General — Columbia, SC
Date: 2026-04-21
Time: 13:00

Columbia City Council Budget Workshop Agenda
 Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at 1:00 PM
 City Hall • Mayor's Conference Room
 1737 Main Street, 2nd Floor, Columbia, SC 29201
 City Clerk’s Office: (803)545-3045 or cityclerk@columbiasc.gov

 The Honorable Daniel J. Rickenmann, Mayor
 The Honorable Edward H. McDowell, Jr. • The Honorable William Brennan
 The Honorable Tina N. Herbert, Mayor Pro-Tempore • The Honorable Peter M. Brown
 The Honorable Tyler D. Bailey • The Honorable Sam P. Johnson


Call to Order

Invocation

Adoption of the Agenda

City Council Discussion

1. Fiscal Year 2026/2027 Budget Overview — Ms. Missy Caughman, Assistant City
 Manager for Strategic Initiatives & Innovation

 Special Revenues

2. Columbia Water Update — Mr. Clint E. Shealy, P.E., Assistant City Manager /
 Columbia Water

Executive Session

3. Discussion of matters relating to the proposed location, expansion, or provision of
 services encouraging location or expansion of industries or other businesses in the
 area served by the public body pursuant to S.C. Code §30-4-70(a)(5)

 Project Congaree

4. Receipt of legal advice relating to a pending, threatened or potential claim pursuant
 to S.C. Code §30-4-70(a)(2)

 Nguyen v. City of Columbia

Adjournment




 Page 1 of 1

Columbia City Council Budget Workshop Agenda
 Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at 1:00 PM
 City Hall • Mayor's Conference Room
 1737 Main Street, 2nd Floor, Columbia, SC 29201
 City Clerk’s Office: (803)545-3045 or cityclerk@columbiasc.gov

 The Honorable Daniel J. Rickenmann, Mayor
 The Honorable Edward H. McDowell, Jr. • The Honorable William Brennan
 The Honorable Tina N. Herbert, Mayor Pro-Tempore • The Honorable Peter M. Brown
 The Honorable Tyler D. Bailey • The Honorable Sam P. Johnson


 Call to Order

 Invocation

 Adoption of the Agenda

 City Council Discussion

 1. Fiscal Year 2026/2027 Budget Overview — Ms. Missy Caughman, Assistant City
 Manager for Strategic Initiatives & Innovation

 Special Revenues

 2. Columbia Water Update — Mr. Clint E. Shealy, P.E., Assistant City Manager /
 Columbia Water

 Executive Session

 3. Discussion of matters relating to the proposed location, expansion, or provision of
 services encouraging location or expansion of industries or other businesses in the
 area served by the public body pursuant to S.C. Code §30-4-70(a)(5)

 Project Congaree

 4. Receipt of legal advice relating to a pending, threatened or potential claim pursuant
 to S.C. Code §30-4-70(a)(2)

 Nguyen v. City of Columbia

 Adjournment




 Page 1 of 1

Page 1 of 46
 Meeting Date: April 21, 2026

 Department: Administration - Strategic Initiatives & Innovation

 From: Missy Caughman, Assistant City Manager



 Fiscal Year 2026/2027 Budget Overview — Ms. Missy Caughman, Assistant City
 Manager for Strategic Initiatives & Innovation

 Special Revenues

 Background Summary:

 Attachments:
 1. FY 26-27 Council Budget Workshop Special Revenues 4-21-26




 04/16/2026 4:34 PM Page 1


Page 2 of 46
 City of Columbia
 FY 2026-2027
 Proposed Budget
 April 21, 2026
 Budget Overview
 Special Revenues



 4/21/26 1
Page 3 of 46
 FY 2026/2027 • Budget Development Overview
 Budget Workshop • Budget Workshops & Timeline
 Discussion Topics
 • Special Revenues Estimates
 • Hospitality Tax (HTAX)
 • State Accommodations Tax (ATAX)
 • Local Accommodations Tax (TDF)
 • Liquor Permit Rebate (LR)



 4/21/26 2
Page 4 of 46
 What’s Changing
 Capital Delivery to Operations: shifting from project completion to ongoing
 operational & maintenance responsibilities

