PAOLA — Attorneys for Louisburg and Rural water district No. 2 have wrapped up their case. Louisburg city administrator Jeff Cantrell told the Miami County Republic that attorneys for both sides will submit written closing statements in May. District Judge Richard Smith is expected to issue a ruling in late June or early July. The long-running legal battle began in 2005, when the water district filed a lawsuit seeking payment from the city after Louisburg annexed land served by the water district. The district says it built new water lines in expectation of development in the area. The city says there was no agreement that the district would supply the annexed area. A three-member panel of appraisers ruled that Louisburg should pay the water district more than $133,200. The district appealed, saying the city should pay from $8 million to $12.8 million for lost future revenue. Smith ruled against the water district but the Kansas Supreme Court ordered a new trial.
Thursday, March 24, 8 a.m.
