MT. VERNON — City leaders in Mt. Vernon have reportedly stopped all negotiations with Illinois American Water Company regarding the purchase of the city’s water and sewer system.

As recent as Monday afternoon, city council members indicated a vote in favor of the sale was imminent at the next council meeting on March 16, and that an ordinance approving the sale would be on the meeting’s agenda.

However, a press release issued Wednesday afternoon from the office of Mayor Mary Jane Chesley says the city will not proceed with any further negotiations with Illinois American Water, and that “The proposed Ordinance will not appear on the March 16, 2015 agenda or any future agendas during the tern of the current Council.”

Chesley finished the press release by saying the city council will pursue all local avenues to ensure the integrity of the public infrastructure systems.

On Monday Chesley was adamant that residents would not be allowed to speak against the proposal during the council workshop, instead she, along with Councilman David Wood and representatives of Illinois American Water spoke in favor of the sale.

You can read Chesley’s press release here.