Chicago Water department allowing owners to pay late

[Mike Nelson]

Along with this month's water bill, I received a letter from the Water department. The bill is due May 26, but the letter states no penalties will be assessed on unpaid utility bills until after May 31, and no payment plan will be defaulted until May 31 - so this basically gives owners 5 extra days.  When I picked up the letter and started reading I thought they might be offering some big concession.  My guess this is their response to owners who think they can avoid paying for water or pay it maybe month's from now.   Good psychology.   They gave up a little bit, but created a strong line in the sand.  In my mind, an appropriate response, perhaps a good model for landlords to follow.  Public utilities need to paid on time (or maybe five days late).