Trump campaign still owes El Paso more than $500,000 for a 2019 rally. City officials may sue to get the money.

El Paso Mayor Dee Margo on Tuesday said city officials should probably consider suing President Trump’s campaign to recoup more than $500,000 in expenses incurred during a rally last year.

The city spent about $470,000 on security and other costs for a Trump rally in South El Paso in February 2019. After that invoice went unpaid, the city tacked on about $99,000 in late fees.

City officials sent the campaign the most recent invoice in February.

“My last instructions to [city staff] were if we need to, file suit,” Margo said during a virtual press conference.

City Council action would be needed to file the lawsuit, Margo was told.

“We probably need to progress that way,” he responded.

The outstanding balance comes as El Paso city leaders are already facing more than $25 million in lost revenue due to the coronavirus pandemic and have considered cutting projects and employee salaries to recoup some of the losses.

Thirteen other cities are also waiting on repayment from the Trump campaign, the Center for Public Integrity reported last week. The total the campaign owes is more than $1.82 million, including about $543,000 to Minneapolis officials, and about $211,000 to the city of Albuquerque, the CPI reported.