 Increased Service Demand: Economic development & population growth leading to
 expansion and enhanced services

 Workforce Pressures: Attracting, retaining, and supporting employees is a critical
 objective as demands grow and changes in organizational complexity occur

 Financial Transition: Modest revenue growth and phasing out one-time funding
 sources are creating a more strategic approach to resource allocations




 4/21/26 3
Page 5 of 46
 Strategic Focus Areas

 Ὧ️
 From Completion to the Next Chapter Ὠ Investing in Our Workforce

 v Moving from project completion to long-term v Prioritizing competitive pay and modern
 maintenance and activation classification systems
 v Protecting prior investments by sustaining v Strengthening performance management
 service delivery at a high level to drive accountability and results
 v Addressing increased operational demands v Ensuring we attract, develop, and retain a
 across departments high-performing workforce



 Growth & Service Readiness Together, We Are Columbia
 v Growth demands require a proactive v Success depends on collaboration and shared
 approach to service delivery outcomes
 v Budget development emphasizes cross-
 v The need for departments to be properly department coordination, reducing silo
 staffed, equipped, and organized  to operations, and ensuring investments support
 successfully operate with increased demands citywide goals and long-term sustainability.


Page 6 of 46
 Budget Workshops & Timeline
 April 21 Budget Workshop #1
 • Budget Overview
 • Special Revenues
 • Columbia Water Review


 May 5 Budget Workshop #2
 General Fund
 Public Safety | Public Works | Parks & Recreation
 Workforce Investment


 May 19 Budget Workshop #3
 Enterprise Funds:
 • Water & Sewer | Storm Water | Parking
 Capital Projects



 May 26 Budget Workshop #4
 Special Rev Committee Recommendations
 Presentations from Columbia Convention Center & Lake Murray Tourism




 June 9
 Budget Public Hearing & First Reading



 4/21/26 5
Page 7 of 46
 FY 2026/2027 Special Revenues - Estimates
 By Fund
 FY 2026/2027 SPECIAL REVENUES*
 $ 20,000,000
 $ 18,000,000
 $ 16,000,000
 $ 14,000,000
 $ 12,000,000
 $ 10,000,000
 $ 8,000,000
 $ 6,000,000
 $ 4,000,000
 $ 2,000,000
 $-
 Tourism & Dev. Fund State Accom. Tax Liquor Permits Hospitality Tax
 FY23 ACTUAL $ 1,442,465 $ 3,337,336 $ 417,495 $ 14,208,055
 FY24 ACTUAL $ 4,935,752 $ 3,612,420 $ 387,505 $ 16,347,606
 FY25 ACTUAL $ 6,490,274 $ 3,978,600 $ 440,420 $ 17,474,113
 FY26 BUDGET $ 5,182,540 $ 3,793,041 $ 426,256 $ 15,718,458
 FY 27 EST $ 5,903,116 $ 3,871,410 $ 437,081 $ 17,364,689
 *Excludes use of Fund Balance, late fees, or interest earnings
 4/21/26 6
Page 8 of 46
 FY 2026/2027
 Hospitality Tax – Estimate




 4/21/26 7
Page 9 of 46
 FY 2026/2027 Hospitality Tax Estimate

 Projected Revenue
 • $17,364,689; Net Increase from Prior Year; $1,643,948
 • Use of fund balance not anticipated at this time (actual net decrease from previous
 year of $604,164)


 • Key Considerations
 • Revenue estimates are based on current year collections and prior year actuals
 • May and June are big collection months




 4/21/26 8
Page 10 of 46
 Hospitality Tax Allocations

 Hospitality Tax Line Item
 City Council
 Committee Agencies Transfers Out
 Allocations

 • Committee reviews • Agencies with a • Direct allocations • General Fund for
 applications and fiduciary City made by Council, eligible activities
 makes relationship (e.g., including multiyear • Debt service on
 recommendations facility ownership commitments. bonds for
 of funding for or fiduciary duty). May overlap with Hospitality Tax
 organizations that • Submits Committee-funded funded capital
 apply through the applications and organizations. projects
 annual grant follow guidelines
 program. • Allocations set by
 City Council.




