Judge hears arguments on power plant meetings

BILLINGS (AP) — A judge heard arguments in a newspaper's lawsuit that seeks to prevent the Southern Montana Electric Cooperative from closing its meetings.

Attorney Martha Sheehy argued for The Billings Gazette, saying Montana's open meetings law provides that meetings of public or governmental bodies "or organizations or agencies supposed in whole or in part by public funds or expending public funds must be open to the public."

SME's attorney, John Ross, argued Wednesday that SME is not a public entity and the $2 million the city of Great Falls put in to a proposed power plant was an investment with the expectation of receiving benefits and does not constitute public money.

District Judge Susan Watters said she would rule later.

BILLINGS (AP) — A judge heard arguments in a newspaper's lawsuit that seeks to prevent the Southern Montana Electric Cooperative from closing its meetings.

Attorney Martha Sheehy argued for The Billings Gazette, saying Montana's open meetings law provides that meetings of public or governmental bodies "or organizations or agencies supposed in whole or in part by public funds or expending public funds must be open to the public."

SME's attorney, John Ross, argued Wednesday that SME is not a public entity and the $2 million the city of Great Falls put in to a proposed power plant was an investment with the expectation of receiving benefits and does not constitute public money.

District Judge Susan Watters said she would rule later.