The recent pause in utility disconnections is over, but those who may still be slightly behind have a little more time to get caught up on payments.
As you may recall, on November 5, the city commission approved an ordinance halting shutoffs and disconnections in response to the Federal government shutdown and its impact on various programs, including SNAP benefits. The shutdown came to an end a week later and as such, the pause, which was in place until programs resumed full services, was supposed to end as well; however, City Finance Officer Janet Harouff says they are giving residents an extra week to either pay off their debts or at least get on a payment plan to get caught up.
Harouff did want to clarify that residents need to be mindful that just because they have set up a payment plan or other form of agreement does not mean their costs will stop accruing.
At the time the pause was approved on November 5, City Manager Trey Cockijng stated there were roughly 30 people whose service was at risk of or had already been disconnected. As of our interview with Harouff on Monday, that number was nearly cut in half, with Harouff saying they were currently aware of 15 residents in that position.
She believes the pause in disconnections may have played a role in this.
Harouff noted that the one-week extension to the pause could be extended once or twice more; however, that will be the final extension granted and the pause will officially come to an end next week. With the winter season now in full swing, KVOE News asked Harouff if the city will be altering disconnections or shutoffs due to cold or extreme weather.
She says they will not have a blanket alteration for the season itself, but will stop disconnections and shutoffs if temperatures drop below 20 degrees, per city ordinances.
For questions or more information on utility payments or shutoff policies, 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.
