US: Ohio cities to receive $11.5 million in salt settlement

Logan County and Bellefontaine were among 850 public entities to receive a portion of Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine’s $11.5 million settlement to resolve an antitrust lawsuit against Cargill Inc. and Morton Salt Inc. over past rock salt prices.

“When I announced this settlement in June, I indicated my intention to return a significant portion of the money to local agencies and governments that buy rock salt,” Mr. DeWine said. “We know these agencies stretch public funds and taxpayer dollars as far as possible, and we hope this money will help them make roads safer for the citizens who depend on them.”

His office’s settlement with Cargill and Morton Salt resolved a 2012 lawsuit accusing the companies of dividing up the Ohio rock salt market and agreeing not to compete with each other for public bids during a period ending in 2010.

Although Morton and Cargill admitted no wrongdoing, the companies agreed to pay $11.5 million to resolve the state’s case, just before a jury trial was set to begin.

Full content: WKBN News

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