The City of Windsor and Town of Tecumseh are both pleading with the public to opt out of a lawsuit that could end up costing taxpayers more than $70-million.
The lawsuit involves any organization that paid a license fee to conduct a fundraising bingo event dating back to 1993.
It's alleged both municipalities have been charging too much for licensing fees to organizations that run charity bingos. At most, they say the individual fees were $165.
Windsor and Tecumseh have launched an aggressive campaign strongly advising groups to opt out of this lawsuit.
“We believe that opting out will help ensure we can support our roads and infrastructure, our community services, and our parks and recreation facilities," says Windsor mayor Drew Dilkens.
"Considering how much revenue these organizations made from these bingo events, opting out of the lawsuit is a clear sign that they too support our municipalities.”
Community groups, some of which may not even realize they're involved in the lawsuit, have until May 15 to opt out online.
Officials say the more than $70-million in jeopardy could build six or seven new community centres.
“Insurance won’t cover this expense. The same residents and businesses in Windsor and Tecumseh who support these organizations may end up paying for this lawsuit," says Tecumseh mayor Gary McNamara.