ST. LOUIS (AP) — St. Louis is defending the validity of an ordinance requiring a public vote before city tax dollars are used on a new football stadium.

The defense is part of a counterclaim filed against the public board that owns and operates the Edward Jones Dome where the Rams play.

The board argues that the ordinance requiring a public funding vote is “overly broad, vague and ambiguous.” The board wants the court to rule that law doesn’t apply, conflicts with Missouri statutes or is unconstitutional.

Mayor Francis Slay is publicly supportive of the new stadium. City Counselor Winston Calvert said the suit gives the city a chance to get answers sooner rather than later.

The next hearing in the case is set for June 25th.