Columbia Water and Light Advisory Board ordinance (Charter § 103)

The water and light advisory board shall consist of five (5) members appointed by the council. Appointment shall be made for terms of four (4) years. Appointments to fill vacancies shall be for unexpired terms only.

Members shall be qualified voters and residents of the City of Columbia for at least one year prior to their appointment. They shall be sympathetic with the principal of municipal operation of the water and light system and with the policies set forth in this article to ensure the sound and efficient management of said system. The board shall elect annually its own chairman. Members shall serve without pay, but their reasonable expenses shall be paid as provided by ordinance.

The powers of the board shall be solely advisory. It shall be empowered to visit and to inspect the operation of the water and light system, to have access to all financial and other records pertaining to said system, and to require from any city department or officer any information available concerning the same. The board shall report at least annually its findings and recommendations to the people and to the council.