Chicago meter maids work on the honor system and have power to issue tickets at smart-meters even when you’ve paid electronically.View Full Caption

DNAinfo/ Mark Konkol

CHICAGO — Got outstanding city debt?

Mayor Rahm Emanuel wants to help you out.

Emanuel is expected to include in his 2016 budget proposal an amnesty program for those who hold many kinds of city debt, as well “expanded payment plan options” for parking tickets, according to a city press release.

Under the plan, scofflaws whose unpaid tickets have accrued debt or increased in amount will be able to pay just the original fine amount and can , the press release said. The city said those eligible for the amnesty program will include residents or businesses with any number of outstanding vehicle or other municipal fines and those who owe back taxes or other city fees issued before 2012.

“The amnesty plan is part and parcel of the City’s stronger scofflaw enforcement strategy that ensures those who owe debt to the City are paying their fair share,” Emanuel said in a release.

The amnesty plan was announced as Emanuel works to shore up city revenue ahead of the release of his 2016 budget plan. Details of the mayor’s $500 million property tax hike leaked earlier this week, and Emanuel is also considering a garbage collection fee as well as taxes on ride-sharing businesses.

Emanuel wrapped up this week a series of town hall meetings on the 2016 budget that were at times rowdy and contentious. He said his debt-forgiveness plan was suggested by aldermen and residents.

The mayor is also planning to unveil a slew of new payments plans for cash-strapped city residents with unpaid tickets and other violations, the city said Friday. Under the plan, residents can sign up for an installment payment plan before the ticket’s fine doubles, the city said.

Former Ald. Bob Fioretti (2nd) called for a similar car and parking amnesty programduring his campaign for mayor earlier this year. Under his program, any city resident with less than $10,000 in outstanding fines could have their debt wiped if they paid the tickets’ face value, according to reports.