City weighs spending more for lawsuit against Fond du Lac Band

Friday, October 22, 2010  

The city council in Fond du Lac, Minnesota, will again consider a request to spend more money on a lawsuit against the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians.

The city has spent nearly a half million dollars on a lawsuit to force the tribe to share revenues from the Fond-du-Luth Casino. Much of the money has gone to an outside firm -- Maki & Overum -- which negotiated the gaming agreement with the tribe 25 years ago.

The firm wants another $150,000 to continue litigating. Some council members have questioned the request but others say they will support it when it comes up again on Monday.

A federal judge has already ordered the tribe to pay the money. But the tribe contends the agreement violates the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.

The case is City of Duluth v. Fond du Lac Band.

Get the Story:
Council Pres. Says Duluth Likely Paying More for Casino Litigation (Northland's Newscenter 10/21)

Related Stories:
Fond du Lac Band weighing its options in gaming revenue case (10/13)
Legal bills mounting for city in Fond du Lac Band gaming case (10/12)
Fond du Lac Band loses suit over slot machine revenues (4/22)
Fond du Lac Band wants $75.5M in casino funds (10/27)
Fond du Lac Band cuts city's casino payout (8/18)