West Columbia City elections in September, 2007 resulted in the election of one new member of Council and the return of three incumbents and the Mayor.  Cathy Shannon was elected to represent District #8. Councilman B.J. Unthank, Eric Fowler and Marsha Moore were re-elected. Also, at the October Council meeting, Councilman Tommy Parler, District #7 was elected Mayor Pro-Tem for a 2-year term.

November will bring completion of the Triangle City Streetscape Project at a cost of $200,000, paid in large part by Federal Community Development Block Grant funds.  It is believed that this public investment could jump-start the revitalization of the Triangle City area by private investors.

West Columbia City Hall will again host the 3rd Annual Christmas Tree Lighting on November 30th at 6:30 PM.  Christmas greetings and carols by a combined choir of local churches will entertain the attendees.  A Christmas Open House reception sponsored by local businesses will follow in City Hall. 

City Council is embarking on a number of projects to replace aging water and sewer facilities in the older parts of the city and to upgrade the Riverside water plant and related facilities at an estimated cost of $15-16 million dollars.  However, we do not anticipate any tax increases to pay for these upgrades.

City Council has authorized the formation of the West Columbia Beautification Foundation. The purpose of this 501(c)(3) Foundation is to solicit funding and direct beautification efforts on public properties throughout the city.  The Foundation will be guided by a Board of Directors composed of citizen volunteers with assistance from members of the city staff.

The City of West Columbia recently received a $50,000 grant from the State of South Carolina to be used for landscaping Klapman Blvd from the Congaree River to its intersection with U.S. Highway #1.  The highway median will be landscaped using Roses, Red Bud, and Crepe Myrtle trees.  Planting will begin November 2007.