As Illinois’ fiscal nightmare continues, city governments across the state continue to wait on funds they were promised.
In Galesburg, one state run facility that has not paid its bill is the Henry Hill Correction Center.
As of April 20, Henry Hill owes the city more than $562,000 in water supply reimbursements–money which has largely been tied up as the state nears a year without a budget in place.
Today, the central Illinois community of Mount Sterling announced they will consider shutting off the water supply to their respective prison, the Western Illinois Correction Center.
An Associated Press report shows Mount Sterling is owed nearly $370,000 in back payments. Galesburg awaits one of the highest paychecks in the state, but City Manager Todd Thompson tells WGIL cutting Henry Hill off isn’t likely.
“There is a penalty that’s added on to late payments,” Thompson says. “It’s a 10 percent penalty if you’re late. Typically the account would be shut off, but that’s something that we’re going to evaluate. Typically if we have the money invested so we’ll get some interest on it, so, it’s only fair that if they are not going top pay their bill we should charge them interest.”
Thompson says he’s spoken with various aldermen who don’t want to create a safety concern for the inmates or employees. He adds that a lawsuit against the state isn’t expected anytime soon either, though if payments aren’t made, the city’s legal staff would investigate taking further action.
