The city of Harvey has been ordered to pay Chicago $26 million in unpaid water bills, according to a report in the Chicago Tribune Thursday, Nov. 20.
The ruling does not end the legal battle over Harvey’s unpaid water bills, however. The Tribune reports the court will rule in January whether to grant Chicago’s request for the court to take over Harvey’s water revenues.
Homewood officials have been following the case closely because the village buys its water from Harvey. Homewood then sells some of its water to Flossmoor.
Village Attorney Chris Cummings reported at a recent board of trustees meeting that the village is willing to make payments directly to Chicago if the court finds in Chicago’s favor.
In October, Homewood trustees authorized a contract with an engineering firm to provide an in-depth inspection of the Harvey’s system for delivering water to Homewood. The right to periodically inspect the system is provided in the contract between the two municipalities.
Village President Richard Hofeld said the inspection is intended to ensure that Harvey’s financial woes are not having a detrimental effect on the integrity of its water system.