 4/21/26 9
Page 11 of 46
 FY 2026/2027 Hospitality Tax Estimates
 Proposed Grant Program
 HTAX Grant Program
 • Number of applications received: 70
 • Amount requested: $7.1M

 • Line-Item Agencies
 • Total Requested $3,235,000
 • Minimal increase over the current year of $65,000 (2%)

 • Proposed Allocations
 • Committee recommended allocation of $4,614,324
 • Based on the increase in estimated growth in revenues
 • Line-item allocations are subject to City Council input and available funding


 4/21/26 10
Page 12 of 46
 FY 2026/2027 Hospitality Tax Proposed
 Expenditures continued
 • Transfer to General Fund $4,800,000
 • Same as the current year budget at this time

 • Debt Service: $2,092,191
 • Slight increase of $4,812 based on existing debt service schedules

 • Other Requests
 • Staff recommendations to various special initiatives are not reflected at this time




 4/21/26 11
Page 13 of 46
 FY 2026/2027 Accommodations Tax Projected
 (State Accommodations Tax)




  State Accommodations Tax
  Proposed Allocations based on
  state law




 4/21/26 12
Page 14 of 46
 FY 2026/2027 Accommodations Tax Estimates


 • Total Proposed revenues of $3,913,961
 • Increase of $72,378; 1.9% over current year budget
 • Revenues are remitted by the State quarterly.
 • Collections through December (2nd quarter) are in line with prior year collections




 4/21/26 13
Page 15 of 46
 FY 2026/2027 Accommodations Tax (ATAX)
 Estimates
 • Proposed allocations based on the breakdown of uses set by state law.
 $25,000 transfer to the General Fund
 30% allocated for advertising and promotion of tourism
 65% allocated for tourism related expenditures
 5% for general purposes


 • Accommodations Tax Committee available for allocation $2,821,878
 • State Law requires the Accommodations Tax Committee to make allocation
 recommendations to the City Council.
 • ATAX Committee scheduled to meet in May.
 • Fund balance will increase the amount available for allocation.

 • Debt service $872,635
 • Based on the debt service payment schedule.


 4/21/26 14
Page 16 of 46
 FY 2026/2027 Tourism Development Fee
 (Local Accommodations Tax)



 • TDF is a 3% percent fee imposed on hotels,
 motels, and other accommodations in the City for
 the purpose of increasing the attraction of and
 improving the services provided to tourists.
 • Estimated budget of $5,903,116 based on prior
 year actuals and current year collections
 • Proposed Budget includes debt service of
 $872,635
 • Transfer to the General Fund proposed at
 $1,000,000




 4/21/26 15
Page 17 of 46
 FY 2026/2027 Liquor Permit Rebate


 Liquor Permit Rebates are funds collected
 from short-term alcohol permits issued for
 events.

 FY 26/27 Estimated revenues of $437,081
 • Increase of $10,825; 3% over current year budget




 4/21/26 16
Page 18 of 46
 THANK YOU!




 4/21/26 17
Page 19 of 46
 Meeting Date: April 21, 2026

 Department: Administration - Columbia Water

 From: Clint Shealy, Assistant City Manager



 Columbia Water Update — Mr. Clint E. Shealy, P.E., Assistant City Manager /
 Columbia Water

 Background Summary:

 Attachments:
 1. Columbia Water Update 041726




 04/22/2026 9:52 AM Page 1


Page 20 of 46
 Columbia Water Update 2026
 Clint Shealy, Assistant City Manager – Columbia Water
 April 21, 2026




Page 21 of 46
 Overview & Agenda
• Columbia Water 2026 Priorities • Draft Capital Improvement Program
• Operations Overview • Stormwater Program Update and
• Wastewater Consent Decree Updates Highlights

• Capital Project and Canal Recovery
  Updates
• Rate Study Update - Utility Fee
  Revisions


 2
Page 22 of 46
 Columbia Water Priorities

 • Regulatory Compliance
 • Support Council and City Manager’s Growth Initiatives
 • Improvement in Customer Service and Response, Use of Technology
 • Efficient Execution of Capital Projects
 • Development of and Retention of Staff




