SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (AP) — Springfield will pay $225,000 to settle a lawsuit filed by advocates who wanted to reduce penalties for possession of small amounts of marijuana.

The Springfield News-Leader reports the settlement is not final. It would release both parties from admitting fault in a controversy that began in 2012.

 The advocates gathered enough signatures in 2012 to require a public vote to prohibit jail time for first- or second-time offenders caught with up to 35 grams of marijuana. Offenders would instead be subjected to fines, community service and/or drug education programs.

The city council approved the proposed changes during one meeting, then rescinded the action a few weeks later. That avoided a requirement to call for the public vote.

The city said Thursday it settled to end a costly lawsuit.