BILLINGS — Six Billings residents have filed a class action lawsuit against the City of Billings, claiming officials are illegally collecting franchise fees on city utility bills.
At issue is a practice used by City of Billings officials since 1993 that levies franchise fees as part of city utilities bills.
“It’s an illegal tax,” said Roger Webb, one of a group of six citizens that formed to oppose the franchise fee. “If it’s designated for a specific purpose, they could get by with it.”
The fee is 4 percent on water and sewer services and 5 percent on solid waste disposal. It goes into the city’s general fund, which is where Webb says the problem lies.
The group also includes Billings read more
May172018