Top Philly Official Was On Tax Delinquent List

PHILADELPHIA - A call from Fox 29 investigates on Monday prompted a top Philadelphia public official to pay his back taxes, after we learned he was on the official tax delinquent list for the city.

Investigative reporter Jeff Cole says Philadelphia's top fire fighter, Lloyd Ayers, was on the list.

Fox 29 called Ayers, one of the most high-profile officials in Philadelphia.

A run-down North Philadelphia row home is being fixed up, said Ayers.

Neighbors said they've seen the city's fire chief working on the building on North 25th Street. But those neighbors were startled to learn Monday that Ayers owed more than $1,100 in back taxes on the property, including a lien for $676 slapped on the building by the city for unpaid 2010 taxes.

And it's not the only building where the fire commissioner was behind on his tax bill.

Another home on North 35th Street is also owned by Ayers. The unpaid tax bill was $352.55. There was a city lien for $59.50 cents for 2010 taxes.

Fox 29 Investigates called Ayers and the mayor's office to ask why he hadn't paid up.

First, the mayor's office called back mid-afternoon to say Ayers' wife had forgotten to pay the bills. On Monday, she paid them by credit card.

Fire Commissioner Ayers even agreed to talk about it on camera. But just before the interview began, Ayers got a call, walked away, and backed out.

Minutes later he called Cole to say he'd changed his mind. He told us he decided not to talk.

The taxes are now paid. Ayers said the building are for relatives and he's not getting rent.