 3
Page 23 of 46
 Water and Wastewater Operations
 • Continued Reduction in
 Work Order Backlog for
 Water Distribution and
 WW Maintenance

 • 32% reduction in Water
 Work Order Backlog

 • 24% reduction in WW Work
 Order Backlog



 4
Page 24 of 46
 Water and Wastewater Operations
 • GIS Dashboards

 • Developed by
 Engineering GIS

 • Used by Water
 Distribution and
 Wastewater
 Maintenance
 Divisions to track
 various metrics and
 KPIs


 5
Page 25 of 46
 Water and Wastewater Operations
 • Use of Outside Contractors
 • Seven IDC Contractors + One
 Fulltime Crew

 • Work includes:
 • meter installs and replacements
 • service line repairs
 • hydrant replacements
 • street and yard restorations

 • Over 2,550 work orders completed
 over the last 12 months (55%
 increase from prior year)

 6
Page 26 of 46
 Wastewater Consent Decree Updates
 • All required Consent Decree
 deliverables have been submitted (all
 on time)
 • 19 of 20 deliverables have been approved by
 EPA
 • Consent Decree Amendment request has
 been accepted by EPA & USDOJ
 • Currently out for public comment until May 4,
 2026
 • Extends the completion deadline for four
 individual capacity improvement projects
 until 2029
 7
Page 27 of 46
 Wastewater Consent Decree Updates




 IRR GROUP 1 IRR GROUP 2 IRR GROUP 3 SIRR
 Deadline = Deadline = Deadline = Deadline =
 3/18/2028 3/18/2030 3/18/2032 3/18/2030
 2 Projects 3 Projects 8 Projects 29 Projects
 2 Complete 2 Complete 5 Complete 18 Complete
 1 Design 3 Design 7 Construction
 4 Design
Page 28 of 46
 Wastewater Consent Decree Updates
 • Significant progress continues to be made toward required wastewater
 infrastructure investments
 • Original $750M estimate has increased due to increased periods of inflation and
 additional capacity needs throughout the system
 • Overall, Consent Decree-related Council approvals are estimated to be ~63%
 complete ($62M increase since April 2025)




 9
Page 29 of 46
 Capital Projects – Metro WWTP
 • WWTP Improvements
 • SS7639 Thickening Improvements
 • Bid Opening April 2026
 • Construction from Summer 2026
 through Fall 2028


 • SS7623 Dewatering Rolloff
 Containers
 • SS7624 Train 2 Chemical Feed
 • SS7510 Emergency Generators




 10
Page 30 of 46
 Capital Projects – WW Collection
 • Key Projects:
 • SS7568 Saluda River Force Main Extension
 Phase 2
 • Pedestrian Bridge collaboration with City of West
 Columbia
 • Consent Decree Modification project to be
 complete by 2029


 • SS733701 East Rocky Branch SS Phase 1
 • Rehab and capacity enhancing project
 • Construction through USC campus from April
 2026 until mid-2027


 11
Page 31 of 46
 Capital Projects – WW Collection
 • Key Projects:
 • SS7560 Lower Crane Creek Equalization
 Storage Facility
 • 8 MG storage tank at the confluence of the Crane
 Creek and Smith Branch Sewer basins
 • Will help reduce wet-weather SSOs in the Crane
 Creek basin
 • Complete in summer 2026


 • SS7562 Gills Creek Relief Sewer
 • Large capacity enhancing project near Bluff Rd, Shop
 Rd, and Beltline Blvd
 • Consent Decree Modification project to be complete
 by 2029
 12
Page 32 of 46
 Capital Projects - Water System
 • Rosewood Water Improvements
 • Phase 1 complete, over 700
 customers with improved service
 • Phase 2 in construction




 13
Page 33 of 46
 Water System Project Updates
 • North Trenholm 16” Water Main
 Upgrade
 • 3-mile installation from Forest to
 Decker completed late 2025
 • Transmission benefits throughout
 the eastern portion of our system
 • Worked with two simultaneous
 contractors for a rapid project
 delivery ahead of SCDOT paving




 14
Page 34 of 46
 Canal Progress Updates
 • Resilient Water Supply Project
 • Currently under construction –
 approximately 40% complete
 • Estimated construction completion in
 summer 2027
 • BRIC Grant approval!


 • Headgates Replacement
 • Contractor selection is complete pending
 Council approval of contract
 • Construction period estimated from May
 2026 to August 2028
 15
Page 35 of 46
 Canal Progress Updates
 • Canal Embankment Recovery
 • Final FERC approval pending (expected at
 any time)
 • Estimated bidding in summer 2026
 • Estimated construction completion in early
 2029


 • Dominion Power Pole Relocation
 • Complete with all power pole replacements




 16
Page 36 of 46
 Rate Study Results
 Capital Improvement
 Program




Page 37 of 46
 Development and Growth
 Water Meter Sales Trends




 18
Page 38 of 46
 Utility Fee Revisions
 • Purpose and Rationale
 • Columbia Water continually reviews practices to recover costs and
 improves efficiencies
 • Proposed adjustments shift costs to end users of specific services
 • Most adjustments reflect actual cost of materials + labor (20% overhead +
 2 hrs city forces)
 • Proposals benchmarked against regional utilities to remain competitive

 Water Meter Tap Fees, SCDOT Special Services
 Fees Paving Reqs. Engineering Fees

Page 39 of 46
 Utility Fee Revisions
 • Water Meter Fees
 • Fire Hydrant Meter Fee – increase from $1000 to $1500
 • Based on actual meter cost of $1,247.83
 • Meter Replacement Fee
 • Increase from $300 to $420 for 5/8-inch meter
 • Increase to $600 for 1-inch meter
 • Meter Curb Stop Replacement Fee – new fee of $100 or $150 based on size
 • New Meter Fee increase for 10-inch meter from $8279 to $22,000
 • Based on actual meter cost of $21,691.77

 SCDOT Non-Standard Installation Restoration Costs
 A new SCDOT District 1 directive requires resurfacing larger areas for water/sewer taps on newly resurfaced roads.
Page 40 of 46
 Estimated cost: ~$10,000/lane/50 ft of mill & resurface. These costs will be passed through to customers.
 Utility Fee Revisions
 • Special Service / Engineering Fees
 • Fire Hydrant Flow Test – increase from $175 to $250
 • Fire Hydrant Replacement and Relocation Fee – proposed fee of $4100 to
 cover cost of hydrant ($3040) and staff labor
 • Sewer Capacity Review Fee – proposed fee of $60 for Consent Decree
 mandated review of flows greater than 4000 gallons per day
 • New Development Pump Station Review Fee - $2500 to cover costs for
 review of wastewater pump station submittals




Page 41 of 46
 Draft Capital Improvement Program FY27
 • Water + Wastewater Combined CIP Funding Request = $93,000,000
 • Key Water Projects:
 • Water Quality Improvement Projects
 • Shandon/Devine St
 • Forest Acres
 • Broad River Rd
 • Water Treatment Plant Improvements
 • Canal WTP Filter Rehabilitation
 • Lake Murray WTP Electrical Upgrades

 • Key Wastewater Projects:
 • Gills Creek Relief Sewer
 • Major Pipe Geopolymer Rehabilitation
 • Metro WWTP Thickening Improvements (FY26 project set to begin in summer 2027)
 22
Page 42 of 46
 Stormwater Program Update & Highlights
 • Completed 880 construction site inspections in 2025
 • Issued 84 land disturbance permits in 2025
 • Stormwater FY27 CIP Funding Request = $11,000,000
 • Key Stormwater Projects:
 • Saluda Bypass (Five Points to Maxcy Gregg Park)
 • Culvert and Road Upgrade at Whaley & Main




 23
Page 43 of 46
 Columbia Water Update 2026
 Clint Shealy, Assistant City Manager – Columbia Water
 April 21, 2026




Page 44 of 46
 Meeting Date: April 21, 2026

 Department: Office of the City Clerk

 From:



 Discussion of matters relating to the proposed location, expansion, or provision of
 services encouraging location or expansion of industries or other businesses in the
 area served by the public body pursuant to S.C. Code §30-4-70(a)(5)

 Project Congaree

 Background Summary:

