CHESTER, PA — Michael T. Doweary, the longest-serving Receiver in Pennsylvania’s Act 47 program, has announced his resignation, set to take effect on June 30, 2025. Vijay Kapoor, Doweary’s Chief of Staff, has been appointed as the new Receiver for the City of Chester, pending Commonwealth Court approval. Kapoor will assume the role on July 1, 2025, bringing decades of municipal advisory experience to a city continuing its path toward fiscal recovery.
During his five-year tenure, Doweary confronted one of the most severe financial crises in the state’s history. When he took on the role in 2020, the city faced dire circumstances, including a near-bankrupt Police Pension Fund, $40 million in overdue pension payments, mass furloughs, and disorganized city services. The situation eventually led Chester to file for bankruptcy in November 2022.
Despite these challenges, Doweary’s efforts, supported by Kapoor and the team, led to a series of critical achievements. The Police Pension Fund, once nearing insolvency, now holds $19.5 million, ensuring 35 months of retirement payments. Chester’s 2025 budget includes no service cuts or layoffs for the first time in years. Operational improvements include more effective tax revenue collection, public works enhancements, and modernized policing strategies, such as the implementation of 12-hour shifts and the acquisition of body cameras and updated vehicles.
Reflecting on his tenure, Doweary stated, “We have always sought to put the residents of Chester first and to ensure they have a City that works for them, while making the hard decisions needed to ensure the City survives. This could not have been done without the hard work of my team and the strong and steady support of DCED.”
Mayor Stefan Roots expressed his gratitude for Doweary’s efforts, saying, “Michael has engaged with the Chester community, sorted out operational issues in City Hall, and taken his time to set the City up for long-term, sustainable success. I am also pleased that Mr. Vijay Kapoor has been tapped to take over, ensuring a smooth transition at this critical time in the City’s bankruptcy proceeding.”
Kapoor, a seasoned advisor in municipal governance and public sector bargaining, has been a key figure in Chester’s fiscal recovery from the start. He also brings experience from prior Act 47 recovery efforts in Reading and New Castle. Kapoor emphasized his dedication to Chester’s future, saying, “We have both statutory and moral obligations to ensure that Chester residents receive vital and necessary services, and we will not stop until that happens. We will work relentlessly to build on Receiver Doweary’s legacy.”
As Chester navigates its ongoing bankruptcy and fiscal challenges, the transition promises continuity and renewed determination. Kapoor’s appointment signals a commitment to sustaining the progress made under Doweary’s leadership while focusing on further strengthening municipal operations and quality of life for Chester’s residents.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.