On March 12, 2013, a City crew operating a backhoe allegedly damaged SWB’s underground communication cables. SWB commenced litigation to recover alleged damages for repair costs to the cables. The lawsuit was tried to a jury verdict and the jury awarded Southwestern Bell Telephone Company $140,762.98 in damages. The City appealed. The First Court of Appeals reversed and remanded the case to the trial court for retrial. SWB has agreed to settle the dispute for $90,000.00.
Funding for this item is included in the FY2019 Adopted Budget. Therefore, no Fiscal Note is required as stated in the Financial Policy Ord. 2014-1078.
____________________________
Ronald C. Lewis, City Attorney