Originally published in the 10/26/18 print edition of the Yellowstone County News.
BILLINGS — A lawsuit filed against the City of Billings by six residents who say utility franchise fees are illegal may be resolved through mediation or negotiation.
But first, city officials and the plaintiffs have to reach a “good faith” agreement from which to reach a settlement, an attorney for the defendants said in a letter to the city.
At issue is whether franchisee fees charged on bills for city services including water, sewer and trash collection were actually illegal sales taxes. A group of six plaintiffs filed a civil suit against the city in May seeking an end to the fee collection and refunds for city residents who had paid them. The plaintiffs seek “class action” status for the lawsuit, which is being heard by a Great Falls judge after all Yellowstone County District judges either recused themselves or were removed by request of parties to the lawsuit.
In a letter send this week to the city, plaintiff’s attorney Matthew Monforton said the city’s actions have read more
