CPWS provides nearly $1.8 million in PILOT funding to local area
COLUMBIA, Tenn. – At its November 2017 meeting, the Board of Public Utilities approved a nearly $1.8 million payment to local city and county governments within the Columbia Power & Water Systems’ service area as payment in-lieu-of-tax contributions.
The $1,773,589.95 payment makes CPWS the largest taxpayer to the city of Columbia and one of the largest taxpayers in Maury County. Often known as PILOT, these tax equivalent payments play an important role in helping support programs and tax services provided by local governments to their citizens.
“CPWS’ in-lieu-of-tax payments to our local governments have been a long-standing tradition and serve as an excellent example of how publicly-owned utilities provide important benefits to the communities they serve,” said CPWS Interim Executive Director Kelley McCall. “We are pleased these payments will help improve the quality of life in our service areas and enhance economic growth.”
Both city and county governments receive their payments in two equal semi-annual installments in December and June of each fiscal year. Of the total amount, the city of Columbia will receive $1,400,537.96 and Maury County will receive $355,912.50.
Governed by the City of Columbia Board of Public Utilities, CPWS provides electric power to more than 27,000 homes and businesses and clean water to more than 20,000 facilities within the city of Columbia and much of Maury County, Tennessee. CPWS also offers PowerNet television, high-speed data, and telephone services to Columbia’s businesses and residents.