Judge cancels hearing in lawsuit to stop Flint water bills

FLINT (AP) — A judge who is being urged to stop water bills in Flint has called a timeout in the dispute.

A hearing set for Thursday on an injunction sought by residents was canceled. Instead, Judge John Corbett O’Meara will hold a status conference with attorneys on March 23 in Ann Arbor federal court.

Beatrice Boler and other residents say they shouldn’t be charged for water during the ongoing lead crisis. For 18 months, Flint used corrosive water from the Flint River, which leached lead from old plumbing.

State lawmakers are sending $30 million to Flint, but the money covers only a portion of the water bills.