Longwood approves budget amendment and $64,844.41 purchase order to repair Columbus Harbor lift station

The Longwood City Commission approved a fiscal-year budget amendment and a purchase order Monday to fund critical repairs to the municipal sewer lift-station system.

The commission adopted a budget amendment amending the fiscal-year 2024–25 public utilities appropriations to make funding available for multiple urgent lift-station repairs. The body then approved a purchase order of $64,844.41 to address problems at Columbus Harbor Lift Station No. 28, which public-works staff said contains voids in the wet well walls and sits below the nearby lake. Public Works Director Shadd Smith told the commission crews would clean and bypass the station, grout voids, and install a new seal to restore reliable operation.

City staff said the work is time-sensitive and should be completed before peak storm season to reduce the risk of pump failure and sanitary overflows. Staff also noted that the city is reallocating funds from a different, planned project this fiscal year to address the most critical infrastructure needs now.

The purchase order vote was 4-0. The budget amendment also passed on a 4-0 roll-call vote.

What happens next: The city will proceed with the work, including bypass pumping, grouting and installation of the new seal; crews are expected to begin promptly and minimize roadway impacts. The project is intended to restore the lift station to full service and reduce the chance of storm-related failures.

Commission record: The budget amendment (agenda item 12A) passed 4-0; the purchase order for Columbus Harbor Lift Station No. 28 (agenda item 12B) in the amount of $64,844.41 was approved by vote 4-0.