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Judge could rule on contempt case against city of Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A Superior Court judge could rule on a contempt case against the city of Charlotte Tuesday.

The case dates back to when city council was debating whether to help pay for renovations at the Panthers Bank of America Stadium.

Four former journalists filed the claim, saying the city violated the state's open meeting law. They want the city to pay $1.4 million for holding four closed door sessions.

They say any discussion about tax hikes should be public.

City council members have said the meeting was about a business partnership with the city -- and did not have to be public.

Tuesday the plaintiffs will ask a judge to keep the issue from going to trial, and instead make a decision based on the facts the attorneys already presented.

During last fall's mayoral race, Edwin Peacock accused Patrick Cannon of lying about whether he attended the meetings.

Former Mayor Cannon -- who now faces federal corruption and bribery charges -- admitted he was there but he said he never took part because he could benefit financially through his parking company.

Channel 9 will follow any developments out of superior court regarding the closed door meetings and will have the latest on Eyewitness News starting at 5 p.m.