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COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) – A local technology company tied to a Columbia city councilman is now suing the city over a contract that awarded a multi-million-dollar project to a competitor.
Court records show Colite Technologies LLC filed suit against the City of Columbia on on June 9.
The company, which focuses on alternative power systems, claims the city unfairly disqualified its bid for a solar power project at the Columbia Metro Wastewater Treatment Plant. It’s also alleged the city violated its own procurement rules, potentially costing local taxpayers millions.
Colite reported a submitting a $6.7 million bid for the project after it the city first asked for bids in December 2025. The city on Colite later discussed a possible conflict of interest involving Columbia City Councilman Peter Brown.
Per the city’s website, Brown is listed as a founder/partner/chairman of Colite. The company’s website also lists him as a managing partner as part of its executive leadership. The lawsuit identifies Brown as a minority owner of the company.
Colite said the city used Brown’s position as justification to terminate its bid, citing that conflict of interest. The lawsuit states this happened despite the company saying Brown was willing to recuse himself from the process.
Colite also claimed that it obtained a legal analysis saying the conflict could be avoided. The city reportedly promised to send Colite a notice if they decided to move forward with another company.
The lawsuit states the city decided to then move forward with a different, $8.9 million bid. City council approved that contract to CMTA, Inc. on June 9 – with Brown abstaining his vote.
Colite further argues the agreement with CMTA was made in secret, and that it never received a notice as promised by the city. The company added the sudden decision did not give them time to counter, and that the city broke its own rules in its decision.
Per documents, Colite is seeking to have the project halted and the contract thrown out, meaning the city would have to re-evaluate all bids.
The City of Columbia told WIS on Thursday that it does not comment on pending litigation.
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