Columbia, CT town hall & government
Columbia spent $19.7 million in the year to June 30, 2022, about $3,688 per resident.
Where the money goes, where it comes from, property taxes, and how to reach Columbia's government.
Where Columbia's money goes
Columbia runs its own schools, so school spending is part of its budget. Comparisons are with other Connecticut towns.
Where the money comes from
- Property taxes 82%
- From the state 15%
- Interest, fines & other 2%
- Fees & charges 1%
- From the federal government <1%
Who works for Columbia
Staff on the town's payroll in March 2025. Pay is March payroll times twelve, so it's approximate.
Columbia School District
Columbia's elementary school district. The schools are run by Columbia, so this money is part of the budget above.
Where the district's money comes from Connecticut districts overall: 58% local, 35% state, 8% federal
- Local 72%
- State 25%
- Federal 3%
Of the $26,516 per pupil, $12,300 goes to classroom instruction (teachers, aides, supplies); the rest to support services such as buses, buildings, counselors and administration. Building projects and debt payments aren't in the per-pupil figure.
What homeowners in Columbia pay
The median yearly bill homeowners report, covering every local property tax on the home (town, schools, county). The effective rate is that bill divided by the median home value, so it's a rough guide, not the official tax rate.
Contact Columbia's government
Budget: U.S. Census Bureau, 2022 Census of Governments: Finance (every city and town government's revenue, spending and debt, grouped into plain categories). Property tax: Census American Community Survey, 5-year estimates.