Debt owed to City Hall has risen $1 billion during Brandon Johnson's term, money his budget could use

Chicago's massive debt burden has ballooned under Mayor Brandon Johnson's term, with an estimated $1 billion in unpaid fines and fees since he took office.

A recent analysis by the Chicago Sun-Times reveals that City Hall is missing out on billions of dollars in debt payments, including water and sewer bills, ambulance fees, and red-light camera tickets. The total amount owed exceeds $8.2 billion, with a 12% increase in unpaid utility bills since late 2023.

The city's unpaid ledger includes $810.5 million in water and sewer bills, $1.5 billion in unpaid ambulance fees, and $3.1 billion in delinquent administrative hearing debt. Unpaid traffic and parking tickets total over $2.3 billion, while outstanding ambulance fees for this year alone amount to $148 million.

The city's inability to collect on these debts has raised concerns about the effectiveness of its finance department and its ability to balance future budgets. Experts warn that the high debt figures could be a sign of broader economic troubles, with many of those owing money struggling to make payments due to financial hardship.

In an effort to address this issue, Mayor Johnson's office is exploring ways to monetize outstanding debt, including selling $3 billion in unpaid debts to investors. This plan aims to convert the debt into an asset and generate much-needed revenue for the city.

However, critics argue that this approach may not be equitable, as it disproportionately affects lower-income households who are often unable to afford payments. The city's efforts to collect on these debts have been criticized for being too aggressive, with some arguing that they unfairly target certain individuals or businesses.

As the city navigates its financial challenges, officials must balance the need to collect on outstanding debts with concerns about equity and fairness. With a $1.6 billion annual budget deficit looming, finding solutions to this complex issue will be crucial in ensuring the long-term sustainability of City Hall's finances.

that's crazy... I mean, $8.2 billion! it's like they're drowning in debt and can't even see it coming. how do you even calculate something like this? is it just a matter of adding up all the unpaid fines and fees or is there more to it? i feel bad for those people struggling to make payments due to financial hardship, though. we should be supporting each other here, not nickel-and-diming everyone who can't afford it.

I don't think it's fair to bash Mayor Johnson for trying to find creative ways to bring in some extra cash. Like, have you seen his budget deficit? $1.6 billion is a huge number! He's gotta do something, right?

And I get that selling off debt might not be the most popular idea, but it's worth considering. It's not like he's just getting rid of people's money for no reason... although, I guess some people might think that way .

But, on the other hand, I can see why critics would say this plan is unfair to lower-income households. Like, if you're already struggling financially, do you really want to be hit with more debt collectors breathing down your neck?

I don't have all the answers, but I think we need to keep an open mind and explore different options. Maybe there's a middle ground where everyone comes out a winner?

The Chicago debt debacle is a perfect example of how fiscal irresponsibility can snowball into an insurmountable crisis . It's staggering to think that the city's unpaid ledger has ballooned to over $8.2 billion, with some individuals owing as much as $148 million in ambulance fees alone . The fact that Mayor Johnson's office is exploring ways to monetize outstanding debt may be seen as a necessary evil, but it raises questions about equity and fairness .

The city's aggressive debt collection tactics, which disproportionately affect lower-income households, are a red flag . It's essential for officials to find a balance between collecting on outstanding debts and ensuring that these measures don't exacerbate financial hardship for vulnerable populations . With a $1.6 billion annual budget deficit looming, the city must prioritize finding solutions that promote long-term sustainability and social responsibility .

I'm not surprised to see Chicago struggling with its debt burden. It's like they're playing catch-up on their financial responsibilities . $8.2 billion is a crazy number, and it's heartbreaking to think that low-income households are being hit the hardest . Selling off debt might seem like an easy fix, but it raises so many questions - who gets to decide which debts to sell? How will that affect the people already struggling to make ends meet? The city needs to prioritize fairness and equity when it comes to collecting on these debts . They can't just sweep it under the rug or expect everyone else to foot the bill . It's time for some real solutions, not just Band-Aid fixes .

Omg, 8+ billion in debt is crazy ! I mean, you'd think that a major city like Chicago would be able to manage its finances better. But at the same time, I get why they want to sell off some of this debt - it's like, billions of dollars sitting around just collecting dust . And the thing is, experts are saying that high debt figures can be a sign of broader economic troubles... which makes sense, right? I'm not sure if monetizing debt is the answer, though. It feels kinda unfair to lower-income households who might already be struggling to make ends meet . Do you think they should be more aggressive in collecting on debts or find other ways to raise revenue?

this is crazy... like 8.2 billion in debt? that's insane! they gotta figure out how to collect on these debts without hurting the people who can't afford 'em. selling off debt isn't gonna help anyone, just gonna make it worse for low-income folks

Man, Chicago is having some serious financial issues . It's crazy to think that they're missing out on billions of dollars in debt payments. I mean, it's not just a matter of being behind on bills, it's like they're running away from their problems.

I'm not sure if selling off the debt to investors is the best idea, though . I get where they need the cash, but it feels like it could disproportionately hurt lower-income households who are already struggling financially. And then there's the issue of collectors being too aggressive... that just sounds like harassment.

The thing is, if they can figure out a way to collect on these debts without unfairly targeting certain people or businesses, I think they might be onto something . But for now, it feels like they're just putting a Band-Aid on a much bigger problem .

ugh, chicago's debt problem is getting out of hand they gotta do something diff instead of just selling off debts to investors - it's like, we get it, they need money but at what cost? lower-income households are already struggling, last thing they need is more financial stress and yeah, their finance department is a hot mess can't believe the city's missing out on billions in debt payments... it's like, basic math 101

I'm low-key shocked by how much Chicago is drowning in debt . It's like, I get it, mayor Johnson's been trying to fix some stuff, but $8.2 billion is a lot to swallow . And selling off unpaid debts to investors? That feels kinda shady, you know? Like, what about the people who can't afford to pay? It's all well and good to try to balance future budgets, but we gotta think about the human impact too.

I'm not sure if monetizing debt is the answer here, but it's definitely a conversation starter . The city needs to figure out how to make these debts more manageable for everyone, not just the wealthy ones who can afford to shell out . And what's with all the unpaid ambulance fees? That's some crazy stuff . We need to get to the bottom of this financial mess and find a way to make it work for everyone, you feel me?