Columbia’s city manager says a recent multi-million dollar settlement with Brightspeed will help the city’s fund balance.
The court battle with Brightspeed over utility taxes lasted more than a decade. City manager De’Carlon Seewood tells 939 the Eagle that he’s pleased with the settlement:
“It just adds to our fund balance so that allows us to kind of maintain some of the things we’re doing. It’s about $14-million,” Mr. Seewood says.
939 the Eagle’s Mike Murphy of Comobuz reports Mr. Seewood signed a July agreement that called for the $14-million to be wire transferred to the city within ten business days.
Meantime, Monday evening is your final opportunity to comment on city manager Seewood’s proposed $598-million budget. The council has held two public hearings on the budget, and public comment will be allowed again Monday. Mr. Seewood tells 939 the Eagle that he wants to hear from you on Monday:
“That’s how a city runs. You know we run by our residents and so we want to make sure that their voices are heard and our budget represents what our residents want to see done,” says Seewood.
Mr. Seewood’s proposed budget includes major improvements to the roundabout at State Farm Parkway and Nifong. His proposed budget also focuses on public safety and housing. The council is expected to vote on the proposed budget Monday.
Columbia’s fiscal year begins October 1.