Z-ville Part of Rock Salt Settlement

Hundreds of local governments including the City of Zanesville are seeking a share of Ohio’s $11.5 million settlement with two rock salt producers that were accused of conspiring to drive up prices. The state alleged that Morton Salt Incorporated and Cargill Incorporated agreed not to compete with each other to inflate prices. It said that led to state and local governments paying above-market prices for rock salt to de-ice roads, highways and bridges. The settlement announced in June ends that lawsuit. Public entities in Ohio that bought salt from Morton and Cargill between July 2008 and July 2011 could be eligible for payout. Zanesville Mayor Jeff Tilton says the city has not been told how much money they will receive. The Attorney General’s Office says more than 550 claims have been filed by cities, townships, universities and others.