Mayor Emanuel announced today that the City of Chicago has developed plans to recover nearly $15 million owed to Chicago’s taxpayers by neighboring suburbs for unpaid water services provided by the City. Under the payment plans, over two-thirds of the nearly $15 million owed will be paid back to the City by the beginning of 2013. 

“Chicago taxpayers can no longer underwrite the services provided to other municipalities," said Mayor Emanuel. "My administration is committed to being responsible stewards of the taxpayers’ money and we have moved quickly to develop strict payment plans that will recover the past due funds."

Two weeks ago, Mayor Emanuel sent a letter to the City of Harvey, the Village of Maywood, the Village of Dolton and the Village of Robbins stating that his Administration would work with them to develop fair and efficient payment plans.  This week, Department of Water Management Commissioner Tom Powers met with leaders in Maywood, Harvey and Dolton and negotiated plans to ensure their debts will be paid within 18 months of their respective City Council and boards’ approvals.

Together, the three municipalities owe Chicago over $9 million in water bills. Commissioner Powers also met with leaders of the Village of Robbins, which owes Chicago $6.3 million, and will continue to work with them to complete a payment plan by the end of this year. 

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