Columbia Meetings; attendance; quorum ordinance (§ 27-214)
Chapter 27: Utilities · Article IV. Railway Terminal Services
In short: Four board members make a quorum, and a majority of members present approves any measure. A member automatically forfeits office after unexcused absences from 25 percent of a calendar year's regular meetings or three consecutive regular meetings; the chair may excuse absences requested beforehand.
Our plain-English summary, not the official text or legal advice. The ordinance below is what counts.
At the first meeting of each fiscal year, the board shall elect a chair and vice-chair from among its voting members. A quorum of four (4) members shall be necessary to conduct business. All business shall be by resolutions or motion with a majority of positive votes from members present necessary to approve any measure. The chair of the board is authorized to excuse any member from attendance at a board meeting; provided, that the member requested to be excused before the meeting. Any member who is absent, without being excused, from twenty-five (25) percent of the regular board meetings held in a calendar year shall automatically forfeit the office. Any member who is absent, without being excused, from three (3) consecutive regular meetings shall automatically forfeit the office. The chair shall promptly notify the council of the vacancy.
Official source: City of Columbia official Code of Ordinances (online): look up Sec. 27-214
Text from Supplement 139 (September 3, 2026).
Last checked November 1, 2026. The city's official copy controls; this page is a reading copy, not legal advice.