Late water, sewer penalties, interest may be waived

BIG STONE GAP — Town Council will be voting Tuesday on a resolution to remove penalties and interest on delinquent water and sewer accounts.

The town has been awarded more than $49,194 in federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) funds. Council plans on using the funds to cover the penalties and interest of customers who have been affected by the coronavirus.

In the first resolution of the calendar year, the town states that it acknowledges the declarations of an emergency related to the public heath crisis resulting from the spread of the coronavirus.

The resolution states that Gov. Ralph Northam’s orders restricting business and activity “have caused cash flow and economic issues” to the water and sewer customers within the town.

As a recipient of CARES Act funding, the town desires to “abide by the recommendation of the Department of Housing and Community Development charged with administering the program, that late payment penalties and/or interest be forgiven for those customers who enroll in participation in the utility customer relief program.”

During the Jan. 5 council workshop, Town Manager Steve Lawson stated that reasons for late or non-payments “have to be COVID related to be reimbursed for utilities.”

If the resolution passes, the town will forgive all penalties assessed on currently delinquent utility customer accounts between March 1 and Dec. 30, 2020.

Council will vote on Tuesday, Jan 12 at 6:30 p.m. during the regular council meeting.