The City of Winchester is currently offering two assistance programs for customers with past-due utility bills: 1) Direct financial assistance program using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, and 2) repayment plans. Letters explaining these options will be mailed to customers this week. There are currently 601 customers that have unpaid utility bill amounts totaling $296,664.26.
“We understand that some customers are still struggling with financial impacts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and we want to help,” stated Perry Eisenach, Public Services Director. “These two programs, if utilized by customers, could either pay past-due balances or provide a manageable plan to help them get caught up over time.”
Option #1: ARPA Financial Assistance Program
For customers that have been impacted by COVID-19 and meet certain eligibility requirements only, these funds could pay for all or some of their unpaid utility bills.
Option #2: Repayment Plans
For all customers with past-due utility bills, this option provides three flexible repayment plans: 1) 24 months (12 payments), 2) 12 months (six payments) or 3) six months (three payments). The payment plan charges will appear on the regular bill as a separate charge and must be paid, along with the current bill charge, each billing cycle to avoid water service cut off.
How to Apply (CLOSED)
Submit the online application (preferred) or download the PDF form.
For questions about the application process or account balances, please contact Utilities Billing Customer Service at Rouss City Hall (main floor, across from the elevator), 15 N. Cameron Street, 540-667-1815, option 5, or email.
Shut Offs to Resume
Beginning October 1, 2021, the City will resume shutting off water service for past-due accounts that have not established a repayment plan or are not adhering to the terms of their repayment plan.