The City of Emporia is announcing a temporary pause in utility shutoffs to help reduce financial burdens placed on individuals already impacted by the ongoing Federal Government shutdown.
Effective Wednesday, until the resumption of SNAP benefits, the city will be halting all water utility shutoffs and disconnect fees. According to City Manager Trey Cocking, the city sees that many individuals are already struggling and having to make difficult decisions based on finances.
This action is meant to help remove one more difficult decision for the foreseeable future.
Cocking says roughly 30 individuals had their service disconnected earlier this week and those services are set to be restored with the pause now in effect. Cocking did note that the pause in shutoffs does not mean a pause in bills, as those will continue to accrue.
With that in mind, Cocking says that while this pause will hopefully help bring some relief to those in the greatest need, they still need to take steps to address their payments, behind or otherwise, promptly.
For questions on how to set up a payment plan or for more information on the halt in disconnections, please contact the City Utility Payment Department by calling 620-343-4244, by visiting the office 104 E. 5th Avenue or by going to the city’s website, EmporiaKS.gov.
