Guthrie utility sues to stop resident vote on rate increases

GUTHRIE, Okla. (AP) – The Guthrie Public Works Authority has filed a lawsuit in an effort to stop residents from being allowed to vote on whether to approve or reject future water and sewer rate increases.

The Oklahoman (http://bit.ly/20Bm8z2 ) reports the lawsuit was filed against Karen Schandorf and Patty Hazlewood. They are the organizers of an initiative petition drive seeking a public vote on changing the city charter so that voter approval would be required before future Guthrie water and sewer rate increases.

In April, the Oklahoma Court of Civil Appeals overturned a judge’s decision to reject their petition, and the case was sent back to Logan County District Court.

Chris Harper, attorney for Schandorf and Hazlewood, says the lawsuit is a delay tactic.