COLUMBIA -- Election Day is one week from Tuesday.
A simple majority of Columbia voters will decide the fate of Proposition 2.
That proposal would allow city leaders to use voter approved bonds to purchase the Columbia Energy Center from Ameren Energy Marketing for $49.5 million.
The Energy Center is a natural gas fired electric generation facility that was built in 2001 near Columbia’s landfill.
Last year, city leaders bought 25% of the center.
Supporters of Proposition 2 said full ownership would save city taxpayers about $1 million dollars a year.
Columbia Water & Light Department Spokesperson Connie Kacprowicz said, “We looked at the numbers and realized that we could save $1 million dollars annually with voter approved bonds. Those payments would save us $1 million dollars over leasing it. It’s similar to when a person goes and buys a house versus renting.”
Proposition 2 requires no electric rate increase.
The proposal requires no taxes because Columbia’s electric system is funded through electric rates.
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