University Park mayor urges residents to file Aqua water settlement claims before July 6 deadline

Mayor Joseph E. Boothe III urged University Park residents on a recorded message to file claims in the Aqua water settlement before the July 6, 2026 deadline, saying "Submit a claim by July 6, 2026. This is the only way to get a payment." He repeated that the deadline is firm and that filing is necessary to receive compensation.

Boothe listed residents' options: submit a claim by July 6, exclude yourself by July 6 and receive no payment, or object in writing by July 6 if you believe the settlement is "unfair, inadequate, or unreasonable." He also noted residents may ask the court for permission to speak at the fairness hearing scheduled for Aug. 24, 2026. "You may ask the court for a permission to speak about the fairness of the settlement at the fairness hearing," he said.

The mayor provided a claims hotline he said listeners could call for help and information: 1-877-268-2976. He attempted to recite a website address during the message, but the recording's spacing and an audible interruption make the exact web address unclear in the transcript; the recording transcribes the site as "www.university park water settlement.com." Residents who need clarification were directed to call the hotline or Village Hall for assistance.

Boothe said the village is arranging local help for claim filing. He asked "Mr. Zimmerman and Odelson" to operate a satellite office at 90 Town Center for people who need filing assistance and encouraged anyone who received a packet in the mail to contact Village Hall for help.

On eligibility, Boothe told listeners that people who lived in the lead advisory area or the do-not-consume area during the water crisis are eligible, and he added that some residents were in both areas. He also told business owners in University Park they are eligible to file claims. "If you were a resident and have moved to another place of residency during this time, you are still eligible to get compensated for it," he said. He further said surviving spouses may be entitled to a deceased spouse's share.

Boothe emphasized outreach: he said he will visit churches, public places and knock on doors to ensure people know how to file. He linked the need for compensation to rising household costs, saying that "with gas prices escalating everybody needs every additional penny that they can have." He closed by urging listeners to pass the information along and to take advantage of the compensation opportunities before the deadlines.

The mayor's statement contained multiple brief variations in how he referred to himself in the recording; this article uses the name he gave at the start of the message, Joseph E. Boothe III, Mayor of University Park. For help with claims, residents should call the hotline 1-877-268-2976 or contact Village Hall; the mayor said a local satellite office at 90 Town Center was being requested to offer in-person assistance.