Hamlet City Council to consider utility relief for federal employees affected by shutdown

HAMLET — Federal employees living in the Seaboard City could get temporary relief on their utility bills.

Next week, the Hamlet City Council will consider a resolution to suspend the requirement of payment on water, sewer and sanitation bills for “eligible customers” for the duration of the federal government shutdown — and 14 days after the official conclusion.

Those eligible customers, according to the resolution, include: active duty military personnel; U.S. Armed Forces reservists; National Guard members (on federally funded duty); military dependents; federal civilian employees; and federal contractors.

In addition to a halt in payments, the resolution also:

• Suspends disconnections for non-payment for eligible customers; 
• Continues sanitation and related services without interruption; and 
• Waives all late fees, penalties and interest associated with the affected billing cycles.

Those receiving temporary relief will have 60 days to bring their accounts current after the shutdown. Households demonstrating continued hardship may be eligible for a repayment plan for up to six months.

“Failure to comply with repayment terms after the relief period will subject the account to  normal collection and disconnection procedures,” the resolution reads.

The City Council will vote on the resolution during a special meeting on Monday, Oct. 27.