HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 10432 INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 20-10432
June 16, 2020
t..G To the Mayor and Members of the City Council Page 1 of 1
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ye,3 SUBJECT: REINSTATEMENT OF WATER BILL DELINQUENCY PROCESSES
AND FEES
On March 13, Fort Worth Water temporarily stopped the process of disconnecting active
residential, commercial and industrial accounts for non-payment. This action was taken to limit
the impact to customers experiencing financial hardship due to the COVID-19 event and
acknowledged the importance of active water service for hygiene and sanitation during the
pandemic. The move was consistent with guidance provided by the Public Utilities Commission
(PUC) to non-municipal water systems, which temporarily suspending rules that allow a utility to
disconnect service for non-payment. The PUC suspension expired May 15, 2020. In addition to
temporarily halting non-pay disconnects, the Utility suspended the application of late fees on its
bills. This measure applied to bills with due dates from April 1 through June 30.
Assessment of the late payment fee will resume in July and will be applied to bills with a due date
on or after July 1 st. The city will return to normal business operations, which include interruption
of service for non-payment after Labor Day. This will give customers an opportunity to address
any outstanding balances prior to the reimplementation.
Customer's experiencing a continuing financial hardship due to the COVID-19 event are
encouraged to call 817-392-4477 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. to make payment arrangements.
Referrals are being made to the Community Action Partners program so that eligible customers
can apply for utility assistance funding under the Emergency Household Assistance Program, as
well as through the City of Fort Worth's donation-based utility bill assistance program.
As the City continues to reopen facilities and return to normal operations, Water Customer
Relations staff will be available in the City Annex to accept all forms of payment and to assist
customers with payment plans in person beginning June 29, 2020.
Should you have any questions, or require additional information, please contact Chris Harder,
Water Director at 817-392-8207.
David Cooke
City Manager
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS