Checks Issued after Rock Salt Settlement

After an 11.5 million dollar settlement to resolve an anti-trust lawsuit, Attorney General Mike DeWine is sending checks to 850 Ohio public entities.

Muskingum County will receive just over $50,000 of that settlement. Over $14, 000 of that coming to the city of Zanesville. Public Service Director Jay Bennett explained how the lawsuit with Cargill Inc. and Morton Salt Inc. began.

“My understanding is that during 2008 through 2011 seasons, that the state was alleging or asserting that those two companies, two major suppliers of rock salt for de-icing of streets and roads, that they had conspired if you will to fix, not compete against therefore the prices were inflated during that time period,” said Bennett.

When the state claimed that the companies were working together to keep rock salt prices high and avoid competition they stepped in with the lawsuit. Bennett said it shows the integrity that Ohio wants to keep when it comes to its bidding.

“We’re appreciative that the state found this out and fought on our behalf, the residents behalf, to be able to preserve the integrity of the state bid,” said Bennett.

Coshocton County will receive just under $30,000. Guernsey County will get almost $10, 000 while Licking County will receive just under $64, 000 in the settlement.