 Attachments:
 None




 04/22/2026 9:52 AM Page 1


Page 45 of 46
 Meeting Date: April 21, 2026

 Department: Legal

 From:



 Receipt of legal advice relating to a pending, threatened or potential claim pursuant
 to S.C. Code §30-4-70(a)(2)

 Nguyen v. City of Columbia

 Background Summary:

 Attachments:
 None




 04/15/2026 3:34 PM Page 1


Page 46 of 46

Columbia City Council Work Session Minutes
 Tuesday, April 21, 2026

Call to Order

The Columbia City Council conducted a Budget Workshop on Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at City
Hall (Mayor's Conference Room), 1737 Main Street, Columbia, South Carolina 29201. The
Honorable Daniel J. Rickenmann, Mayor called the meeting to order at 1:12 p.m. and the
following members were present: The Honorable Edward H. McDowell, Jr., The Honorable
Will Brennan, The Honorable Tina N. Herbert, Mayor Pro-Tempore, The Honorable Peter M.
Brown, The Honorable Tyler D. Bailey, and The Honorable Sam P. Johnson. Also present
were Ms. Teresa Wilson, City Manager and Ms. Erika D. Moore Hammond, City Clerk. This
meeting was advertised in accordance with the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act.

Invocation

The Honorable Edward H. McDowell, Jr. offered the invocation.

Adoption of the Agenda

Upon a motion made by Mayor Rickenmann and seconded by Mr. Bailey, Council voted
unanimously to adopt the agenda subject to adding the discussion of negotiations incident
to proposed contractual arrangements pursuant to S. C. Code §30-4-70(a)(2) – Project
WM437401; Canal Headgates Structure as Item 5.

City Council Discussion

1. Fiscal Year 2026/2027 Budget Overview — Ms. Missy Caughman, Assistant City
 Manager for Strategic Initiatives & Innovation

 Special Revenues

Ms. Teresa Wilson, City Manager stated that this is the first of several budget workshops
and would set the foundation for the budget process. She emphasized that while the City
expects significant growth in the coming years, we must continue maintaining current
service levels.

Councilor Brown supported framing the budget around the City’s growth and emphasized
the need for a five-year outlook to plan for future service, staffing, and infrastructure needs.
He noted the importance of viewing the budget as a strategic, people-centered tool that
prioritizes quality of life, encourages partnerships, and positions the City for long-term
success.

Ms. Teresa Wilson, City Manager emphasized the importance of incorporating a forward-
looking approach into the budget, ensuring departments are funded based on future needs
rather than current conditions. She cited the example of budgeting for Police Chief Skip
Holbrook’s fully authorized staffing level, rather than existing vacancies. She noted that




 Page 1 of 4
anticipated growth, such as new development, requires detailed planning across
departments to adequately prepare for increased demand.

Councilor McDowell expressed the need for a forward-looking budget approach. He noted
that this has not been done sufficiently in the past. He stressed the importance of setting
clear priorities and measurable accomplishments to ensure the budget positions the City for
continued progress.

Mayor Rickenmann emphasized the importance of leveraging partnerships and bringing the
right stakeholders together to support the City’s work. He noted that the City is ultimately in
the customer service business, with a responsibility to effectively deliver services to
residents and the business community.

Ms. Missy Caughman, Assistant City Manager for Strategic Initiatives and Innovation
explained that many City projects are transitioning from construction to operational phases,
marking a significant shift in service delivery. Continued growth is increasing service
demand and placing added pressure on the workforce, while also requiring careful financial
management. She emphasized the importance of efficiently utilizing technology to support
operations and improve service delivery. She outlined the budget workshop timeline, noting
that the current meeting serves as the first workshop, followed by a second workshop on
May 5 focused on general fund updates and key areas. The third workshop on May 19 will
cover enterprise funds, including water, sewer, stormwater, and parking, as well as capital
projects. This will be the final meeting prior to advertising the budget for a public hearing.
She added that a May 26 workshop will include budget recommendations and committee
allocations, with presentations from partner organizations. The budget public hearing and
first reading is scheduled for June 9, 2026.

