Claims:

• The plaintiffs sought recovery of funds advanced for construction work that was not completed. They claimed the defendants breached a settlement agreement made under the Farm Debt Mediation Act (FDMA) and sought damages for unjust enrichment and breach of the settlement.

Defendants’ Arguments:

• Summary judgment was opposed on several grounds, including the statute of limitations on the unjust enrichment claim and the absence of a direct contractual relationship between the plaintiffs and one of the corporate defendants.

Court’s Findings:

• Summary Judgment: Granted in favor of the plaintiffs based on the enforceability of the settlement agreement. The unjust enrichment claim was not adjudicated due to potential statute of limitations issues.
• Unjust Enrichment: The court recognized a prima facie case but identified a potential limitations issue requiring a trial.
• Settlement Agreement: The court enforced the FDMA-mediated settlement, finding that the personal defendants were bound to pay the debt.

Disposition:

• The defendants William and Shirley Phair were ordered to pay $145,885 plus pre- and post-judgment interest at 4% per annum.
• No judgment was made against the corporate defendants under the settlement agreement.

This decision emphasizes the enforceability of mediated settlement agreements and the limitations on unjust enrichment claims when subject to statutory deadlines.