Trump campaign responsible for 15% of all overdue debt owed to city of El Paso
EL PASO, Texas (CBS4) — The city of El Paso is owed $3.8 million in unpaid invoices that are at least 90 days past due. The Trump campaign is responsible for nearly 15% of that amount. CBS4 On Your Side spoke with the city's chief financial officer, Robert Cortinas, about who is responsible for getting that money back.
“We have our Office of the Comptroller, which is the ones handling this invoice in particular," said Cortinas. "They will continue to follow our process as outlined in our accounts receivable policy until the debt is paid.”
On Feb. 11, 2019, President Donald Trump held a Make America Great Again rally at the El Paso County Coliseum. One month later, the city of El Paso sent the campaign a bill for $470,417.05, to cover the cost of police and fire department expenses along with other emergency services required for the presidential visit. Four months later, the city tacked on a one-time late fee of $98,787.58. According to the city, the Trump campaign has yet to pay any of the $569.204.63 that's owed.
“This is by far the largest invoice that is more than 90 days old,” said Cortinas.
The city has sent the Trump campaign multiple electronic invoices and mailed at least one paper statement. According to Cortinas, no one from the campaign has replied to the city's communication attempts.
CBS4 On Your Side asked Cortinas if the City Attorney's Office has been asked to help.
“We haven’t reached that point yet," said Cortinas. "Ultimately, that will up to the council to decide whether or not they want to explore other options.”
According to a report from CNN, the Center for Public Integrity said there is no federal law that requires presidential campaigns to reimburse cities where rallies are held.
“I would hope that they would come around and see that it’s the right thing to do," said Cortinas. "There were hundreds of hours of police officers that spent time ensuring the safety of not only the president but the community, as well.”
