Marlene Feist, Public Works Director of Strategic Development, 509.625.6505
Tuesday, April 14, 2020 at 11 a.m.
The City of Spokane has created a utility bill assistance program to help businesses that have been faced with temporary closure or significant reductions in revenue as a result of the “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order put in place to slow the spread of COVID-19 in Washington.
Businesses can seek a deferral of one to three months of City charges for water, sewer, stormwater and garbage with an agreement to pay those charges over six to 12 months without interest. Specific terms will be tailored for each business seeking a deferral. Assistance is available immediately. Businesses can begin the process by filling out a simple online form.
The changes, supported by both Mayor Nadine Woodward and the Spokane City Council, are designed to assist businesses as the community moves toward recovery. They are part of the City’s continuing efforts to ease the strain on City utility customers during widespread closures of schools and small businesses because of COVID-19.
In March, the City suspended late fees and water service shut-offs for non-payment of City utility bills until further notice by both business and residential customers. The City also has supported a new partnership to raise funds to assist households facing financial hardship with their utility bills.
That partnership teams up Project Share, which provides energy bill assistance, and U-Help, which provides assistance with City utility bills. The programs have created a public donation campaign. Each dollar donated by citizens, up to $50,000, is matched by both Avista and the City.
Low-income households facing financial hardship and seeking direct support for their energy or City utility bills through these programs can call SNAP (Spokane Neighborhood Actions Programs) at 456-SNAP.
For more information on City utility bills and payment options, please call 3-1-1.
