By By Ben Alexander/The Meridian Star
July 21, 2001
Attorneys for the city of Meridian have asked Chancery Judge Sarah Springer to halt a lawsuit filed by Marion officials over sewage treatment fees.
Attorney Benny Carter asked for a summary judgment in the city's favor Friday.
Marion's lawsuit asks the court to nullify a November vote of the Meridian City Council raising the fee for sewage treatment from 67 cents to $2.43 per thousand gallons.
Attorney Tom Goldman, representing Marion, said the council is bound by a 1986 agreement between Meridian and Marion setting the lower fee. Marion officials filed suit in February.
Carter said his motion asking for an end to the dispute is based on solid legal precedent.
The disagreement over sewage rates arose as Meridian officials were attempting to gain permission to cross land inside the Marion city limits with a sewage pipe connecting Naval Air Station Meridian to the city's infrastructure.
Marion officials said they would grant permission only in exchange for low sewage treatment rates. The Meridian City Council ultimately chose an alternate and more expensive route for the sewer line.
Springer did not say when she might make a ruling.
Ben Alexander is a staff writer for The Meridian Star. Call him at 693-1551, ext. 3226, or e-mail him at balexander@themeridianstar.com.