Farmers Branch Must Pay $470,000 in Fees
Wednesday, Apr 8, 2009 | Updated 6:00 PM CDT
The Farmers Branch City Council agrees to pay $250,000 to apartment operators and $220,000 to advocacy organizations who sued.
Farmers Branch will pay nearly half a million dollars to those who challenged an attempt to oust illegal immigrants from the city.
The Farmers Branch City Council agreed Tuesday to pay $250,000 to apartment operators and $220,000 to advocacy organizations who sued.
The dispute involves an ordinance requiring landlords to verify all tenants were U.S. citizens or legal immigrants, The Dallas Morning News reported.
A federal judge ordered Farmers Branch to pay legal fees of challengers after the city rule was found to be unconstitutional. The judge also asked all parties to mediate a settlement on costs.
The settlement ends legal matters involving that version of the rental ordinance. Farmers Branch still faces additional lawsuits over a new version of the rental ban.
Mayor Tim O'Hare didn't immediately return a call for comment to The Associated Press.
