Michael Doweary is trying to figure out what cash flow is needed to successfully run the city of Chester.

Doweary is the state-appointed receiver for Chester charting a path that would pull the city out of Chapter 9 bankruptcy, writes Kenny Cooper for WHYY.

He needs a “baseline expenditure,” the amount needed to provide adequate services for its residents.

His office is analyzing major expenditures, including services from city employees, services from third parties, and capital expenses, like road repairs. 

A proper cash flow figure should be available by mid-fall of 2023.

Providing adequate vital and necessary services will likely mean going beyond just balancing the budget, and it must be sustainable for more than one year.

“It’s going to require additional personnel, increased compensation to recruit and retain certain employees and investment in city infrastructure, all of which has been really hurt over the last 25 years,” said Doweary’s Chief of Staff, Vijay Kapoor.

Kapoor also cautioned that the city can’t just blindly accept any new revenue, especially if it negatively affects public health.

Chester receives $5 million a year from the Covanta incinerator but several have questioned the health impact on residents from its operation.

Read more about efforts to work out Chester’s cash flow at WHYY.