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Billings, Montana, Utility Fees $3.6M Class Action Settlement: Seeking Justice for Consumers
The city of Billings, Montana, has recently found itself at the center of a class action lawsuit regarding alleged illegal franchise fees charged on monthly water, wastewater, and solid waste disposal services. This contentious issue has led to a $3.6 million class action settlement known as the Houser, et al. v. City of Billings, Case No. DV-18-0778. Let’s delve into the details of this significant settlement and what it means for affected consumers.
Understanding the Class Action Lawsuit
The Houser, et al. v. City of Billings lawsuit alleges that the city imposed illegal franchise fees on customers for their water, wastewater, and solid waste disposal services. The plaintiffs argue that these fees violated their due process rights, and this legal battle was fought in the Montana 13th Judicial District Court for Yellowstone County.
Resolving the Allegations: The $3.6M Settlement
While the city of Billings has not admitted any wrongdoing, it has agreed to a $3.6 million settlement to address the concerns raised in the class action lawsuit. This settlement aims to provide compensation and relief to the affected consumers who have been subject to the disputed franchise fees.
Compensation for Affected Consumers
Under the terms of the settlement, eligible consumers who paid water, wastewater, and/or solid waste disposal charges to the city of Billings between February 2, 2015, and June 30, 2018, have the opportunity to seek compensation. The settlement offers two options for affected individuals:
- Cash Payment or Rebate: Current customers will have the opportunity to receive a rebate on their monthly invoices, directly reducing their ongoing expenses. Former customers, on the other hand, will be eligible for a proportional cash payment based on the fees they paid during the defined period.
- Allocation of Unclaimed Funds: In the event that not all settlement funds are claimed by eligible consumers, the remaining amount will be distributed between the Access to Justice Organization and Billings’ Public Works Department. The city’s share of the unclaimed funds will be divided evenly among the Billings Water Fund, Wastewater Fund, and Solid Waste Disposal Fund.
Participating in the Settlement
To be part of the settlement and receive the benefits it offers, eligible individuals and entities are required to submit a valid claim form by August 31, 2023. It is crucial to carefully review the requirements and instructions provided on the settlement website, CityOfBillingFranchiseFeesSettlement.com, to ensure compliance with the necessary procedures.
Current customers are not obligated to submit a claim form, but former customers and excluded current customers should take the necessary steps to submit their claims to be considered for compensation.
Upholding the Integrity of the Settlement
It is essential to note that submitting a claim to the settlement website, CityOfBillingFranchiseFeesSettlement.com, is a serious matter. Just as we have seen in the Walmart Gift Card Scam Remission class action settlement, claims must be submitted truthfully, under penalty of perjury. Fraudulent claims not only undermine the integrity of the settlement but also harm the interests of genuine class members seeking justice and compensation.
Final Approval Hearing
The final approval hearing for the Billings utility fees class action settlement is scheduled for November 16, 2023. During this hearing, the court will carefully review the terms of the settlement, evaluate its fairness, and make a final determination regarding its approval. It is at this stage that the settlement will be given its final seal of approval and become legally binding.
Seeking Justice and Fairness
The Billings, Montana, utility fees $3.6 million class action settlement represents an opportunity for affected consumers to seek justice and receive compensation for the alleged illegal franchise fees charged by the city. By participating in the settlement and submitting valid claims, eligible individuals can contribute to upholding the rights of consumers and ensuring fairness in utility fee practices.
Please note that the information provided in this blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. For accurate and up-to-date information about the settlement, it is recommended to consult the official settlement website, CityOfBillingFranchiseFeesSettlement.com, or seek legal counsel if necessary.
Summary
The class action lawsuit against the city of Billings revolves around the allegation that the city charged illegal franchise fees on monthly water, wastewater, and solid waste disposal services. The plaintiffs claim that these fees violated their due process rights. The case, known as Houser, et al. v. City of Billings, was filed in the Montana 13th Judicial District Court for Yellowstone County.
While Billings has not admitted any wrongdoing, the city has agreed to a $3.6 million settlement to resolve the class action lawsuit concerning the utility fees. The settlement aims to provide compensation to affected consumers.
Under the terms of the settlement, eligible consumers can receive a cash payment or rebate based on the fees they paid for water, wastewater, and solid waste disposal services. Current customers will receive a rebate on their monthly invoices, while former customers will receive a proportional cash payment.
It’s worth noting that any portion of the settlement fund that remains unclaimed after payments are distributed will be divided between the Access to Justice Organization and Billings’ Public Works Department. The funds allocated to the city will be distributed evenly, as much as possible, among the Billings Water Fund, Wastewater Fund, and Solid Waste Disposal Fund.
To be eligible for the settlement, individuals and entities must have paid monthly water, wastewater, and/or solid waste disposal charges to the city of Billings between February 2, 2015, and June 30, 2018.
To participate in the settlement and receive benefits, excluded current customers and eligible former customers must submit a valid claim form by August 31, 2023. Current customers are not required to submit a claim. The settlement website, CityOfBillingFranchiseFeesSettlement.com, provides detailed instructions on how to submit a claim and access the necessary forms.
When submitting a claim, it is essential to understand that you are doing so under penalty of perjury. Submitting a fraudulent claim not only undermines the integrity of the settlement but also harms other eligible class members who have genuinely been affected by the alleged illegal franchise fees.
The final approval hearing for the Billings utility fees settlement is scheduled for November 16, 2023. During this hearing, the court will review the terms of the settlement, evaluate its fairness, and make a final decision.
Please note that the information provided in this blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. If you have specific questions or concerns about the Billings utility fees class action settlement, it is advisable to consult with a legal professional or visit the official settlement website, CityOfBillingFranchiseFeesSettlement.com, for accurate and up-to-date information.
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