Columbia Borough Council has taken a significant step towards the sale of public property, approving a public auction for the Bridge Avenue Lot 2. During the meeting on July 29, 2025, council members discussed the auction process, emphasizing the importance of setting a reserve price that reflects the appraised value of the property. Councilperson Murphy motioned for the auction, which was seconded by Councilperson Stahl, and the motion passed unanimously.

The discussion highlighted the council's commitment to transparency and best practices in handling public assets. While it is not legally required to obtain an appraisal before selling property, council members agreed that it is prudent to do so to ensure fair market value is achieved. This decision aligns with the borough's policy of responsible governance regarding public property sales.

In addition to the auction, Solicitor Gable provided updates on ongoing projects, including the closing of an access easement and upcoming meetings with the Columbia Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) regarding a building currently occupied by KT. Gable expressed optimism about moving forward with the local government debt act, which is crucial for funding the Bios 1 project.

The council also noted upcoming meetings, including a zoning hearing board session scheduled for July 30, 2025. As the borough continues to navigate these developments, the focus remains on ensuring that public resources are managed effectively and transparently.