Colorado Judge Criticizes Welding Business for Coin Payment

A welding company in Colorado faced harsh criticism from a judge after attempting to settle a $23,500 bill with coins, according to a report by CBS News Colorado.

Judge’s Ruling

Joseph Findley, a judge in Larimer County, lambasted JMF Enterprises for its payment method, describing it as “malicious and in bad faith.” Findley accused the company of intentionally making the payment process difficult and costly for the recipient, Fired Up Fabrication.

Background

The dispute between JMF Enterprises and Fired Up Fabrication stemmed from a contract where JMF hired the latter to work on an apartment building project. However, Fired Up Fabrication claimed that JMF failed to pay the full amount owed, leading to a civil lawsuit.

Mediation and Payment

During mediation in July, JMF agreed to pay Fired Up Fabrication $23,500 to settle the matter. However, the agreement did not specify the method of payment.

In August, JMF attempted to deliver the payment in coins, comprising quarters, dimes, nickels, and pennies, amounting to over 6,500 pounds or 3 tons. The massive delivery was intended to make it cumbersome for Fired Up Fabrication to accept.

Rejection and Response

Fired Up Fabrication’s legal representative, Danielle Beem, refused to accept the coins, citing logistical difficulties in handling such a large quantity. Beem criticized JMF’s action as petty and a waste of time, describing it as a symbolic insult.

Court Ruling

Following the rejection of the coin payment, JMF sought court intervention to force Fired Up Fabrication to accept it. However, the judge sided with the subcontractor, ordering JMF to pay using a more conventional method, such as a check or money order, and to cover the subcontractor’s legal fees and costs.

Lack of Response

Neither John Frank, the owner of JMF Enterprises, nor the company’s lawyer, Giovanni Camacho, responded to requests for comment from Insider or CBS News Colorado. Similarly, Fired Up Fabrication’s legal representative did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The incident underscores the importance of fair and reasonable business practices, with the judge admonishing JMF Enterprises for its attempt to inconvenience the recipient through an unconventional and burdensome payment method.