She provided an overview of special revenue allocations, noting estimated revenues of $5.9
million for the tourism development fund and $17.3 million for the hospitality tax fund,
reflecting a $1.6 million increase over the current year's budget. She explained that
hospitality tax funds allocations cover several categories, including the Hospitality Tax
Committee, line item agencies, City Council allocations, and transfers. Line item agencies
are proposed at $3.2 million, representing an increase of approximately 2%. The hospitality
tax grant program received 70 applications totaling $7.1 million in requests and the transfer
to the general fund remains at $4.8 million, which is consistent with the current year's
budget. She shared that state accommodations tax revenues are projected at $3.9 million
and are allocated in accordance with state law, with $25,000 directed to the general fund,
30% for tourism advertising and promotion, 65% for tourism-related expenditures, and 5%
for general purposes. Approximately $2.8 million is available for the Accomodation Tax
Committee allocation. The Accommodations Tax Committee will meet in May to make
funding recommendations to City Council. The tourism development fee is currently
projected at $5.2 million, which includes collection and interest.

Mr. Jeff Palen, Assistant City Manager of Development & Finance / CFO clarified details
regarding two bond issuances. He explained that the bonds issued for the ballpark in 2014–
2015 are 30-year bonds, with final payments scheduled through 2044 and funded by
hospitality tax revenues. He also noted a second bond issued for Finlay Park, structured as a
seven-year obligation, with full payoff expected by 2030. He added that while the Finlay
Park bond is a general obligation bond, payments are split evenly between the tourism
development fund and state accommodations tax revenues.

There was discussion about unmet staffing needs; balancing the budget; start of next fiscal
year; tourism development fee estimated collection; softening of percentages; line item



 Page 2 of 4
agencies and capital project commitments; remaining obligations for hospitality tax bond;
qualifications for capital projects in regard to the arts; Experience Columbia marketing
costs; fund balance; qualifying funds for Columbia Music Festival; future funding for Finlay
Park programming; upcoming Songbird Festival; and spending of allocations.

There was consensus of the City Council to approve the recommended allocations in the
amount of $4.6 million to the Hospitality Tax Committee and $2.8 million to the
Accommodation Tax Committee.

2. Columbia Water Update — Mr. Clint E. Shealy, P.E., Assistant City Manager /
 Columbia Water

Mr. Clint Shealy, P.E., Assistant City Manager / Columbia Water outlined priorities including
regulatory compliance, customer service, capital projects, and staff development. He noted
early-year challenges from winter weather but highlighted progress in reducing a backlog of
7,000 projects with contractor support. The department is ahead of schedule on the
wastewater Consent Decree, with 27 of 42 projects complete, seven under construction, and
eight in design, with completion expected by 2032. He also shared that Canal Embankment
Recovery has received Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approval, and noted recent
achievements including a statewide utilities award, capital project bids, and a Building
Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant.

There was discussion about the number of years required to address the backlog; the use of
workflow tracking technology; integration of AI tools; dashboard availability; the East Rocky
Branch construction; contingencies related to state and federal funding; differences in grant
funding criteria language; new electrical component designs for generators; water system
costs associated with economic development; sharing the growth model during a Work
Session and with the Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee; major gateway
lighting issues; and revisions to utility fees.

Executive Session

Upon a motion made by Ms. Herbert and seconded by Mr. Johnson, Council voted
unanimously to enter into Executive Session at 2:50 p.m. for the discussion of Items
3 and 4, as amended to include Item 5 (the discussion of negotiations incident to proposed
contractual arrangements pursuant to S. C. Code §30-4-70(a)(2) – Project WM437401;
Canal Headgates Structure). Mr. Bailey was not present for the vote.

3. Discussion of matters relating to the proposed location, expansion, or provision of
 services encouraging location or expansion of industries or other businesses in the
 area served by the public body pursuant to S.C. Code §30-4-70(a)(5)

 Project Congaree

4. Receipt of legal advice relating to a pending, threatened or potential claim pursuant
 to S.C. Code §30-4-70(a)(2)

 Nguyen v. City of Columbia

Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 3:45 p.m.




 Page 3 of 4
Respectfully Submitted:



Erika D. Moore Hammond, MMC, CPM
City Clerk




 Page 4 of 4