I and my two neighbors entered into an agreement back in June of last year with the New York City Waterboard to pay arrears on a large waterbill. We have to pay $630 monthly, which amongst ourselves we agreed would be paid in equal installments of $210 each. The terms were such that as long as the payments were made timely over a period of 5 years, no additional penalty charges would be applied. Due to financial difficulties, I was late on a couple of my payments. As a result, the City revoked the agreement and are now charging a monthly penalty of .75%. Since the total bill exceeds $25,000, this amounts to about $190 month at present. My question is am I entirely responsible for this additional charge, or do my neighbors share in the liability. Note that they have not pursued this question with me, nor asked me to pay any additional liability. I am asking it entirely on my own. Since the payments are current at present, there are no additional ramifications such as defaulting to a tax lien, so long as we keep it current. That seems to be their greatest concern. I was unaware that paying a week or two late would result in such revocation. Note also that the additional charge would create significant financial hardship.
Answer:
.
