By Associated Press - Saturday, August 24, 2019

FARMINGTON, N.M. (AP) - A New Mexico city has asked residents to help fund the remaining balance of fees resulting from a Ten Commandments monument lawsuit.

The Farmington Daily Times reported Thursday that the city of Bloomfield launched an online fundraiser asking for help coming up with $467,000 it owes the American Civil Liberties Union lawyers after courts ruled against them.

Officials say the ACLU represented several residents who said the monument violated their First Amendment rights.

Officials say the city owes lawyers $700,000 by June 30, 2021, and has already paid more than $200,000.

Anything not raised will be paid for using the gross receipts tax and is currently budgeted.

Officials say the resident-funded monument was displayed in front of city hall before being moved to a nearby church.

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Information from: The Daily Times, http://www.daily-times.com

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