The City Council approved an ordinance authorizing two settlement, release and indemnity agreements with St Harlem Construction, Amerifactors Financial Group, and V&S Construction in related lawsuits over emergency water line repairs. The lawsuits arose after the City placed a hold on payments following repairs performed during the 2023 drought under Contract SPD-CMH-082420. Under the ordinance, the City will pay a total of $1,066,255.38 from the Water and Sewer System Operating Fund, including $450,000 to Amerifactors, $80,000 to St Harlem, $524,000 to V&S Construction, and $12,255.38 to Earth Engineering. The settlements resolve all claims contemporaneously to avoid further litigation. Funding is provided in the FY2025 Adopted Budget.