The $8 million settlement of a class action lawsuit between wireless phone users and the City of Chula Vista means thousands of local residents are eligible for refunds — but valid claims must be filed by July 31, 2013 for eligible residents to receive their cash payments. The three payment options are $35, $50 per year of cell phone service ($150 maximum), or an estimated full refund.

A final public meeting will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m., Monday July 15, to aid eligible taxpayers in completing their claims for payments. To be held at the Chula Vista Civic Library, Civic Center Branch Auditorium, 365 F Street in Chula Vista, the meeting will explain specifically how citizens can apply for and receive the cash refunds. Counsel and representatives – English and Spanish speaking – will assist in answering questions and filling out claim forms. The refunds are available to Chula Vista wireless phone users who paid the City’s Telephone/Utility Users Taxes (TUT/UUT) on their wireless phone bills from April 2010 through April 2013. A valid claim must be filed by July 31 to get payment – to obtain a full refund, residents must get certain telephone records from their wireless phone carriers, which may take several days.

Under the direction of a San Diego Superior Court, all Chula Vista residents received Claim Form and Notice of Settlement packages via mail in early May. To request this information, residents can call 1-888-270-0735 and it will be mailed again. All residents will receive reminder postcards with settlement information around July 8.