Columbia Council Seeks Transparency In Transfer Funds

The Columbia Chamber Calls for Transparency in Aftermath of Water and Sewer Transfers 

COLUMBIA, SC – The City of Columbia water and sewer system is in desperate need of repair. For years, the City has held off on replacing or repairing the water and sewer lines, some of which are more than 50 years old, as nearly $4 million a year was transferred from the water and sewer revenues to the general fund.

In 2013, the City of Columbia was found in violation of the Clean Water Act and agreed to approximately $750 million worth of assessments and repairs within 12 years in addition to a $476,400 penalty.

In a call for transparency, the Columbia Chamber and Mayor Steve Benjamin held many discussions on ensuring fiscal responsibility on behalf of our tax payers. With our support, Mayor Benjamin’s motion includes:

• Removing the $4 million General Fund Transfer from Water and Sewer Revenue
• Implementing a 2% Public Safety Transfer from Water and Sewer, to be reviewed annually
• Reduce the proposed Water and Sewer Rate from 12.1% to 9.5%
• Raising the SCANA Franchise Fee from 3% to 5% in order to provide a more equitable source of revenue
• 2 Mill City Property Tax Rollback
• Promoting the Community Development’s Maintenance Assistance Program which provides grants for a variety of maintenance programs

The Columbia Chamber is first and foremost concerned with the public safety in the Midlands area, and recognizes the intense need for water and sewer repairs. Mayor Benjamin’s motion raises the necessary funding to repair the system, while ensuring accountability and transparency within the transfer process without increasing the cost of doing business and living in Columbia.

About the Columbia Chamber

The Columbia Chamber is a private, non-profit, partner-driven organization comprised of 1,500 business enterprises, civic organizations, educational institutions and individuals in Calhoun, Fairfield, Kershaw, Lexington, Newberry and Richland counties. The Columbia Chamber serves as the voice of its partners and the business community at large on matters of economic, educational, social, cultural and political concern, as well as supports and promotes the success of its partners through networking, professional development, advocacy and leadership. The organization has represented the interests of the local business community since 1902.