City lawyers are downplaying a lawsuit filed over Chicago’s controversial parking meter lease.

848: Group Sues City Over Parking Privatization Deal

In a brief written statement, the city says the lawsuit over its $1.15 billion parking meter privatization is “wholly without merit.”

Nonetheless, the statement says Chicago will “aggressively defend” the lease if the case ever goes to trial.

A public interest group filed the suit Wednesday, claiming—among other things—Chicago lacks the authority to lease public streets.

It also says it’s unconstitutional for public officials to write parking tickets, now that the meters are controlled by a private company.

Representatives for two state agencies also named in the suit declined to comment.

Last winter, the city signed on to privatize its parking meters for 75 years, in exchange for some much-needed cash.

Critics say the deal is a short-term fix for a long-term budget problem.