FORT WAYNE — Fort Wayne has paid nearly $300,000 to lawyers since last year in a legal battle with Indiana Michigan Power.

The Journal Gazette reports that the city released its legal expenses in the dispute over the value of the former City Light electric utility on Friday, nearly two months after the newspaper requested them.

The expenses show the city has employed three firms to help it manage negotiations with the utility.

At stake is how much Indiana Michigan Power could compensate the city for its former utility. City officials previously said the difference between the sides was between $50 million and $100 million.

Indiana Michigan Power spokeswoman Susanne Moorman Rowe says the hope is to reach a resolution through mediation.