The city of Columbia’s July settlement with Brightspeed Communications, formerly known as CenturyTel of Missouri, has finally been announced.

The city received $14.3 million as a result of a lawsuit filed by the city of Columbia and the city of Joplin in 2014, which alleged that Brightspeed underpaid certain licensing taxes and fees to both cities.

The settlement avoids any mention of liability, with the effective date of the settlement being May 30, 2025.

According to Columbia Mayor Barbara Buffaloe, the $14.3 million went to the city’s general fund, and the city has no specific plans in place for the money at this time.

The general fund is money used to fund the Police, Fire and Public Works departments, among others.