring and Summer Events Receive Approval

Council approved several community events, waiving fees where appropriate:

Fee Waived

• Go Green Day — April 24, 2026
• Bridge Burner Outdoor Recreation Expo — June 27, 2026
• Juneteenth Paddle — June 20, 2026

Fee Required

• Raven Ridge Wildlife Center Baby Shower — April 11, 2026

Organizers confirmed that food trucks must obtain transient business permits.

Maple Street Park Funding Extension Secured

Borough Manager Brommer reported that DCNR granted an extension for the Maple Park project through June 1, preventing the loss of associated grant funding.

Additional Updates

• Light post replacements for Maple Park are expected in March or early April after complications with the previous vendor.
• Wastewater treatment plant easement documents have been signed and are being recorded, allowing that project to move toward completion.
• EMS and Fire Department coordination meetings are scheduled in February as the borough continues to evaluate emergency services.

Council Member Remarks

Councilmembers highlighted the recent Columbia Fire Department annual banquet, praising volunteers for their extensive training hours and dedication. Plans are underway to honor award‑winning firefighters at an upcoming council meeting.

Councilman Buyers also encouraged residents to email feedback on improving the borough’s livestream equipment and broadcast quality.